Choosing how to manage your NDIS funding can affect everything from how quickly invoices get paid to which providers you’re allowed to work with. For many participants, the choice between plan management and self-management isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about time, control, trust, and support.
Both options give you access to the services in your plan, but they work in very different ways. Plan management brings in a registered plan manager to take care of the financial side of things: processing invoices, tracking your budget, and dealing with providers. Self-management gives you full control over your funding, meaning you’ll be the one hiring providers, paying invoices, and keeping financial records for the NDIS.
There’s no right or wrong answer. Some people want the freedom to manage everything themselves. Others prefer to have support from someone who knows how the system works and can take care of the details. And some want a mix of both — using plan management for some supports and managing others on their own.
What is NDIS Plan Management?
Plan management means having a registered plan manager look after the financial side of your NDIS funding. You still have full choice and control over your supports, but you don’t have to handle the admin yourself.
When you choose plan management, your plan includes additional funding (separate from your core supports) to cover the cost of the service. There’s no cost to you — the NDIS pays for it directly. Once a support is delivered, your provider sends the invoice to your plan manager, who checks that the charge is correct, claims the money from the NDIS portal, and pays the provider on your behalf.
You don’t need to use only NDIS-registered providers. With a plan manager, you can choose both registered and non-registered services — as long as what they provide is reasonable and in line with your plan. This flexibility is a key reason many participants choose plan management over NDIA-managed funding.
A good plan manager does more than just pay invoices. They can also help you track your budget, make sure your funding is being used efficiently, and give you advice on how to stretch your supports across the plan period. You can still check your balances anytime, approve invoices before payment, and make your own decisions about who you work with — but you don’t need to manage the process alone.
Plan management is a strong option for anyone who wants to stay in control without having to take on every admin task. It’s often chosen by participants who want flexibility in providers but don’t want to worry about lodging claims, reconciling invoices, or keeping detailed financial records for audits.
What is NDIS Self-Management?
Self-management gives you full control over your NDIS funding. You handle all the payments, keep records, and choose your providers directly. There’s no plan manager involved, and you won’t go through the NDIA portal for payments — you claim the funding yourself, either in advance or as a reimbursement.
Participants who self-manage are responsible for every financial task. That means checking invoices, making payments from a personal bank account, and claiming the money back through the myplace portal. You’re also in charge of keeping receipts, tracking spending across categories, and making sure you’re using your funding in line with NDIS guidelines.
One of the main benefits is flexibility. You can work with anyone — including providers who aren’t registered with the NDIS — and you can negotiate prices directly. Some participants even employ their own support workers, set their own terms, and manage rostering themselves. For people who want complete control over how, when, and by whom support is delivered, self-management opens up more options.
But it comes with responsibility. You’ll need to stay organised, understand the rules, and be comfortable using the NDIS portal. You’ll also need to keep detailed records of every dollar spent, in case you’re ever asked to show how the funding was used.
Self-management suits participants who are confident with admin or have someone they trust supporting them with the process. It works well for people who want to customise their supports down to the detail — but it’s only a good fit if you’re prepared to take on the behind-the-scenes work that goes with that level of freedom.
Key Differences at a Glance
Understanding the difference between plan management and self-management comes down to how much responsibility you want to take on and how flexible you want your provider options to be. Both give you control, but they split the work in very different ways.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which option suits your situation better:
Plan Management vs Self-Management
| Feature | Plan Management | Self-Management |
|---|---|---|
| Who handles payments | Plan manager pays providers directly | You pay providers and claim funds back |
| Admin responsibility | Low – your plan manager handles most admin | High – you manage all invoices, claims, and records |
| Provider flexibility | Use both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers | Use anyone, including private individuals or unregistered providers |
| Record-keeping | Handled by your plan manager | You must store receipts, invoices, and payment records |
| Budget tracking | Monthly statements or online access via your plan manager | You monitor balances manually using myplace portal |
| Support available | Plan manager provides financial guidance and oversight | No financial support – you manage alone or with informal help |
Who Should Consider Plan Management?
Plan management is often the preferred option for people who want choice and flexibility without the pressure of managing the finances themselves. It’s a good fit if you want to stay in control of your supports but don’t have the time, energy, or experience to deal with NDIS invoices and record-keeping.
