NDIS Plan Management: What’s Covered and What’s Not?
Navigating your NDIS plan can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to understand all the options for managing your funding. One question we often hear is: “What exactly is NDIS Plan Management, and what does it actually cover?”
At My Guardian, we’re here to make things simpler, not more stressful. In this guide, we’ll explain what NDIS plan management includes, what it doesn’t, and how to choose the best option for your needs, whether you’re just starting or thinking about changing how your plan is managed.
What Is NDIS Plan Management?
Plan management is one of the three ways you can manage the funding in your NDIS plan. It’s essentially having a trusted third-party (a Plan Manager) who takes care of the financial side of things, paying invoices, tracking budgets, and giving you flexibility when choosing NDIS providers.
Plan management gives you the freedom to use both registered and non-registered providers, while someone else takes care of the admin and accounting.
Comparing the Ways to Manage Your NDIS Plan
There are three options to manage your NDIS funding:
1. Self-Managed
You’re in charge of everything, choosing providers, booking services, paying invoices, and keeping receipts. You get full control but also carry full responsibility.
Pros:
- Total flexibility
- Choose any provider (registered or not)
- Can negotiate prices
Cons:
- Admin heavy
- You must submit claims and keep records
- More time-consuming
2. Plan-Managed
You have a Plan Manager (funded separately by the NDIS) who pays your providers, keeps your finances in check, and helps you make smart spending decisions.
Pros:
- Less admin
- More choice of providers than agency-managed
- You still maintain choice and control
Cons:
- You’ll need to choose a plan manager
- They can’t approve out-of-scope purchases
3. Agency-Managed (NDIA-Managed)
Your funding is managed directly by the NDIA. You can only use NDIS-registered providers, and the NDIA pays them directly.
Pros:
- No admin required
- NDIA handles payments directly
Cons:
- Limited provider choice
- Can’t use non-registered providers (e.g. small businesses or community carers)
What’s Covered Under NDIS Plan Management?
When you’re plan-managed, the NDIS pays for a range of supports under your plan, and your plan manager helps you:
- Pay provider invoices
- Track and monitor your budget
- Access more providers (including non-registered ones)
- Receive monthly statements and advice
- Stay within your plan limits
And here’s the best part: plan management comes at no cost to you. The NDIS adds extra funding to your plan specifically for this purpose.
What’s Not Covered by Plan Management?
While plan managers are super helpful, they don’t:
- Approve changes to your plan or increase your budget
- Decide what supports you’re eligible for
- Organise your daily support or therapies (that’s a Support Coordinator’s job)
- Make purchases that fall outside of the NDIS guidelines
They’ll guide you, but can’t break the rules.
How Do I Choose the Right Plan Manager?
Here are a few things to look for in a great NDIS plan manager:
- NDIS registered with a good reputation
- Fast invoice processing
- Clear communication with you and your providers
- Easy-to-use dashboard or regular budget reports
- Works well with your Support Coordinator or provider
At My Guardian, we can introduce you to trusted, responsive plan managers who work with us and our clients every day.
How Is a Plan Manager Different from a Support Coordinator?
Great question, the two roles often get confused.
Role | What They Do | What They Don’t Do |
Plan Manager | Manages your budget, pays invoices, tracks spending | Doesn’t organise services or build your support team |
Support Coordinator | Helps you connect with providers, arrange services, and achieve your goals | Doesn’t handle your payments or finances |
In short, plan managers handle the money, and support coordinators handle the logistics.
So, Now What? How Do I Ask for Plan Management?
If you’re about to receive your first NDIS plan or are reviewing your current one, simply ask your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator to include Plan Management. It’s a standard request and comes with no impact on your other funding.
You can say:
“I’d like my plan to include Plan Management so I can have more choice and support managing my budget.”
Can I Change Plan Managers?
Absolutely! You’re in control of your plan.
If your current plan manager isn’t working out, you can switch. Here’s how:
- Let your new plan manager know you’d like to sign up
- Notify your existing manager (you may have a notice period)
- The new plan manager will take over and coordinate the transfer
It’s quick, simple, and you don’t need to wait until your plan is reviewed to make the change.
How My Guardian Supports You
Whether you’re self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed, My Guardian is here to provide the best possible care.
We’re a trusted NDIS support provider in NSW, helping participants access:
- Disability care at home
- SIL and SDA options
- Home care services
- Personal care, nursing, and therapy support
- Help navigating your plan and goals
We work with your chosen plan manager or support coordinator to deliver high-quality, personalised disability support that fits your life.
Need Help With Your NDIS Plan?
Let’s simplify your NDIS experience together. Whether you need a new plan manager, support coordinator, or a provider who truly gets it, we’re here to help.
From day-to-day personal care and community access, to organising assessments for assistive tech or SDA/SIL eligibility, we’re here to make it easier, warmer, and more human.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information, we’re just a phone call away at 02 9336 7555, or you can get in touch here.
