Three Ways to Manage NDIS Funding
Every NDIS plan is managed in one of three ways, or a combination of them. Understanding the difference helps when choosing providers and understanding what paperwork, if any, falls to you.
Self-Managed
The participant (or their nominee) manages the funding directly, including paying providers and keeping records. This offers the most flexibility, including the option to use non-registered providers, but comes with more administrative responsibility.
Plan-Managed
A plan manager, funded separately within the plan, handles invoicing and payments on the participant's behalf. This offers a middle ground: participants can still use registered or non-registered providers, without managing the paperwork directly.
NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)
The NDIA pays providers directly. Participants using this option must use NDIS-registered providers, and funding is tracked through the NDIS portal.
Does This Affect Which Provider I Can Use?
If your plan is NDIA-managed, you'll need a registered provider like Brighter Support Care. If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you have more flexibility, but choosing a registered provider still means your support is measured against the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct.