Your NDIS plan has funding for supports. But who handles the money? There are three ways. You can pick one, or mix them. This guide helps you compare.
The three options in one table
| Self-managed | Plan-managed | Agency-managed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays providers? | You (or your plan nominee) | Your plan manager | The NDIA |
| Which providers can you use? | Registered or unregistered | Registered or unregistered | Registered only |
| Who does the paperwork? | You | Your plan manager | The NDIA and the provider |
| How much flexibility? | Most | A lot | Least |
| Is there a cost? | None for the option itself. You may fund help | Plan management is a funded support | None |
Self-managed
You, your plan nominee or your child representative handle the money. You arrange your supports, pay providers and claim the money back from your plan budget.
Good for: people who want the most choice and control, are comfortable with records, or want to try new supports and providers.
Watch out for: time and paperwork. You need to keep invoices and receipts. You also need to make sure each purchase fits your plan. If you are unsure, check with your NDIS contact first.
You can use unregistered providers. They still must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. Read NDIS Code of Conduct in plain English.
Plan-managed
A registered plan manager pays your providers. They check invoices, track your budget and do the money reporting for you.
Good for: people who want choice of provider without the paperwork. You can use unregistered providers as well as registered ones.
Watch out for: you must have plan management funded in your plan, and the plan manager must be registered. Pick one with care. Read what is a plan manager and how to check if an NDIS provider is registered.
Agency-managed
The NDIA pays your providers. You choose registered providers and they claim payment from the NDIA.
Good for: people who want the simplest setup, with no money to handle.
Watch out for: choice. You can only use registered providers. Prices for registered providers are limited by the NDIS pricing rules. Some people find the choice too narrow, especially in regional areas.
Mixing the options
You do not have to pick only one. The NDIS says you can combine them. Here are some examples:
- Self-manage your community activities, and plan-manage everything else.
- Have the NDIA manage a key support, such as a registered therapist, and self-manage the rest.
- Use plan management for most things and self-manage a small budget for flexible items.
Ask your NDIS contact or planner about the best mix for your plan.
Which should you pick?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to use providers who are not registered?
- Do I want to handle invoices and records?
- Do I have someone who can help me with money?
- How often will I change providers or try new things?
- How would I feel if a payment went wrong?
If you answered yes to question 1 and no to question 2, plan management may suit you. If you want maximum control and can keep records, self-management may suit you. If you want the simplest route and are happy with registered providers, agency management may suit you.
There is no wrong answer. You can also start with one and change later.
Changing how your plan is managed
You can ask to change at any time. You do not need to wait for your next plan.
- Decide what you want.
- Tell your NDIS contact or planner.
- If the NDIS agrees, they update your plan.
- Tell your providers about the change.
If you are moving to plan management and plan management is not in your plan, it may need to be added first. Ask about this at the start.
Good habits whichever you pick
- Keep a written service agreement with each provider.
- Keep copies of invoices and receipts.
- Check statements often.
- Tell someone you trust if something looks wrong.
- Report scams. See red flags: NDIS scams and inducements.
Rules on record keeping and claim timeframes are changing in 2026 and 2027. Check ndis.gov.au for how long you must keep records and how quickly you must claim.
Real-life examples
Alex is new to the NDIS and wants help with every part. Alex picks agency management at first, and uses registered providers. Later, Alex finds a small local art group that is not registered, and switches part of the plan to plan management so the group can be paid.
Mina is a parent of a young adult. She has time and likes to track the budget. She chooses self-management for flexibility, keeps a spreadsheet and files receipts every week.
Tom lives in a regional town with few registered providers. He picks plan management so he can use a local support worker who has an ABN but is not registered. His plan manager pays the invoices.
These are only stories. Your choice will depend on your goals, your supports and how much time you have.
About this guide
Goodo is independent. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the NDIA or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is general information, not advice. Rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use more than one way to manage my funding?
Yes. The NDIS says you can mix the three options. For example, you could self-manage some funding and have the NDIA manage the rest.
Which option lets me use unregistered providers?
Self-managed and plan-managed funding. With agency-managed funding, you can only use registered providers.
Can I change how my plan is managed?
Yes. The NDIS says you can ask to change without waiting for a new plan. Tell your NDIS contact, and they can update your current plan if they agree.
Do I have to pay for a plan manager if I choose plan management?
Plan management is a support that can be funded in your plan. If it is included, it does not come out of your own pocket. Check your plan.
Is self-management a lot of work?
It can be. You keep records, check invoices and pay providers. It gives you the most flexibility. Many people start with plan management and move to self-management later.
Sources
Goodo is independent