There are three ways to manage the money in your NDIS plan, and you can even combine them. Each option strikes a different balance between choice and responsibility.

NDIA managed

The NDIA pays your providers directly. It is the lowest-admin option, but you can only use registered providers.

Plan managed

A plan manager handles invoices and payments on your behalf. You get the freedom to use unregistered providers without the bookkeeping — and plan management funding is added to your plan at no cost to you.

Self managed

You take full control: paying providers, keeping records and claiming from the NDIS portal. It offers the most flexibility and the ability to negotiate rates, but it carries the most responsibility.

Many participants start plan managed for the flexibility, then move to self managed once they are confident.