Introduction: You’ve Got Your NDIS Plan – Now What?

Let’s be honest for a moment.

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If you’re reading this, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions. Relief that you finally have NDIS funding. Excitement about the support you can now access. But also… confusion. Maybe even some worry.

You just got your NDIS plan, and now people are using words and phrases that sound like they come from another country. “Self-managed.” “Plan-managed.” “NDIA-managed.” “Registered providers.” “Unregistered providers.” “Service agreements.” “Budget categories.”

It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

Here’s the thing: you are not alone. Thousands of Australians go through this exact experience every single month. The NDIS is a wonderful system designed to help people with disabilities live their best lives, but learning how to navigate it takes time. And that’s perfectly okay.

This guide will help you make one of the most important choices you’ll have to make about your NDIS journey: how to handle your money.

We’re going to keep things simple and use examples from real life to help you feel good about what comes next in your NDIS journey.

Are you ready? Let’s get started.

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Part 1: The Basics of NDIS Funding

We need to know what NDIS funding is before we can talk about how to handle your money.

Your NDIS plan is like a set of tools. There are different tools in that toolbox for different kinds of help. You can’t just spend all the money you get from the NDIS on anything you want. They divide the money into three main groups instead:

The Three Kinds of Budgets

1. Budget for Core Supports
This is the money you need to live on every day. It includes things like:

• Help with daily tasks like showering, getting dressed, and eating
• Consumables are things we use every day, like incontinence products.
• Getting around (help getting to work, appointments, or community events)
• Participating in social and community events (getting help from support workers to go out)

2. Capacity Building Supports Budget
This budget helps you build skills and independence. It covers things like:

• Support coordination (help navigating the NDIS)
• Therapy services (occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy)
• Training and education
• Employment supports

3. Capital Supports Budget
This is for big-ticket items, including:

• Assistive technology (wheelchairs, communication devices)
• Home modifications (ramps, bathroom renovations)

Each of these budgets has specific rules about what you can spend the money on. You can’t use your Core Supports money to buy a new wheelchair, for example. The funding is “envelope” based – money in one envelope stays in that envelope.

Now, here’s where management comes in. Regardless of which budget the money is in, someone needs to handle the actual payments. That someone is where the management options come into play.

Part 2: The Three Ways to Manage Your NDIS Funding

When the NDIS approves your plan, they will ask you how you want to manage your funding. There are three options. Let’s look at each one briefly.

Option 1: NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)

What it is: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages your funding for you. You can only use providers who are registered with the NDIS. When you receive a service, the provider claims the payment directly from the NDIA.

Who it’s for: People who want the simplest option and are happy to choose from registered providers only.

Limitation: You cannot use unregistered providers. If your favourite local support worker isn’t NDIS-registered, you can’t use them.

Option 2: Self-Managed

What it is: You take full control. The NDIS gives you access to your funding, and you pay your providers directly. You handle all invoices, record-keeping, and budget tracking yourself.

Who it’s for: People who are organised, enjoy managing money, and want maximum flexibility.

Option 3: Plan-Managed

They take care of the paperwork, pay your bills, and keep track of your budget. You can still pick any provider, whether they are registered or not, but you don’t have to do the paperwork.What it is: You hire a professional plan manager to handle all the financial aspects. They pay your invoices, track your budget, and handle the paperwork. You still have the flexibility to choose any provider (registered or unregistered), but you don’t have to do the admin work.

Who it’s for: People who want to be able to change their plans but don’t want to have to deal with paperwork and bookkeeping.

We are going to talk about Options 2 and 3 in this guide: Self-Managed and Plan-Managed. These give you the most options and control over who helps you.

Part 3: Self-Managed NDIS – A Deep Dive

Let’s explore self-management in detail. We’ll look at how it works, what it looks like in real life, and the advantages and challenges you need to consider.

What Does Self-Management Actually Mean?

When you choose to self-manage your NDIS funds, you are essentially becoming the “finance department” for your own support. You are responsible for:

• Finding and hiring providers: You can choose anyone – registered NDIS providers, unregistered providers, sole traders, or even family members in some circumstances.
• Negotiating prices: You can agree on rates with your providers. The NDIS has a price guide, but you can negotiate lower rates to make your funding go further.
• Paying invoices: When a provider sends you an invoice, you pay them directly from your own bank account or through the NDIS portal.
• Tracking your spending: You need to know how much money you have left in each budget category so you don’t overspend.
• Keeping records: You need to keep copies of all invoices and receipts in case the NDIA asks for evidence.
• Reporting: If you use the NDIS payment request system, you need to submit claims correctly.

