The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide funding for Australians with disabilities to access essential services and supports. Plan management is one of the options available to NDIS participants to handle their funding, and one key responsibility of a plan manager is to pay invoices on behalf of participants.
If you’re a provider, participant, or carer, you might be wondering: How quickly do NDIS plan managers pay invoices? In this article, we’ll break down the typical payment processing times, factors that influence payment speed, and tips for ensuring faster payments.
How Long Does It Take for an NDIS Plan Manager to Pay an Invoice?
On average, NDIS plan managers process and pay invoices within 2 to 5 business days. However, some plan managers offer same-day or next-day payments, while others may take longer depending on their internal processes.
The NDIS guidelines do not set a strict timeframe for plan-managed payments, but most reputable plan managers prioritize fast and efficient invoice processing to maintain good relationships with providers and participants.
Factors That Affect NDIS Invoice Payment Times
While 2 to 5 business days is the standard, several factors can speed up or delay the payment process:
1. The Plan Manager’s Processing Time
Each plan manager has different internal workflows and policies regarding invoice processing. Some plan managers process invoices daily, while others operate on a weekly or bi-weekly cycle.
- Fastest plan managers: 24–48 hours
- Standard plan managers: 2–5 business days
- Slower plan managers: Over 7 days
If timely payments are important to you, choosing a fast-paying plan manager is crucial.
2. Invoice Accuracy and Completeness
Plan managers can only process invoices if they contain all the required details. Incomplete or incorrect invoices can result in delays.
To avoid delays, invoices should include:
- Participant’s full name and NDIS number
- Service details (including service type and description)
- Service date(s) and hours worked
- Provider’s ABN and contact details
- Total cost (including GST if applicable)
3. NDIS Funding Availability and Budget Allocation
If a participant’s NDIS budget is running low or not allocated correctly, the plan manager may need to:
- Seek additional approvals from the participant
- Request budget realignment within the NDIS plan
This can add extra processing time before the invoice is approved.
4. Public Holidays and Weekends
Payments are usually processed only on business days (Monday to Friday). If an invoice is submitted late on a Friday or just before a public holiday, it may take longer to be processed.
5. Plan Manager’s Payment System and Bank Processing Times
Some plan managers use automated payment systems that process invoices faster, while others rely on manual verification, which can take longer.
Additionally, the bank’s processing times can add 1–2 extra days before the funds reach the provider’s account.
Related: What is the NDIS Worker Screening Check?
How to Ensure Faster NDIS Invoice Payments
If you’re a provider or participant looking to ensure faster payments, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Submit Invoices Promptly
- The sooner an invoice is submitted, the sooner it will be processed.
- Avoid accumulating multiple invoices and submitting them in bulk—this can overload the plan manager and slow down payments.
2. Double-Check Invoice Details
- Ensure that participant and provider details are correct.
- Follow the NDIS pricing arrangements to avoid billing errors.
3. Choose a Fast-Paying Plan Manager
- Some plan managers advertise same-day or next-day payments.
- Research and ask about average invoice payment times before selecting a plan manager.
4. Follow Up on Delayed Payments
- If an invoice hasn’t been paid within 5 business days, contact the plan manager for an update.
- Keep a record of all submitted invoices for reference.
Comparison of NDIS Invoice Payment Methods
| NDIS Plan Management Option | Invoice Processing Time | Payment Control | Provider Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Managed (Participant pays providers directly) | Immediate (depends on participant) | Full control over payments | Can use any provider |
| Plan-Managed (Plan manager processes invoices) | 2–5 business days (varies by provider) | Limited control (depends on plan manager) | Can use both registered & non-registered providers |
| NDIA-Managed (Invoices processed by NDIA) | Up to 10 business days | No direct control | Can only use NDIS-registered providers |
For fast payments, self-management is the quickest option, but it requires financial management skills. Plan-managed participants can achieve fast payments by choosing a reliable plan manager.
What to Do If an NDIS Invoice Payment Is Delayed
If an invoice is not paid within the expected timeframe, here’s what you can do:
1. Contact the Plan Manager
- Request an update on the invoice status.
- Verify if any additional information is needed.
2. Check the Participant’s Funding Availability
- Confirm that the budget category has sufficient funds allocated.
- If there’s a shortfall, the participant may need to request a budget reallocation.
3. Escalate the Issue If Necessary
- If the plan manager continuously delays payments, the participant can request a change of plan manager.
- Report ongoing issues to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How soon do NDIS plan managers pay invoices?
Most plan managers pay invoices within 2 to 5 business days, though some offer 24–48 hour turnaround times.
2. Can I request faster invoice processing from my plan manager?
Yes! If timely payments are critical, discuss this with your plan manager before signing up. Some offer priority processing for urgent payments.
3. What happens if an invoice has incorrect details?
If an invoice contains errors, the plan manager will reject it and request corrections. This can delay payments by several days.
4. Can a participant change plan managers if invoices are consistently delayed?
Yes. If a plan manager is regularly slow in processing payments, participants can switch to a faster provider during their NDIS plan review.
5. Do public holidays affect NDIS invoice payments?
Yes. Payments are processed only on business days, so invoices submitted before a public holiday or weekend may be delayed.
Conclusion
NDIS plan managers typically process and pay invoices within 2 to 5 business days, though this can vary depending on the provider, invoice accuracy, and participant funding availability.
To ensure faster payments, providers and participants should:
- Submit invoices promptly and correctly
- Choose a plan manager with fast processing times
- Follow up on delayed payments when necessary
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable plan manager, research different options and ask about their average invoice processing times before making a decision.
