NDIS plan management options: agency, plan and self-managed
Managing NDIS funds: agency, plan, and self management
By Tristram · Originally published 6 September 2021
How participants can choose the administration they want to handle
Compare who checks invoices, claims payment, pays the provider and keeps records. Ask how you will see balances and query an error. Consider the time and help you need, rather than assuming the option with the most administration is the most independent.
If you compare plan management services, ask about communication, claim checks and handling disputed invoices. Your actual plan can include different management arrangements for different funding components.
Original article and dated context
Tristram is a sports-obsessed powerchair-user who has worked and volunteered in the disability field for most of his adult life, both as a public speaker and wheelchair sports administrator. He even dabbles in the occasional podcast.
Each time you receive an NDIS Plan, you get funds to spend on supports, such as support work, support coordination, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, cleaning, and more. But who looks after these funds? And who pays the invoices for these supports?
Let’s start by looking at three ways you can manage your funds: agency management, plan management, and self management. In this short post, we’ll explore what each means, who pays the invoices under each type, and where you can find these details in your NDIS Plan.
Agency management
If you are agency managed, the NDIA looks after your funds. You don’t have to do anything after you receive supports, because providers claim your funds direct from the NDIA.
[Clickability update, October 2026: Agency management handles provider claiming, but you should still check the support delivered, your agreement and any unexpected claims. Current participant portals may differ from the historical myplace description.]
The NDIA will also manage your book-keeping. If you want to check what a provider is claiming, you can log in to your myplace portal.
By choosing agency management, you must use NDIS registered services. This could limit the number of services in your area.
[Clickability update, October 2026: Plan management does not remove service-specific registration requirements or eligible-support rules. Check the provider, service and current mandatory-registration requirements before agreeing.]
Plan management
If you are plan managed, a plan manager looks after your funds. This is a person, or organisation, that pays your invoices by claiming your funds from the NDIA and then paying your provider.
Plan managers take away a lot of the hassle and give you more flexibility than agency management. They’re like your own NDIS bookkeeper, working alongside you to get the most out of your Plan.
By choosing plan management, you don’t have to use NDIS registered services. Instead, you could use mainstream services, like your local cleaner or gardener.
Please note: plan management does not cost you anything! It comes out of your NDIS Plan.
[Clickability update, October 2026: Eligible plan-management fees are funded through the plan arrangement. This does not make every provider invoice or purchase free or eligible. Read current plan-management information.]
Self management
If you are self managed, you manage your own funds. This means that you must receive your invoices, check they are correct, claim the funds from the NDIS, and pay your providers.
Although this type offers you the most flexibility, you must do all the work yourself. There are tools that can support you do this, however.
Like plan management, you don’t have to use NDIS registered services. Again, you could use mainstream services, like your local cleaner or gardener.
How can you tell what management type you have?
In your Planning meetings, your NDIS Planner should ask you what type you’d like. If you can’t remember, open your Plan and go to your funded supports. Under each support, it should say ‘My [Support] will be…’ and then list your management type.
Please note your NDIS Plan don’t have to use just one management type. For instance, your Core Supports could be self managed and your Capacity Building Supports plan managed.
If you’d like to change your management type, speak to your NDIS Planner and explain why one type would help you achieve your NDIS goals.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Agree who helps without taking over financial decisions
With permission, clarify who receives invoices, checks delivered services and follows up errors. Keep the participant informed and respect their preferred involvement. A plan manager handles financial administration; they do not automatically arrange every service or decide which supports are eligible.
Questions readers ask
Does plan management make every unregistered service usable?
No. Service-specific registration requirements and support rules still apply. Official guidance
Where can I check current portal options?
Use the NDIA’s current participant portal and app guidance. Official guidance
Find a plan manager for the way you want to manage payments
Describe the administration and communication help you want through Clickability. Compare reviewed and rated profiles and ask how each manager keeps you informed.
