How to Easily Switch Your NDIS Plan from Self to Plan Managed
Managing your NDIS funding yourself can give you a high level of choice and control. But it also means keeping track of invoices, paying providers, submitting claims and monitoring your budget.
If managing these responsibilities is becoming difficult, you can ask the NDIS to change how your funding is managed from self-managed to plan-managed.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to wait for your current NDIS plan to end. You can ask to change your funding management type during your plan, and the NDIS may update your current plan if they agree to the request.
What is the Difference Between Self-management & Plan Management?
Self-Management:
You, your nominee or representative are responsible for paying providers, keeping financial records and claiming the relevant funding through the NDIS system.
Plan-Managed Funding:
A registered plan manager handles the financial administration for your plan-managed support. This can include processing claims, paying providers, keeping records and providing information about your spending.
Importantly, moving to plan management does not mean giving up control over your NDIS support. You can still choose the providers you want, where permitted, and remain responsible for deciding which supports you purchase.
Why Should You Switch to Plan Management?
Self-managing your NDIS plan gives you control, but keeping track of budgets, invoices and provider payments can become time-consuming. If managing the administrative side of your plan is starting to feel like a burden, switching to plan management can make things simpler.
You should consider plan management if:
- You find invoices and payments difficult to keep up with.
- You don’t have enough time to manage your NDIS finances.
- You want help keeping financial records.
- You want regular reports on your NDIS spending.
- You want to reduce the administrative workload associated with your plan.
- You want to work with both registered and unregistered providers where the NDIS rules allow it.
A plan manager can take care of much of the financial administration while you continue making decisions about your support.
How to Change Your NDIS Plan from Self-Managed to Plan-Managed
1. Talk To Your My Ndis Contact
The first step is to let the NDIS know that you want to change your funding management arrangement.
You can speak with your NDIS contact and explain why you would like your funding to become plan-managed.
The NDIS states that participants can ask to change how their plan is managed and don’t necessarily need to wait for a new plan to be created. If the NDIS agrees, your current plan can be updated.
2. Ask for Plan Management Funding
Plan management requires funding for a plan manager to be included in your NDIS plan.
This funding is separate from your other NDIS support budgets and is specifically intended to pay for plan management.
The NDIS will determine the appropriate arrangement based on your circumstances and plan.
3. Choose A Registered Plan Manager
Once plan management is approved, you can choose the plan manager you want to work with.
Your plan manager must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. You can research providers yourself, use the NDIS provider finder, or ask people you trust or your support network for recommendations.
Before choosing one, consider asking about:
- How they handle provider invoices and claims
- How often you receive spending reports
- How they communicate with participants
- What information they need from you
- Their service agreement
- How they handle questions or payment issues
For a more detailed checklist, see our guide on questions to ask when choosing an NDIS plan manager.
4. Set Up A Service Agreement
After choosing a plan manager, you’ll generally enter into a service agreement with them.
The agreement should explain the services they will provide, how those services will be delivered, how long the arrangement applies and the associated costs.
Take the time to understand the agreement before proceeding.
5. Connect Your Plan Manager To Your NDIS Plan
Your plan manager needs to be recorded as a “my provider” before they can be paid for providing plan management.
This can be done through the participant portal, or you can tell the NDIS during your plan-related discussions. Your plan manager may also send you a relationship request through the portal, which you can accept.
6. Tell Your Providers About The Change
Once the switch is completed, let your support providers know that your funding is now plan-managed.
Your providers can then send relevant invoices to your plan manager rather than expecting you to manage the payment and claim process yourself.
It’s also worth keeping track of any outstanding invoices from before the change so there is no confusion about which organisation should process them.
Can You Switch To Plan Management Before Your Current Plan Ends?
Yes, you can ask to change your funding management type during your existing plan.
The NDIS says you don’t have to wait until a new plan is created to request a change. If the NDIS agrees, it can update your current plan.
However, the change isn’t something you should assume happens automatically. Speak with your NDIS contact and confirm the new arrangement before changing how you handle payments or claims.
Will You Lose Choice and Control If You Become Plan-Managed?
No. Plan management doesn’t mean that the plan manager takes over decisions about your life or supports.
You continue to choose your providers and are responsible for ensuring that the supports you purchase are in line with your NDIS plan. You also remain responsible for monitoring your funding and avoiding overspending.
The main difference is who handles the financial administration. Instead of managing payments and records yourself, a registered plan manager can handle those tasks for your plan-managed funding.
What Should You Look For In An Ndis Plan Manager?
Choosing the Best NDIS Plan Management Agency in Australia can make the transition much easier.
Look beyond simply choosing the first available provider. Consider whether the plan manager:
- Communicates clearly and responds promptly
- Provides regular and understandable spending reports
- Has a straightforward onboarding process
- Understands NDIS requirements
- Handles provider invoices efficiently
- Gives you visibility over your remaining funding
- Clearly explains its service agreement and processes
A good plan manager should reduce administrative stress while helping you stay informed and in control of your NDIS funding.
Ready to Move from Self-Management to Plan Management?
Managing your NDIS funding yourself can take time and effort. If keeping up with invoices, payments and plan administration is becoming difficult, switching to plan management can take some of that responsibility off your hands; giving you more time to focus on your support and goals.
The process starts with speaking to your “my NDIS contact” and asking about changing your funding management type. Once plan management is approved, you can choose a registered plan manager to handle the financial administration while you continue to have choice and control over your support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change from self-managed to plan-managed at any time?
You can ask the NDIS to change how your funding is managed during your plan. You don’t necessarily need to wait until your current plan ends.
Do I need to choose a plan manager before asking the NDIS to change my plan?
You can first speak with your “my NDIS contact” about requesting plan management. Once the appropriate funding arrangement is established, you can choose a registered plan manager.
Can I still choose my own NDIS providers after switching?
Yes. Plan management generally allows you to choose your providers, including registered and unregistered providers where permitted under NDIS requirements.
Does a plan manager control my NDIS plan?
No. A plan manager primarily manages the financial administration of your plan-managed funding. You remain responsible for choosing your supports and providers and monitoring your funding.
Can I change my plan manager later?
Yes. The NDIS states that participants can change their plan manager at any time. If you want to change or remove a plan manager, you should notify the NDIS and follow the relevant process.
