When you receive your NDIS plan, one of the first decisions you need to make is how your funding will be managed. This choice affects which providers you can use, how invoices are handled, and how much control you have over your supports.
There are three NDIS plan management options: self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed. Each works differently, and the right choice depends on your circumstances, goals, and how much administrative involvement you want.
In this guide, we explain each option clearly, compare them side by side, and show how your management type affects your ability to work with providers like Flourish Health. Whether you are a new NDIS participant or considering a change, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Flourish Health works with plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants only. We are an NDIS-aligned, unregistered provider, so we cannot deliver NDIA-managed supports.
The Three NDIS Plan Management Options
Every NDIS participant’s plan is managed in one of three ways. Your management type affects how providers are paid and whether registered or unregistered providers can generally be used.
The NDIS publishes official guidance on plan management and funding use. This guide explains the practical differences and how they affect access to providers like Flourish Health.
1. NDIA-Managed
When your plan is NDIA-managed, the National Disability Insurance Agency directly manages your funding. Providers submit their invoices to the NDIA, and the NDIA pays them on your behalf. You do not need to manage any financial paperwork.
How it works:
- Providers submit invoices directly to the NDIA
- The NDIA pays providers on your behalf
- You can only use providers registered through the NDIS - unregistered providers cannot be paid from NDIA-managed budgets
Who it suits: Participants who prefer a hands-off approach to financial administration and are comfortable choosing from providers registered through the NDIS only.
Things to consider: NDIA-managed plans limit your provider choice to registered providers only. Many allied health practices, including smaller and specialist providers, are not registered through the NDIS. This means you may have fewer options for services like in-home occupational therapy or telehealth sessions.
Flourish Health is an NDIS-aligned (unregistered) provider. We work exclusively with plan-managed and self-managed participants. If your plan is NDIA-managed and you want to access our services, you can ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed. The NDIA will update your current plan only if it agrees.
2. Plan-Managed
A plan manager is a registered provider who handles the financial administration of your NDIS plan on your behalf. They receive invoices from your providers, pay them, track your budget, and give you regular spending reports.
How it works:
- Your providers send invoices to your plan manager (not to you)
- The plan manager pays providers and claims from the NDIA
- You receive monthly statements showing your budget position
- Plan management is funded from a separate line item in your plan, so it does not reduce your other funding
- You can generally access registered and unregistered providers; some supports must use registered providers
Who it suits: Participants who want access to both registered and unregistered providers without the administrative workload of self-management. It can suit people who want wide provider choice with minimal paperwork.
Things to consider: You will need to choose a plan manager you trust. Your plan manager handles finances only - they do not coordinate your supports (that is your support coordinator’s role). It is worth asking prospective plan managers about their response times, reporting frequency, and whether they use a participant portal or app for real-time budget tracking.
3. Self-Managed
With self-management, you take full control of your NDIS funding. You pay providers directly, submit payment requests through the my NDIS participant portal or NDIS app, and keep your own financial records.
What this means in practice:
- You receive invoices from your providers and pay them yourself
- You claim reimbursement through the my NDIS participant portal or NDIS app
- You track your own budget and spending across support categories
- You can generally use both registered and unregistered providers, but some supports must use registered providers
- The NDIS may ask you to provide acquittals demonstrating funds were spent on disability-related supports
Who it suits: Participants who are confident managing finances and want maximum choice over their providers and how supports are delivered. Some families find self-management works well because a family member can handle the administration.
Things to consider: Self-management requires organisation and time. You are responsible for checking that invoices are correct, that services fall within your plan, and that you do not overspend in any category. If financial administration is not your strength, plan management may be a better fit.
Comparing the Three Options
The table below summarises the key differences between self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed plans.
| Feature | NDIA-Managed | Plan-Managed | Self-Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays providers | NDIA pays directly | Plan manager pays | You pay, then claim back |
| Provider choice | Registered providers | Registered or unregistered for most supports* | Registered or unregistered for most supports* |
| Works with Flourish Health | No | Yes | Yes |
| Financial tracking | NDIA manages it | Plan manager provides reports | You manage it |
* Some supports, including specialist disability accommodation, plan management and certain behaviour supports, must use registered providers.
The key takeaway: if you want access to a wide range of providers, including NDIS-aligned practices like Flourish Health, you need either plan-managed or self-managed funding.
How Your Plan Management Type Affects Working with Flourish Health
This is an important point that many participants miss: your plan management type determines which providers you can access.
