How a Plan Manager Can Take the Stress Out of Your NDIS Budget
[Image Description: A woman wearing a headset sits at a desk in a large office.]
During our recent live webinar, we sat down with Belinda Dahan from NDSP Plan Managers to explore one of the important decisions participants make after joining the NDIS: how to manage your funding.
When your NDIS plan is approved, you’ll be asked how you’d like your funding to be managed. There are three main options:
Self-managed – You handle everything yourself: paying providers, keeping records, and claiming reimbursements from the NDIS.
Agency-managed – The NDIA pays your registered providers directly. You can only use providers who are registered with the NDIS.
Plan-managed – A Plan Manager takes care of the financial side for you, while still giving you the freedom to choose both registered and unregistered providers.
Belinda joined us to explain what plan management involves, why it’s such a popular choice (more than 65% of NDIS participants choose this option), and what to look for when choosing a Plan Manager.
What Does a Plan Manager Actually Do?
“It’s a bit like having your own specialised accountant or bookkeeper,” Belinda explained.
A Plan Manager handles all the financial administration of your plan, including:
Processing invoices from your providers
Reimbursing you if you’ve paid upfront
Keeping records for audits
Sending monthly statements so you can track your spending
They also make sure invoices follow NDIS rules and pricing limits, and that your funds are being used in line with your plan.
Freedom + Support
One of the biggest advantages of plan management is flexibility. Unlike agency-managed plans, plan-managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers.
“Participants still have a lot of freedom and choice over their providers, but we just take care of the financial side,” Belinda said.
Plan Managers also offer guidance, especially helpful for new participants who are still learning how the system works.
Helping You Stay on Track
A good Plan Manager doesn’t just pay bills, they also help you monitor your funding too.
“If a participant is spending too quickly - or not at all - we can reach out and provide advice,” Belinda shared.
They can also review service agreements, flag any concerns, and help you avoid surprises like cancellation fees.
What to Look for in a Plan Manager
Not all Plan Managers offer the same level of service. Belinda recommends looking for someone who is:
Knowledgeable about NDIS rules and pricing
Prompt with invoice payments (5 business days is a good benchmark)
Transparent, offering real-time access to your funding via a portal or app
Easy to contact, with friendly and responsive support
“You want to know what’s going on with your funding and be able to keep an eye on it,” Belinda said.
How Involved Do You Need to Be?
That’s up to you. Some participants like to be hands-on, while others prefer to step back. Either way, your Plan Manager should support your level of involvement.
“We encourage participants to be across what’s happening with their funding… but we’re here to help however they need,” Belinda explained.
And If You’re Not Happy?
Good news, it’s easy to switch Plan Managers.
“Participants always have choice and control. If they’re not happy, they can change plan managers very quickly,” Belinda confirmed.
You’ll just need to sign up with a new plan manager, let your previous plan manager know, and confirm your new endorsement with the NDIA directly.
A Plan Manager can take the stress out of managing your NDIS funding, while still giving you the freedom to choose your supports. They’re there to help, guide, and make sure your funding works for you.
Want to learn more or have other NDIS questions?