How Self-Management Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Let’s follow James, a 32-year-old man who lives independently and has autism. James has NDIS funding for a support worker to help him with meal preparation and community access.

Monday Morning:
James needs help with grocery shopping and cooking dinner. He has a friend named Maria who is a qualified support worker but runs her own small business and isn’t registered with the NDIS. Because James is self-managed, he can hire Maria.

Step 1: The Service
Maria comes to James’s home. They spend 1 hour grocery shopping and 2 hours preparing meals for the week. Maria keeps a timesheet that James signs.

Step 2: The Invoice
Maria sends James an invoice via email. The invoice shows:

• Her name and ABN (Australian Business Number)
• The date of service
• 3 hours of support at $50 per hour (total $150)
• Her bank account details

Step 3: Payment
James logs into the NDIS portal (myplace provider portal) or uses the NDIS mobile app. He submits a payment request for the $150. The NDIS transfers the money to his nominated bank account (or directly to Maria, depending on how he sets it up).

Alternatively, James could pay Maria from his own bank account and then claim reimbursement from the NDIS.

Step 4: Record Keeping
James saves Maria’s invoice in a folder on his computer. He also keeps a simple spreadsheet showing:

• Date: Monday
• Provider: Maria
• Service: Support worker – meal prep and shopping
• Hours: 3
• Amount: $150
• Budget used: Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living

Step 5: Budget Check
James checks his remaining Core Supports budget. He started with $10,000 for the year. He has spent $4,500 so far, leaving $5,500. He knows he needs to make sure he doesn’t exceed this amount.

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The Advantages of Self-Management

1. Maximum Flexibility and Choice
This is the biggest advantage. You can hire literally anyone who meets your needs. That family friend who’s a retired nurse and happy to help you with appointments? You can hire them. That yoga instructor who understands your disability but isn’t NDIS-registered? You can use them. That small local cleaner who does a fantastic job? You can pay them from your NDIS funding (if cleaning relates to your disability).

2. Potential to Stretch Your Funding
When you self-manage, you can negotiate prices. The NDIS has a price guide that sets maximum prices for different supports. Registered providers usually charge these maximum rates. But with unregistered providers, you can often agree on a lower rate. This means your funding can go further, allowing you to purchase more supports.

3. Immediate Payments
When you pay providers yourself, you can pay them immediately. Many support workers, especially sole traders, appreciate being paid promptly. This can build good relationships and sometimes mean they are more flexible with scheduling.

4. Complete Visibility
You see exactly where every dollar goes. There’s no middle person. You know immediately when money leaves your budget. For some people, this direct visibility provides peace of mind.

5. Skill Development
For participants who want to build their own financial management skills, self-management can be empowering. You learn to budget, track spending, and manage invoices. These are valuable life skills.

The Challenges of Self-Management

1. Time and Effort
Self-management takes time. You need to:

• Process invoices (can take 10-15 minutes per invoice)
• Track your budget across multiple categories
• Keep organized records
• Handle any payment issues or disputes

If you have multiple support workers providing daily services, this can become a part-time job.

2. Risk of Overspending
This is one of the biggest risks. If you don’t track your spending carefully, you can accidentally overspend a budget category. Unlike plan management, where someone is watching for you, self-management puts the responsibility entirely on you. If you overspend, the NDIS won’t cover the excess. You would need to pay that amount yourself.

3. Responsibility for Compliance
You need to understand NDIS rules about what can and cannot be claimed. If you claim incorrectly, the NDIA can ask for money back. In serious cases of misuse, your plan could be suspended.

4. Administrative Burden When Things Go Wrong
If a provider overcharges you, or there’s a dispute, you have to handle it yourself. You need to chase invoices, follow up on payments, and resolve issues. This can be stressful, especially if you’re not confident with confrontation or administration.

5. Not Suitable for Everyone
Self-management requires a certain level of organisation, numeracy, and time. For people with cognitive disabilities, memory challenges, or very busy lives, it can be overwhelming. Family members often take on this role, but that can create additional stress and responsibility.

Part 4: Plan-Managed NDIS – A Deep Dive

Now let’s explore plan management. This option is often called the “sweet spot” because it combines flexibility with convenience.

What Does Plan Management Actually Mean?

