What is NDIS plan management?
Plan management is a support that helps you manage the financial and administrative side of your NDIS plan. A registered plan manager:
- Receives and pays invoices from your providers
- Tracks your budget and sends you regular statements
- Ensures payments are within NDIS price limits
- Keeps records for NDIS auditing purposes
Think of them as a bookkeeper for your NDIS funding.
Why is it free?
Plan management is funded separately by the NDIA — it comes out of a dedicated line item in your plan, not your core or capacity building budgets. It does not reduce the funding available for your other supports.
The current rate for plan management is approximately $104/month (ongoing) plus a one-off setup fee of approximately $233. Both are paid directly to your plan manager by the NDIA.
The three management types compared
| Agency-managed | Plan-managed | Self-managed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays providers | NDIA directly | Plan manager | You (then claim back) |
| Registered providers only | Yes | No | No |
| Admin effort for you | Very low | Low | High |
| Budget visibility | Limited | Good | Full |
| Flexibility | Least | Middle | Most |
| Best for | People who want simplicity | Most participants | People who want full control |
Benefits of plan management
- Use unregistered providers — many good providers aren't NDIS-registered; plan management opens access to them
- Less admin than self-managing — your plan manager handles the paperwork
- Budget oversight — a good plan manager will alert you when you're running low
- Price limit protection — plan managers check invoices against NDIS limits before paying
- Support and advice — many plan managers will help you understand your plan and make the most of your funding
How to choose a plan manager
Look for:
- Responsiveness — do they answer calls and emails promptly?
- Transparency — do they provide clear, regular budget statements?
- Technology — do they have a portal or app where you can track spending?
- Experience — how long have they been operating? Do they specialise in your disability type?
- Proactive communication — will they alert you before your funding runs out?
Ask them: How quickly do you pay invoices? How often will I receive budget statements? What happens if I have a billing dispute with a provider?
How to change plan managers
You can change plan managers at any time — you don't have to wait for your plan review.
- Find a new plan manager and confirm they're ready to take you on
- Give written notice to your current plan manager (check your service agreement for the notice period — typically 2–4 weeks)
- Your new plan manager will set up with the NDIA on your behalf
- Ensure there are no outstanding invoices before transferring
Tip: Don't cancel your current plan manager until your new one is fully set up, to avoid a gap in invoice payments.
Can I switch from agency-managed to plan-managed?
Yes — but you'll need to request a plan variation with the NDIA. Contact your LAC or support coordinator to start this process. It typically takes a few weeks.