Self-Managed, Plan-Managed or NDIA-Managed: How NDIS Funding Management Works

There are three ways the funding in an NDIS plan can be managed. Each one changes who pays your providers, which providers you can use and what you need to keep track of. This guide explains each option and what changes if you move from self-managed to plan-managed or NDIA-managed.

Every NDIS plan sets out how the funding in it is managed. This decides who pays your providers, which providers you can choose and how much of the paperwork sits with you. There are three options, and a plan can use more than one of them at the same time.

NDIA-managed

With NDIA-managed funding (sometimes called agency-managed), the NDIA pays your providers directly. Providers claim through the NDIS system after each session, so you do not handle invoices or payments.

The trade-off is choice. NDIA-managed funding can only be used with registered NDIS providers, and providers cannot charge more than the NDIS price limits.

Plan-managed

With plan-managed funding, a plan manager pays your providers on your behalf. Providers send their invoices to the plan manager, who checks them against your plan and pays them from your funding. Plan managers usually send you regular statements so you can see what has been spent.

Plan management gives you more choice than NDIA-managed funding. You can use both registered and unregistered providers, but the price limits still apply. The cost of the plan manager is funded separately in your plan, so it does not come out of the money for your other supports.

Self-managed

With self-managed funding, you (or your nominee) pay providers yourself and claim the money from the NDIS. You can use registered or unregistered providers, and self-managed funding is not bound by the NDIS price limits, so you can negotiate prices with providers.

Self-management gives you the most flexibility, and it also carries the most responsibility. You keep invoices and receipts, make the claims and make sure the money is spent on supports that fit your plan. The NDIA can ask to see these records later.

Behaviour support is the exception

Specialist behaviour support must be delivered by a provider registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, however your plan is managed. Ivy Psychology is a registered provider, so we can work with you under any of the three options.

Moving from self-managed to plan-managed or NDIA-managed

People change how their plan is managed for all sorts of reasons. Keeping up with invoices might have become too much, a nominee might have changed, or the NDIA might have reviewed the arrangement. Whatever the reason, a few things change when you move away from self-management.

If you move to plan-managed

• Your providers need your plan manager's details, and their invoices go to the plan manager instead of to you.
• You can keep using unregistered providers.
• Invoices for services delivered while you were self-managing are generally still yours to claim.

If you move to NDIA-managed

• You can only use registered NDIS providers. Unregistered providers you have been using will not be able to claim from your plan, so check each provider's registration before the change.
• Providers claim directly from the NDIA. If your plan is on the PACE system, you may need to record your regular providers as "my providers" so they can be paid.
• Invoices for services delivered before the change are generally still yours to claim.

Before the change takes effect, let each of your providers know the date and the new arrangement. This stops invoices going to the wrong place and avoids gaps in payment.

How to change your plan management

You can ask to change how your plan is managed by contacting the NDIA, your Local Area Coordinator or your support coordinator. The NDIA considers the request and, if it is approved, updates your plan. If you are moving to plan management, you will also need to choose a plan manager.

What Ivy Psychology needs from you

Whichever way your plan is managed, we need to know how much funding is available before we start. What we ask for depends on the service.

Psychology

For psychology, we need to know how much of your Improved Daily Living funding you would like to use for psychology over the NDIS plan year ahead.

Behaviour support

For behaviour support, we need to know how much behaviour support funding is available for the NDIS plan year. Behaviour support has its own compliance requirements, which we explain in the post below.

What Is a Behaviour Support Plan, and Why Is It Required? →

Ask us about our reduced fee options. We are committed to making psychological therapy and assessment accessible.

Questions about how your funding works with us?Our admin team can talk you through invoicing for self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed plans. Email admin@ivypsychology.com.au or call 0405 944 637. Contact us