When you choose plan management, the NDIS allocates a specific budget in your plan called “Plan Management” funding. You use this funding to hire a plan manager – a professional organisation or individual who handles all the financial aspects of your NDIS plan.

Your plan manager is responsible for:

• Paying your providers: You send them invoices, they pay the providers from your NDIS funding
• Budget tracking: They keep a real-time record of what you’ve spent in each category
• Providing reports: They give you regular updates on your remaining balances
• Handling claims: They submit claims to the NDIS for payment
• Ensuring compliance: They make sure all spending follows NDIS rules
• Providing advice: They can help you understand pricing and answer questions

You are still responsible for finding providers, choosing supports, and making decisions about your services. But the financial administration is handled for you.

How Plan Management Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Let’s follow Linda, a 58-year-old woman who lives with her husband and has multiple sclerosis. Linda has a busy life with medical appointments, therapy sessions, and support workers. She chooses plan management to simplify things.

Tuesday Morning:
Linda has a physiotherapy appointment. Her physiotherapist is a registered provider.

Step 1: The Service
Linda attends her physio session. The physio provides treatment and gives Linda an invoice.

Step 2: Forward to Plan Manager
Linda takes a photo of the invoice on her phone and emails it to her plan manager. She doesn’t need to do anything else with it.

Step 3: Plan Manager Processes
The plan manager receives the invoice, checks it against Linda’s plan to ensure it’s an allowable support, and processes payment. They pay the physiotherapist directly from Linda’s NDIS Capacity Building budget.

Step 4: Payment Confirmation
The plan manager sends Linda a confirmation email. The email includes a link to her online portal where she can see her updated budget balances.

Step 5: Monthly Overview
At the end of the month, Linda logs into her plan manager’s portal. She can see:

• Total spent in Core Supports: $1,200
• Total spent in Capacity Building: $850
• Remaining balances in each category
• A list of all providers paid

Linda doesn’t need to touch a single invoice or track a single dollar. It’s all done for her.

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The Advantages of Plan Management

1. No Administrative Burden
This is the main reason people choose plan management. You don’t have to pay invoices, track budgets, or worry about NDIS compliance. Your Plan Manager does it all. This frees up your time and mental energy to focus on what matters – your goals, your health, and your life.

2. Flexibility to Use Any Provider
Like self-management, plan management allows you to use both registered and unregistered providers. You’re not restricted to the NDIS provider register. That means you can hire that trusted local support worker, that specialist therapist who isn’t registered, or that community programme you love.

3. Professional Oversight
Your plan manager watches your budget for you. If you’re getting close to spending your limit in a category, they’ll let you know. This prevents accidental overspending, which is a real risk with self-management.

4. Expert Knowledge
Good plan managers understand NDIS pricing rules, claiming processes, and compliance requirements. They can spot errors in invoices, ensure providers are charging correctly, and advise you on how to make the most of your budget.

5. Reduced Stress for Families
If family members help with your NDIS, plan management takes the pressure off them. Instead of being responsible for invoices and budgets, they can focus on being family – supporting you emotionally, helping with appointments, and enjoying time together.

6. Easy Reporting and Visibility
Most plan managers provide online portals or regular reports. You can log in anytime to see exactly what you’ve spent and what you have left. This gives you visibility without the work.

7. Support When Things Go Wrong
If a provider overcharges or there’s a dispute, your plan manager handles it. They have experience with these situations and can advocate on your behalf.

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The Difficulties of Managing PlansThe Challenges of Plan Management

1. The “Middle Person” Factor
Some people like to deal with their providers and money directly. Adding a plan manager makes things more complicated. You send invoices to your plan manager instead of paying providers directly. For some, this feels like losing direct control.

2. Your Plan Determines the Cost
Managing a plan costs money. The NDIS gives money just for this reason. That money will just sit in your plan if you don’t use plan management. However, some people think that using money for management means less money for support. The truth is that this money can’t be used for anything else, but it’s still something to think about.

3. The quality is different
There are differences between plan managers. Some are great—helpful, responsive, and proactive. Some people can be slow, not talkative, and annoying. You need to make a careful choice.

4. Needs Some Participation
You still have to send your plan manager bills. You won’t get paid if you forget to send invoices. You need to set up a routine, like taking pictures of invoices, using an app, or sending them right away.

Part 5: A direct comparison of self-managed and plan-managed

Let’s compare the two options now that we’ve looked at them both in detail. This comparison will help you see the differences in a practical way.

