Introduction

If you’re new to the NDIS — or even a few years in — the different funding management options can be confusing.

Should you go agency-managed for simplicity? Plan-managed for flexibility? Or self-managed for full control?

In this guide, we break down the three main NDIS fund management types, explain how they work, who they suit best, and what providers and participants need to know to stay compliant and in control.

Why Funding Management Matters

How your NDIS plan is managed determines:

• Who pays providers
• Which providers you can use
• Who handles paperwork and invoices
• The level of choice and control you have

Choosing the right option can save time, reduce stress, and give you more value from your NDIS plan.

⚖️ 1. Agency-Managed (NDIA-Managed)

What It Is:

The NDIA pays providers directly from your NDIS budget.

Key Features:

• Only NDIS-registered providers can be used
• No invoices or admin for participants
• Managed through the NDIS myplace portal

Best For:

Participants who:

• Prefer a low-maintenance option
• Are happy using only registered providers
• May have complex plans or require lots of support

Pros:

✅ Less admin

✅ Built-in safeguards

✅ Useful for high-support needs

Cons:

❌ Limited provider choice (no unregistered providers)

❌ Less control over spending

💼 2. Plan-Managed

What It Is:

A Plan Manager (third-party) handles your NDIS finances and pays providers on your behalf.

Key Features:

• Can use both registered and unregistered providers
• Plan manager handles invoices and reporting
• Still monitored by the NDIA

Best For:

Participants who want:

• More flexibility than agency-managed
• Less admin than self-managed
• Help keeping track of spending

Pros:

✅ Flexible provider access

✅ Low admin load

✅ Great balance of support + control

Cons:

❌ You rely on the plan manager to be responsive and accurate

❌ Some limits still apply around item claims and rules

🧾 3. Self-Managed

What It Is:

The participant (or nominee) manages all NDIS funds themselves.

Key Features:

• Full control over which providers are used
• Can use unregistered providers
• Participant handles payments, receipts, and budgets

Best For:

Participants who:

• Want total flexibility and autonomy
• Have capacity (or support) to manage finances
• Want to negotiate prices or use unique services

Pros:

✅ Maximum choice

✅ Can negotiate rates

✅ Use community supports not listed on NDIS

Cons:

❌ Full responsibility for record-keeping

❌ Must stay on top of NDIS rules and invoices

❌ Not ideal for participants needing high admin support

Case Scenario: What It Looks Like in Practice

Meet Sarah

She uses a support worker who isn’t NDIS-registered. That means:

• ✅ Self-managed and plan-managed = OK
• ❌ Agency-managed = Not possible

Sarah prefers not to deal with finances. So she chooses plan-managed — gaining flexibility while her plan manager handles the admin.

What Providers Need to Know

If you're an NDIS provider:

• You must be registered to work with agency-managed participants
• Unregistered providers can only work with plan/self-managed participants
• Your billing and service agreements may differ depending on how a plan is managed

Assist Providers can help you understand how to adapt your services to all management types.

How Assist Providers Can Help

Whether you’re a participant navigating funding options or a provider wanting to reach more clients, we help you stay compliant, flexible, and informed.

• ✅ NDIS business support
• ✅ Participant education
• ✅ Funding model breakdowns
• ✅ Admin systems to track invoices

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between agency, plan, and self-managed NDIS funding isn’t just technical — it’s critical for getting the most out of your plan or business.

The right option depends on your goals, needs, and how much control you want. The great news? You can mix and match! Many participants choose one method for core supports and another for therapies.