NDIS Plan Management: What Help You Get and What You Still Decide
Learn everything you need to know about plan management
Originally published 24 October 2022
Original article and dated context
At HenderCare, we know that most participants have little time to sit down and deal with invoices and paperwork every week. To provide relief and assistance we offer an experienced NDIS plan management service.
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can sometimes leave participants or nominees stressed, confused, and generally overwhelmed. This can be exasperated when choosing how to ‘manage’ an NDIS plan.
When managing an NDIS plan, there are many added responsibilities; financial administration alone takes significant time and effort. It can also be difficult to know if the plan is optimised to its full potential.
One way to ensure that you, or a loved one, are utilising the funding in a plan is to choose to have a Plan Manager.
What are my options for managing my NDIS plan?
The NDIS offers three ways to manage the funding of an NDIS plan; Agency Managed, Self-Managed and Plan Managed.
Agency Managed: the NDIS manage the funds within a participant’s NDIS plan, which means registered providers can claim payment for services directly from your funding.
Self-Managed: the participant manages the NDIS funding themselves.
Plan Managed: a third-party representative manages funds for the participant.
What is a Plan Manager?
A plan manager is a professional that supports NDIS participants in managing funding in their NDIS plans. They act as a connection between the participant, the NDIS and service providers.
In short, a plan manager oversees the NDIS plan and looks after the financial administration for the participant.
What exactly does a Plan Manager do?
Plan managers play a significant role in the financial administration of the NDIS plan for a participant. Interacting directly with service providers, plan managers will manage the allocated funding.
The main duties performed by a plan manager are to:
Receive and pay invoices on behalf of the participant
Assist in looking over Service Agreements
Ensure services are within budget and relate to NDIS goals
Guide clients on the services available to them
Assist with budgeting client’s plans
Query invoiced services that are not in the Service Agreement
Report on spending and track financials.
What makes a plan manager so useful?
There are many benefits to using a plan manager!
They provide access to non-NDIS registered service providers: Not only can a plan manager open the door to more service providers, but they are also there to ensure there are no headaches with overspending, especially if you’re using multiple service providers.
Plan managers keep an eye on funding: Plan managers can flag if a provider has not charged the agreed price or if funds are being exhausted early. They also have direct contact with service providers and will be able to address any discrepancies between the Service Agreement and invoices; this type of oversight is beneficial in fund utilisation.
Plan managers assist with budgeting for services: By budgeting the funding sources, plan managers can assist participants to utilise funds to access more services (if appropriate and in line with goals).
There are no out-of-pocket costs to access plan management services: Funding for a plan manager can be added to an NDIS Plan. But don’t worry, it doesn’t take funding away from other areas!
It encompasses all the best bits about being self-managed: You control how you use your funding but with the added benefit of not having to worry about budgeting, record keeping and completing paperwork. They can also help you build up skills if you want to self-manage in the future.
[Clickability update, September 2026: Plan management reduces administration but does not remove your responsibilities. Keep track of spending and authorise claims as explained in current NDIA guidance.]
Would plan management be right for me?
Plan management could be a good option for you if you:
Are time poor
Are confused about fund utilisation
Lack confidence when dealing with service providers
Dislike record-keeping
Choice and Control:
The NDIS strive for participants to have choice and control, and plan management can help make that a reality.
Having control and a say in how your funding is managed and what services you want or which providers you’d like to be involved with, is an important aspect of participant independence.
Did you know?
Not all funding is required to be managed the same way. For instance, a participant may be agency-managed for Assistance with Daily Life, but plan-managed for Improved Relationships.
You don’t need to wait for a new NDIS plan to change plan managers: You can change plan managers at any time during the plan – you don’t have to wait for a new plan! This is another example of your choice and control.
Plan management is useful for those who may be feeling overwhelmed, would like additional support and generally would like to put all the boring admin bits to the back of their mind.
If you or a loved one are searching for a plan manager, HenderCare offers plan management services. You can check our website for more information at www.hendercare.com.au or call our team on 1300 467 120.
Clickability editorial update, September 2026
What does an NDIS plan manager actually help with?
A plan manager can take much of the invoice administration off your hands. The useful question is how they will keep you involved: how will you approve a bill, see what has been paid and query a service you did not receive? Ask for a demonstration in the communication format you prefer.
Do not confuse financial administration with deciding which support is right for you. A provider suggesting a service and a plan manager processing its invoice are different roles. Neither conversation should leave you feeling that your choices have been made for you.
How participants can get more from their plan manager
Use the first meeting to agree on how invoices will reach you, how you approve them and how you flag a charge you do not recognise. Ask the manager to show you a sample statement and explain the difference between money spent, bookings already committed and funding currently available.
Before adding a regular service, ask what that commitment would leave for your other supports in the relevant funding period. Keep choosing the services and checking what you received. A plan manager handles financial administration; they do not grant extra funding or make a support eligible simply by paying an invoice. NDIA guidance sets out these responsibilities.
Which budgeting questions should you ask?
Ask for a view of upcoming commitments as well as money already spent. A healthy-looking overall balance can hide a busy month of booked services. Check the amounts available in each funding period. The NDIA’s current funding guidance also explains conditions for delayed claims; do not assume future funding is automatically available today.
What family members should check before helping with invoices
Clarify what the participant wants you to do and which information you can access. Helping someone read a statement is different from holding authority to make decisions for them. Ask the plan manager to record the agreed contacts and check any formal nominee arrangements separately.
If several people help, nominate one practical contact for chasing an invoice while keeping the participant involved. Compare the invoice with the actual appointment or shift, note a discrepancy and ask for an explanation before it becomes a recurring problem.
Questions readers ask
Do I still choose my providers?
Yes. Plan management does not hand your choices to the plan manager. Some supports have specific provider requirements.