Plan management is ideal for:
- Participants who want access to both registered and non-registered providers
- People who are unsure how to navigate the NDIS portal or financial side of the system
- Families who want help with admin so they can spend more time on care
- Participants with complex needs or multiple providers to manage
- Anyone who wants to avoid dealing with receipts, audits, and budget reconciliation
Choosing plan management doesn’t mean giving up choice — it means getting support with the parts that slow you down. You still choose your providers, you still decide how to use your funding, and you can check your spending any time. Your plan manager simply handles the behind-the-scenes work so nothing gets missed.
For many participants, plan management is the best of both worlds: freedom to choose who you work with, combined with financial support that keeps everything running smoothly.
Who Might Prefer Self-Management?
Self-management is designed for people who want full control over their NDIS funding — from how support is delivered to how invoices are paid. It’s suited to participants who feel confident handling finances, negotiating with providers, and keeping detailed records for the NDIA.
Self-management may be the right choice if you:
- Want to hire people directly, such as support workers you already know
- Prefer to negotiate rates or customise services beyond what providers normally offer
- Feel confident managing budgets, claims, and receipts
- Need maximum flexibility with who you work with and when
- Have the time and capacity to stay on top of the admin, or someone who can help you do it
This option works best for participants who understand the NDIS rules and are comfortable using the myplace portal. It’s also a good match for people who have very specific needs or want to be hands-on in every part of their plan.
The extra control can be rewarding, especially if you’ve had trouble finding providers through standard channels. But it also means you’re responsible for keeping everything within NDIS guidelines — and for making sure your spending stays on track.
For participants who value independence and already have strong systems in place, self-management offers the most flexibility and freedom to tailor your supports exactly how you want them.
Can You Combine Both?
Yes, you can combine plan management and self-management within the same NDIS plan. This is called mixed management, and it allows you to choose how each individual budget is managed — depending on what works best for you.
For example, you might self-manage your low-cost consumables, where purchases are simple and occasional, but use plan management for core supports like support workers or therapy services where the invoices are more frequent and complex. This way, you get hands-on control where you want it and professional support where it’s needed.
Mixed management is especially helpful when:
- You want to manage some supports directly but prefer help with high-volume payments
- You’re happy to handle small, straightforward purchases but find the admin for larger services overwhelming
- You’re gradually building confidence with NDIS systems and want to ease into full self-management over time
- You work with unregistered providers in one area but use registered services for others
To set up mixed management, you simply let your LAC, Support Coordinator, or the NDIA know during your plan meeting or plan review. Each support category can be individually marked as plan-managed, self-managed, or NDIA-managed.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Many participants find that combining both options gives them flexibility where they want it and peace of mind where they need it.
How to Switch Between Options
Your NDIS plan doesn’t lock you into one funding management type forever. You can change how your funds are managed during your plan period or at your next plan review — as long as the change supports your needs and is clearly recorded.
If you’re currently using plan management but want to try self-management (or the other way around), you can:
- Speak with your LAC or Support Coordinator – They’ll help you decide whether the new arrangement suits your plan and capacity.
- Contact the NDIA – You can request a change through the NDIS directly. Some changes require a full plan variation, while others can be approved more quickly.
- Make the request in writing – The NDIA may ask you to confirm why you want the change and whether you understand the responsibilities that come with it.
- Update service bookings and provider details – If switching to self-management, you’ll need to set up how you’ll pay invoices. If switching to plan management, your plan manager will need access to the right budget categories.
Changes aren’t automatic, and switching mid-plan may take time depending on your current arrangements. If you’re working with a Support Coordinator, they can help prepare the request and guide you through the next steps.
Many participants test one option first, then change as their confidence, support needs, or circumstances shift. The NDIS is designed to be flexible — and your funding management should fit the way you live, not the other way around.
Conclusion
Whether you choose plan management, self-management, or a mix of both, the most important thing is that your funding works for you — not against you. Some participants prefer to keep everything in their own hands. Others want the admin taken off their plate so they can focus on support. Both are valid, and both can lead to good outcomes when used well.
If you’re unsure, start with the option that feels most manageable right now. You can always change later. What matters most is that your providers are paid on time, your budget stays on track, and your supports match what you actually need day to day.
If you’re looking for help comparing your options, speak with someone who understands the NDIS and can walk you through what the change would mean. Whether you’re new to the system or rethinking how things are managed, there’s always a way to make your plan simpler, clearer, and more effective.