A Comparison of Real-Life Situations

Let’s see how the same week might go for two different people.

Sarah (Managed by Herself):

• Monday: The support worker comes. Sarah pays the bill online in 15 minutes.
• Tuesday: a session of occupational therapy. Sarah gets the bill and pays it (10 minutes).
• Sarah looks at her budget spreadsheet on Wednesday. She knows she’s spent more on core supports than she had planned. She changes her plans for the rest of the month (30 minutes).
• No services on Thursday. Sarah updates records and files invoices (15 minutes).
• Friday: The support worker comes. Sarah pays (for 15 minutes).
• Sarah doesn’t have to worry about NDIS money on the weekend.

The week’s total time: About 1 hour and 25 minutes

David (Managed by Plan):

• Monday: The support worker comes. David takes a picture of the bill and sends it to the plan manager by email (2 minutes).
• Tuesday: therapy for work. David sends the bill (2 minutes).
• Wednesday: David checks the budget on the Plan Manager portal for five minutes.
• No services on Thursday. David doesn’t do anything.
• Friday: The support worker comes. David sends the bill (2 minutes).
• On the weekend, David gets an email from the plan manager with a summary of his monthly budget.

Total time for the week: About 11 minutes

David spends about an hour less a week on NDIS administration. That’s about 50 hours saved over the course of a year. That time is important to a lot of people.

Part 6: How to Choose—Finding the Right One for You

It’s up to you whether you want to manage your own plans or let someone else do it. There is no right or wrong answer; only what works best for you, your life, and your situation.

Things to Ask Yourself

Here are some questions to help you make up your mind. Be honest with yourself; no one will judge your answers.

1. What do you think about paperwork?

• If you love it and find it satisfying, self-management might be a good fit for you.
• I hate it and find it stressful; planning management is probably better.

2. How well do you keep track of your money?

• Very organised and keeps track of everything; self-management might work.
• Plan management keeps you safe by helping you remember bills and receipts.

3. How long do you have?

• You have a lot of time; enjoy doing administrative tasks; you can manage yourself.
• Life is busy; I prefer to focus on other things: Managing plans saves time.

4. Do you have help from family?

• If a family member is willing and able to help, self-management might work.
• Family is already busy or doesn’t want to be responsible; planning management makes it easier.

5. How well do you know how to use technology?

• Self-management is possible if you are comfortable with online portals, apps, and spreadsheets.
• Choose simple solutions: plan management makes the tech side easier.

6. How much risk are you willing to take?

• Being able to handle your own budget is easier when you are in charge of your own life.
• Want a safety net? Plan management keeps an eye on things.

Situations: Which Option Is Best for Each

Self-management is often a good choice for:

• The participant who is organised: You are naturally organised, like making budgets, and have systems in place.
• The sole trader supporter: You want to hire yourself (if you’re a participant who also helps others) or be in charge of a small group of workers directly.
• The experienced NDIS user: You’ve been using the programme for years and know how it works.
• The family that wants direct control: A family member is willing to help out by taking on the role of administrator.
• The participant with simple supports: You only have one or two regular providers, which makes it easy to keep track of.

Plan management is often a good choice for:

• The beginner: You’re new to NDIS and want help from professionals while you learn.
• The busy professional: You have work, family, and other things to do. You don’t want NDIS admin to make things harder for you.
• The person who has a lot of needs: You have a lot of different providers, like therapists, support workers, and specialists. The admin adds up fast.
• The person who finds money stressful: You get anxious when you have to deal with money. Have someone else take care of it.
• The family carer: You’re already giving hands-on help. You don’t want to have to worry about money.
• The participant with cognitive difficulties—such as memory, organisation, or numeracy—faces challenges in self-management.
• The person who values professional oversight: You want someone to keep an eye on your budget so you don’t spend too much.

A Word About Being Flexible

One great thing about the NDIS is that you don’t have to stick with one way of managing things forever. You can:

• While you’re learning the ropes, start with plan management. If you want more direct control later, switch to self-management.
• If self-management gets too hard, switch to plan management.
• It’s less common, but you can have different managers for different parts of your plan if you get permission.

You are in charge of your NDIS journey. As your needs and circumstances change, so can the way you manage.

Part 7: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Plan Management

If you’ve decided that plan management is the right choice for you, here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Ask for Plan Management at Your Planning Meeting

The first thing you need to do is let the NDIS know that you want your plan to be managed by them. You do this when you meet with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to plan.

