- →Three options: NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed
- →NDIA-managed = registered providers only, zero admin for you
- →Plan-managed = use any provider, plan manager handles invoices at no extra cost to you
- →Self-managed = maximum flexibility and control, you handle all financial admin
- →You can mix management types across different support categories in the same plan
When your NDIS plan is approved, one of the most important decisions you make is how your funding will be managed. This choice affects which providers you can use, how invoices get paid, and how much admin sits with you.
There are three options: NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed. You can also mix and match — for example, have some support categories self-managed and others plan-managed. Here is a plain-language breakdown of each.
NDIA-Managed (Agency Managed)
Best for participants who want minimal admin and are comfortable using registered providers only.
The NDIA holds and manages your funding. Providers you use must be NDIS-registered and claim payment directly from the NDIA.
- ✓No paperwork or financial management on your part
- ✓NDIA handles all payments to providers
- ✓Strong consumer protections — only regulated providers
- –Must use NDIS-registered providers only
- –Less flexibility to shop around or negotiate rates
- –Some providers you want may not be registered
Plan-Managed
Best for participants who want provider flexibility without taking on financial admin themselves.
A registered plan manager is funded through your NDIS plan (separate budget line). They pay your providers' invoices on your behalf and send you monthly statements. You can use both registered and unregistered providers.
- ✓Use registered or unregistered providers
- ✓Plan manager handles all invoicing and payments
- ✓More provider choice without the admin burden
- ✓Plan manager costs are covered by the NDIS — no out-of-pocket expense
- –You rely on your plan manager responding quickly
- –Some plan managers have slow turnaround times
- –One extra layer between you and payment
Self-Managed
Best for participants (or their nominees) with capacity for financial admin who want maximum control.
The NDIA pays funds directly to a bank account you control (or to a nominee). You pay providers directly, keep records, and claim reimbursements or make direct payments. You can use any provider — registered or not.
- ✓Maximum flexibility and control over who you use
- ✓Can use unregistered providers and negotiate rates
- ✓Funds can sometimes be used more creatively
- ✓Direct relationship with all providers
- –You are responsible for all financial record-keeping
- –You must ensure payments align with your plan
- –Audits can occur — records must be thorough
- –Requires capacity to manage a budget
Can you change how your plan is managed?
Yes. If your plan is currently NDIA-managed and you want more flexibility, you can request a change at your next plan review — or by requesting an unscheduled review if your circumstances have changed significantly. Moving to plan-managed is the most common change, and it has no out-of-pocket cost since the plan manager's fees come from a separate line in your plan.
Which option suits Lift & Live participants?
Lift & Live Support works with participants under all three management types. We are a registered NDIS provider, so we can work with NDIA-managed plans. We are also happy to invoice plan managers directly or work with self-managed participants who pay invoices themselves.
If you are unsure which option makes sense for your situation, we are happy to talk it through. There is no obligation — just a conversation.
Quick comparison
| Feature | NDIA-Managed | Plan-Managed | Self-Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use unregistered providers | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| You handle invoices | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Extra cost to you | No | No | No |
| Most admin on you | Low | Low | High |
| Maximum flexibility | Low | Medium | High |