What is NDIS Plan Management
Empowrd • April 10, 2025
Would you like someone by your side to help you find the right support, keep track of your goals, and take the stress out of managing your NDIS budget?
For many participants, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming. There's a lot to think about — services to organise, funding to manage, and decisions to make. If you’re unsure how to keep on top of it all, you’re not alone.
That’s where NDIS plan management comes in. It’s a helpful option for those who want flexibility and control, but also want someone else to handle the invoices, budgeting, and financial admin.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘What is NDIS plan management?’, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through what it means, how it works, and why it might be the right choice for you.
How to Manage Your NDIS Plan
NDIS plan management is one of the three ways participants can manage their NDIS funding. The other options are:
- Self-management: You handle your own finances, from paying providers to keeping receipts.
- NDIA-managed: Your funding is overseen by the National Disability Insurance Agency, and you can only use NDIS registered providers.
- Plan management: A hybrid option where a NDIS plan manager takes care of finances, but you still choose your providers.
A plan managed by a plan manager offers a flexible yet structured way to use your NDIS funds, giving you freedom without administrative overload. If you're looking for local support, NDIS plan management in Port Lincoln may offer services tailored to your community.
How NDIS Plan Management Actually Works
Once your plan is approved, you can request funding under Improved Life Choices to cover the cost of a plan manager—at no expense to your other budgets. Here's how it flows:
- Choose a plan manager: Find someone you trust from the list of NDIS registered providers.
- Engage with providers: Select the services that meet your needs, including non-registered providers.
- Processing invoices: Your NDIS plan manager receives invoices and handles payment from your allocated NDIS funds.
- Ongoing oversight: Expect regular updates and budget insights to stay on track.
- Compliance taken care of: Your plan manager ensures your spending aligns with NDIS guidelines.
This illustrates the function of NDIS plan managers—helping you stay compliant and informed while giving you the freedom to focus on your goals.
Benefits of NDIS Plan Management
Opting for plan management comes with several advantages that can make navigating the NDIS easier and more effective.
1. Freedom to Choose Providers
One of the biggest perks of plan management is the ability to choose both registered and non-registered providers. Unlike NDIA-managed plans that limit you to NDIS-registered providers, plan management opens the door to a wider range of services and support, giving you more control over who delivers your care.
2. Reduced Administrative Burden
Managing invoices and payments and tracking budgets can be time-consuming and stressful. Plan managers handle all of these tasks, allowing you to focus on your goals and the support you need.
3. Support with Budgeting and Oversight
A good plan manager will provide regular updates and insights about your budget. They ensure that your spending stays on track and help you understand how your funds are being used, reducing the risk of running out of funds before your plan’s review.
4. Expert Guidance and Advice
Plan managers are well-versed in the intricacies of the NDIS. They can offer advice on maximising your plan, suggest cost-effective solutions, and ensure your funding is used in a way that aligns with your goals.
5. No Extra Cost
The NDIS covers the cost of plan management, meaning it’s a free service for participants. The funding for plan management is separate from your core or capacity-building budgets, so it won’t impact your other supports. You can explore more about the benefits of plan management to make an informed decision.
Is NDIS Plan Management Right for You?
Choosing how to manage your NDIS plan is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances, preferences, and comfort level with financial management. Here's why more participants are turning to plan management services:
1. Provider Freedom
With plan management, you can use a broader network of supports—not just NDIS registered providers. That flexibility can mean better matches and more culturally appropriate or responsive care.
2. Less Paperwork, More Living
No more chasing invoices or decoding budgets. Your plan manager does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what truly matters.
3. Clarity and Confidence
Keeping tabs on your NDIS funds is easier with the monthly breakdowns and proactive alerts provided by your plan manager.
4. Professional Support
While legal advice isn’t included, many plan management services offer deep insight into what works best within the NDIS, helping you stretch your budget further.
5. No Financial Hit
This service won’t reduce your funding for therapies, support workers, or daily activities. The cost of plan management is covered separately.
However, if you prefer to have full control over every aspect of your plan or feel confident managing payments and reporting yourself, self-management might be a better fit.
Understanding the types of disabilities covered by the NDIS plan can also help you determine if plan management aligns with your specific support needs.
How to Include Plan Management in Your NDIS Plan
The right time to request plan management is during your initial or review planning meeting. Clearly state that you want your plan managed by a plan manager, and make sure the relevant funding category is added.
You can find and connect with a plan manager through various avenues, such as your Local Area Coordinator, early childhood partner or support coordinator, using the Provider Finder tool available on the NDIS myplace participant portal, or by reaching out to friends, family members, or exploring other helpful online resources and websites.
Already mid-plan? You can still shift by requesting a variation through the National Disability Insurance Agency.
What to Look for in a Good Plan Manager
Not all plan managers offer the same level of service, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Here’s what to look for:
- Experience and Knowledge: Look for a plan manager who understands the NDIS inside and out.
- Clear Communication: You want someone who keeps you informed and explains things in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Transparency and Reliability: Your plan manager should provide regular updates and accurate financial reports.
- Commitment to Your Goals: A good plan manager works with you to ensure your funding is used effectively to achieve your goals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing plan management means collaborating with a trusted plan manager who understands how to maximise your NDIS funds and reduce your stress. It’s a smart move whether you’re new to the system or reevaluating your options. While self-management may work for some, many participants appreciate having an expert on their side.
If you're gearing up for a planning meeting or just need more control without more admin, consider adding plan management services to your plan. When you make informed decisions, you make empowered ones.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
If you are ready to be Empowrd to live your life to the fullest, let us steer you on the right path.
Empowrd explains how NDIS-funded mentoring builds everyday skills, confidence, and independence. Learn what’s covered and how to access support.
Use Empowrd's free NDIS email scripts to request quotes, follow up with the NDIA, and submit documents. Save time and simplify your plan today. Read more here.
Confused by NDIS jargon? This guide breaks down key terms like Core Supports, Plan Management, and Assistive Technology to help you navigate the system confidently.
Find out how Assistive Technology supports NDIS participants, from mobility aids to communication tools. Understand funding levels, approvals, and recent NDIS updates.
Learn how Occupational Therapy and Functional Assessments support NDIS participants by improving independence, justifying funding, and bespoke care plans.
Learn about autism signs, diagnosis, and NDIS support. Find out how tailored services empower individuals with autism and assist families and carers.
NDIS support helps individuals with Down Syndrome gain independence, education, and employment. Learn how tailored services empower their unique abilities.
Support Coordination and Plan Management ease the burden on carers by simplifying NDIS processes, managing funds, and ensuring the best support for loved ones.
Setting fair rates as an NDIS support worker is key to financial stability. Learn how to price your services, follow NDIS guidelines, and charge competitively.
Be EMPOWRD to Live Your Best Life
If you are ready to be Empowrd to live your life to the fullest, let us steer you on the right path. To get started, all you have to do is sign up using our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