What to say:
“I want my NDIS money to be managed by a plan.” I want to be able to choose my own providers, but I don’t want to have to deal with the money side of things myself. Please add funding for plan management to my plan.

You can ask for a plan review to add plan management if you already have a plan and it isn’t managed by a plan. But unless your situation has changed a lot, it’s usually better to wait until your next scheduled review.

Step 2: Look into and pick a plan manager

You need to pick a plan manager after you have added plan management funding to your plan. Here’s what to look for:

Important things to think about:

• Communication: Do they answer emails and phone calls quickly? Do they make things clear?
• Technology: Do they have a website or an app? Is it simple to use?
• Fees: Do they make their fees clear? Most are, but it’s always good to check.
• What do other people say about them in reviews?
• Location: Many work across the country, but some prefer to meet in person with local providers.
• Support: Do they offer extra help, like advice on how to make a budget or help with provider agreements?

Things to think about before signing up:

• How fast do you handle invoices?
• What do I do if I need to pay right away?
• How do I send you bills?
• How can I find out how much money I have left?
• What should I do if I have a question or a problem?
• Do you charge more than the NDIS funding?

How to find plan managers:

• Ask your support coordinator, if you have one.
• Talk to other people who are part of the NDIS
• Search the web for reviews.
• Call your local NDIS office for suggestions.
• Look at lists of NDIS providers

Step 3: Sign a Contract for Services

After you pick a plan manager, they will send you a service agreement. This is a formal paper that lists:

• What kinds of help they will give
• Their fees, which are paid by your plan,
• What you need to do
• How to end the deal if you need to

Before you sign, read this carefully. Ask questions if anything is not clear.

Step 4: Provide Your Plan Details

Your plan manager needs to know what funding you have. You’ll need to give them:

• Your NDIS plan (a copy of your plan details)
• Your NDIS number
• Your contact details

Many plan managers will handle this for you. They may ask you to sign a form authorising them to access your plan details from the NDIA.

Step 5: Set Up Your Systems

Most plan managers have an online portal or app. Take time to:

• Log in and familiarize yourself with the system
• Set up your notification preferences (email, SMS)
• Learn how to submit invoices (some use email, some have upload features)
• Understand how to check your budget

Step 6: Start Using Your Plan Manager

Now you’re ready to go. When you receive services:

1. Get an invoice from your provider
2. Forward the invoice to your Plan Manager (by email, app upload, or whatever method they use)
3. Your Plan Manager pays the provider
4. Check your portal regularly to monitor spending

Part 8: Common Questions from Beginners

We’ve covered a lot, but you probably still have questions. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from beginners.

1. Can I change from self-managed to plan-managed later?

Yes, absolutely. You can request a change at your plan review meeting. Simply tell your planner that you’d like to add plan management to your next plan. If your circumstances have changed significantly (for example, your health has declined and you can no longer manage finances), you can request a plan review sooner.

2. Does plan management cost me anything out of pocket?

No. The NDIS includes a specific budget for plan management. This money cannot be used for other supports like therapy or support workers. If you don’t use plan management, that money sits unused in your plan. So you’re not losing anything by using it.

3. What’s the difference between a plan manager and a support coordinator?

This is one of the most common confusions. Here’s the simple difference:

Think of it this way: your plan manager looks after your wallet. Your support coordinator looks after your life – helping you find the right support, build skills, and achieve your goals.

4. What’s the difference between registered and unregistered providers?

• Registered providers: Have gone through an NDIS registration process. They meet quality standards and can claim payment directly from the NDIS.
• Unregistered providers: Haven’t gone through registration. They can only be used if you are self-managed or plan-managed.

With self-management or plan-management, you can use either. With NDIA management, you can only use registered providers.

5. Can I use a family member as a provider?

In some circumstances, yes. If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can hire family members to provide support. However, there are rules:

• The support must be related to your disability
• You cannot hire a family member who lives with you for daily supports (there are exceptions)
• You must have a proper service agreement
• Rates must be reasonable

It’s best to talk to your plan manager or support coordinator about this if you’re considering it.

6. What will happen if I spend too much?6. What happens if I overspend?

• If you manage yourself, you are in charge of the overspend. It won’t be covered by the NDIS. You would have to pay the extra yourself or talk to your provider about it.
• If you have a plan manager, they should let you know before you go over your budget. It’s still your fault if you spend too much, but good plan managers help you stay on track.

