NDIS Plan Management vs Self-Management vs Agency-Managed
When you receive your NDIS plan, you have three options for how your funding is managed. Each has different levels of choice, responsibility, and administrative burden. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide.
At a Glance
| Feature | Agency-Managed | Plan-Managed | Self-Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider choice | Registered only | Registered + unregistered | Registered + unregistered |
| Who pays providers | NDIA | Plan manager | You |
| Admin burden | None | Minimal | High |
| Budget tracking | Limited visibility | Regular statements | You track it |
| Compliance | NDIA handles it | Plan manager handles it | Your responsibility |
| Cost to you | Free | Free (NDIS funded) | Free but time-consuming |
Agency-Managed (NDIA-Managed)
With agency management, the NDIA pays your providers directly. You do not need to handle any invoices or financial paperwork.
Pros:
- No administrative responsibility
- The NDIA handles everything
Cons:
- You can only use NDIS-registered providers
- Less flexibility in provider choice
- Less visibility over your budget in real time
- Slower payment processing for providers
Agency management suits participants who are happy using only registered providers and prefer to have the NDIA handle everything.
Plan-Managed
With plan management, a registered plan manager like Ripper Plan Management handles the financial administration. Your providers send invoices to your plan manager, who processes payments and tracks your budget.
Pros:
- Use both registered and non-registered providers
- No administrative burden — your plan manager handles invoicing, payments, and compliance
- Regular budget statements and financial reporting
- Fast invoice processing (within 2 business days at Ripper PM)
- Funded by the NDIS at no cost to you
Cons:
- You need to choose and engage a plan manager (but this is straightforward)
Plan management suits participants who want maximum provider choice without the administrative workload. It is the most popular management option among NDIS participants.
Self-Managed
With self-management, you take full control of your NDIS finances. You pay providers directly, submit claims to the NDIA, and keep detailed financial records.
Pros:
- Complete control over every financial decision
- Use both registered and non-registered providers
- You can negotiate prices with providers
Cons:
- Significant administrative burden — invoicing, claiming, record keeping
- You are responsible for NDIS compliance
- You must keep detailed records for auditing purposes
- Managing GST and provider payments can be complex
Self-management suits participants who are comfortable with financial administration and want total control over every detail of their plan.
Can I Combine Options?
Yes. You can have different management types for different funding categories in your plan. For example, you might plan-manage your Core supports and self-manage your Capacity Building budget. Discuss this with your LAC or planner at your plan meeting.
Which Should You Choose?
For most participants, plan management offers the best balance — you get full provider choice with none of the administrative burden, and it is funded separately by the NDIS so it costs you nothing.
If you would like to explore plan management, complete a referral with Ripper Plan Management or call us on 03 9022 1229.