If your NDIS funding is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose from the widest range of providers, registered or unregistered. With NDIS self-management, you pay your providers and claim from your plan yourself. With plan management, a registered plan manager pays your providers for you.
This guide explains how each option works in practice, the steps to access NDIS support services under each, and tips for keeping on top of your funding.
Understanding NDIS self-management
NDIS self-management means you, your plan nominee or your child representative manage the funding directly. You choose your supports and providers, agree on what they cost, pay the invoices and keep the records.
The NDIS says self-managers can use registered and unregistered providers, negotiate prices above or below the NDIS price limits, and directly employ or contract their own staff. In return, you are responsible for making your funding last and for spending it only on NDIS supports that match your plan.
Understanding plan management
With plan management, a registered plan manager pays your providers and manages your financial records. You still choose your supports and providers, and you can still use registered or unregistered providers. The NDIS price limits apply, and the NDIA can include separate funding in your plan to pay for the plan manager.
For a side-by-side view, see NDIS self-managed vs plan-managed.
Accessing services when you are self-managed
- Find and connect. Choose a provider that fits you. Check that the support matches your plan.
- Agree on the details. Talk through what will be delivered, when, and what it will cost. Put it in a service agreement.
- Receive your support. Your provider delivers the supports you agreed on.
- Pay and claim. The NDIS gives two options. The NDIS can pay you first and you then pay the provider, or you pay the provider and the NDIS pays you back.
- Keep your records. The NDIS says to keep receipts, invoices and other records for 5 years.
Claim as soon as you can after a support is delivered. The NDIS says claims lodged more than 90 days after the support may be held for review.
Accessing services when you are plan-managed
- Find and connect. Choose the providers you want to work with.
- Tell your plan manager. Let them know which providers you are using and check the supports are covered by your plan.
- Receive your support. Your sessions go ahead as planned.
- Your plan manager pays. The provider sends invoices to your plan manager, who pays them from your plan and keeps the records.
Your plan manager should send you regular statements so you can see how your funding is tracking.
Supports you can access either way
What you can use depends on the supports in your plan. Supports available through Good Company include:
- NDIS mentoring: work alongside a mentor to build confidence, develop skills and move towards your goals.
- Employment support: explore what work suits you, build work skills and get support on the job.
- School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES): build skills for the move from school to work.
- Microenterprise support: build the skills and confidence to work for yourself.
- Social and community participation: get out, meet people and take part in your community.
- Self care: build routines that support your wellbeing.
Tips for effective self-management
- Use a separate bank account. The NDIS says a separate account makes it easier to track money in and out.
- Track your budget. You can check your funding in the participant portal or the my NDIS app.
- Claim promptly. Do not let invoices pile up.
- Keep complete records. Each record should show the provider’s name and ABN, the dates, a short description of the support, the amount and the total paid.
Tips for effective plan management
- Choose a responsive plan manager. Look for clear communication and easy-to-read statements.
- Read your statements. Check them regularly so there are no surprises.
- Stay in charge. Your plan manager handles payments, but you choose your supports and providers.
When to change how your plan is managed
If the paperwork of self-management becomes too much, or you want more control than plan management gives you, you can switch. The NDIS says you can ask to change how your plan is managed at any time. It is usually done through a plan variation, so you do not have to wait for a new plan.
How Good Company can help
At Good Company we call our support workers mentors. We match you with a mentor based on personality, interests and location, and you see every rate in writing before support starts. We support NDIS participants in Perth, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide. To talk about your goals, get in touch.
NDIS self-management: frequently asked questions
Can I use unregistered providers if I self-manage?
Yes. The NDIS says self-managers can use both registered and unregistered providers. Some regulated supports, such as behaviour support, must come from a registered provider.
Do I have to pay providers out of my own pocket first?
No. The NDIS gives two options: it can pay you first so you can pay the provider, or you can pay the provider and claim the money back.
How long do I need to keep records when I self-manage?
The NDIS says to keep receipts, invoices and other records for 5 years.
Can plan-managed participants pay more than the NDIS price limits?
No. The NDIS price limits apply to plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants.
Sources and further reading
- NDIS: What is self-managed funding
- NDIS: How to self-manage your funding
- NDIS: Guide to your management options
- NDIS: What is a provider
This article is general information only and was current at 13 October 2026. NDIS rules, and how they apply to individual plans, can change, and we can’t guarantee the article is complete or up to date. It is not advice about your plan and you should not rely on it to make decisions about your supports. Check ndis.gov.au, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110, or speak with your support coordinator or plan manager. Good Company Disability Services is an independent provider and is not affiliated with the NDIS or the NDIA.