7. How can I tell if a provider is charging me the right amount?

Every year, the NDIS puts out a price guide that shows the most you can pay for different kinds of support. Your plan manager can look into this for you. You can find the Price Guide on the NDIS website if you manage yourself.

8. Is it possible to have different managers for different parts of my plan?

It can happen, but it doesn’t happen very often. Some participants opt to self-manage their core supports for greater flexibility with support workers, while their capacity-building supports are managed by the NDIA, provided they are utilising registered therapists. Ask your planner about this choice.

9. What should I do if my plan manager isn’t working?

You can switch plan managers. Most service agreements let you end the deal with notice, which is usually 30 days. After that, you can pick a new plan manager. Your money will go to the new provider.

10. If I have a plan manager, do I need a support coordinator?

Not always. A plan manager and a support coordinator do different things. You might not need a support coordinator if you are sure you can find providers and understand your plan. But a lot of people think having both is useful because one takes care of money and the other takes care of everything else.

Part 9: Tips for success—how to make your management work

These tips will help you succeed no matter if you choose to manage yourself or plan.

To be successful at self-management

1. Make it easy to keep track of every bill by using a spreadsheet, a notebook, or an app. Date of record, provider, service, amount, and budget category.
2. Make a weekly plan: Take 30 minutes every week to go through your bills, update your records, and check your budget.
3. Know what your budget is for: Know how much you have in your core, capacity building, and capital. Track each one separately.
4. Keep digital copies of all your bills by scanning or taking pictures of them. Put them in folders on your computer or in the cloud that are clearly labelled.
5. Use the NDIS app: The NDIS app for mobile devices makes it easier to get paid. Get to know it.
6. Don’t wait to claim: claim payments right away so you always know how much money you have.
7. Get help: If you’re having trouble, talk to your support coordinator. At any review, you can also switch to plan management.

To Make Your Plan Work

1. Make a smart choice: Spend some time looking into plan managers. Read reviews, ask questions, and choose one that talks to you well.
2. Make a habit of sending invoices right away by setting a routine. Take a picture with your phone and send it right away. Don’t let bills pile up.
3. Look at your portal often: Log in once a week to check your balances. This helps you keep track of how much you spend.
4. Understand your reports. If you don’t understand your budget report, ask your plan manager to explain it to you.
5. Talk: If you have questions or worries, say something. Managers of good plans want to help.
6. Keep your own records as well: Even if you have a plan manager, make a simple list of providers and services. It helps you be more aware.

For Both Ways of Managing

1. Get service agreements: Always have a written agreement with the people who provide you with services. It should say what services they offer, how much they cost, and what to do if you need to cancel.
2. Request invoices: Always ask for a proper bill. It should have:

• Name of the provider and ABN
• Your name
• Date of service
• What the service is
• Time and money
• Date of the bill

1. Hold on to everything: Keep all of your service agreements and bills. You might need them if the NDIS looks over your plan.
2. Your Local Area Coordinator is there to help, so keep in touch with them. If you have questions or concerns about your plan, get in touch with them.
3. Look over often: Check your progress before your yearly review. Check your goals and spending every few months.

Part 10: Making Your Choice—It’s Easy

You now have all the information you need to make a smart choice. Let’s make the process of making decisions easier.

A Basic Guide to Making Decisions

Step 1: Think about how much time and skill you have

• Self-management is possible if you have time and like doing admin work.
• If you’re busy or stressed out by admin work, plan management is probably better.

Step 2: Think about the people who are there for you

• Self-management is an option if you have a family member who can and wants to help.
• If your family is already busy or doesn’t want to deal with money, plan management makes things easier.

Step 3: Think about how comfortable you are with risk.

• Self-management gives you direct control if you are good at keeping track of budgets and won’t miss spending too much.
• If you want someone to keep an eye on your budget, plan management is the way to go.

Step 4: Think about your time with the NDIS

• Self-management is possible if you know the NDIS rules and have experience.
• Plan management gives expert help if you’re new and still learning.

A Tip for Newbies

If you’re new to the NDIS, here’s what we honestly think you should do:

Start with managing your plans.

This is why:

• It lets you choose any provider you want.
• It takes away the stress of managing money while you learn.
• It keeps an eye on things professionally to avoid costly mistakes.
• If you want to, you can always switch to self-management later.

Plan management is like training wheels. It