Flourish Health Australia is an NDIS-aligned allied health practice. We are not registered through the NDIS, which means we work with self-managed and plan-managed participants only. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you cannot use our services unless you request a change to your management type.
Here is how each management type works when you engage Flourish Health for services such as occupational therapy for NDIS participants:
If You Are Plan-Managed
For plan-managed participants, the process is:
- You submit a referral online or your support coordinator refers you to Flourish Health
- We provide your occupational therapy sessions (in-home visits across Melbourne or telehealth across Victoria)
- We send invoices directly to your plan manager
- Your plan manager pays us and updates your budget records
Your plan manager handles provider payments and financial records. You remain responsible for monitoring your funding, authorising claims and managing your provider relationships.
If You Are Self-Managed
Self-managed participants work with us directly:
- You submit a referral or contact us to get started
- We provide your occupational therapy sessions
- We send invoices to you after each session
- You pay the invoice and claim reimbursement through the my NDIS participant portal or NDIS app
We confirm service arrangements before therapy begins, including what will be delivered and how invoices are handled.
If You Are NDIA-Managed
NDIA-managed participants cannot use Flourish Health for those supports because we are not registered through the NDIS. If you would like to work with us, you can ask the NDIA whether your plan management type can be changed. The NDIA decides whether to agree to that request.
Why is Flourish Health NDIS-aligned rather than registered through the NDIS? Many quality allied health providers choose to operate as NDIS-aligned rather than registered through the NDIS. This allows us to maintain clinical flexibility, reduce administrative overhead, and pass those efficiencies on to participants through responsive, personalised care. Our occupational therapists are all AHPRA-registered and bound by the same professional and ethical standards as any registered provider.
How to Change Your Plan Management Type
You can ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed. The NDIS guide to management options says you do not need to wait for a new plan, but the NDIA must agree before your current plan is updated.
At a plan meeting or reassessment: Tell your NDIA planner or my NDIS contact that you want to discuss a different management type.
During your current plan: Contact your my NDIS contact or the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to ask whether your plan management type can be changed. A request does not guarantee that the NDIA will approve the change.
Combining management types: You can split your plan across management types. For example, you could self-manage your core supports while having a plan manager handle your capacity building budget. Discuss this with your planner to find the arrangement that suits you.
For more information, speak with your planner, Local Area Coordinator, support coordinator, or the NDIA contact centre.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your NDIS Plan
Regardless of which management type you choose, these practical tips will help you make the most of your NDIS funding:
1. Understand your budget categories. Your NDIS plan divides funding into categories (core, capacity building, capital). Know what each category covers so you can make informed decisions about your supports. If you are unsure, your plan manager or support coordinator can walk you through it.
2. Keep records. Even if you are plan-managed, keep copies of your service agreements and session notes. This makes plan reviews smoother and helps you demonstrate progress towards your goals.
3. Communicate with your providers. Let your occupational therapist or other providers know your NDIS goals. At Flourish Health, we align our OT services with your NDIS goals so that progress is clearly documented for your next plan review.
4. Review your plan regularly. Do not wait until your plan review to check your spending. If you are plan-managed, your plan manager should provide regular statements. If you are self-managed, check the my NDIS participant portal or NDIS app regularly to avoid overspending in any category.
5. Ask about a Functional Capacity Assessment. If you feel your plan does not adequately reflect your needs, a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) can provide evidence to support a plan review request. An FCA documents how your disability affects daily activities and what level of support you need. You can read more about how FCAs work in our guide to NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments.
6. Explore all the supports available to you. Many participants are not aware of the full range of supports their plan can fund. Occupational therapy covers much more than most people expect - from daily living skills and sensory regulation to home modifications and assistive technology. If you or a family member lives with autism or ADHD, occupational therapy can target the specific functional challenges that affect everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my plan management type?
You can ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed without waiting for a new plan. Speak with your my NDIS contact or call 1800 800 110. The NDIA will consider the request and update your current plan only if it agrees.
What is the difference between plan-managed and self-managed?
With plan management, a registered plan manager receives invoices from providers, pays them, tracks spending, and gives you regular reports. With self-management, you handle this yourself: paying providers directly, claiming reimbursement through the my NDIS participant portal or NDIS app, and keeping your own financial records. Both options generally allow registered and unregistered providers, although some supports must use registered providers.
Does plan management use my therapy budget?
Funding for a plan manager is separate from your other NDIS supports and can only be used for plan-management services.
Can I use unregistered providers with plan management?
Generally, yes. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use unregistered (NDIS-aligned) providers for most supports, although some supports must use registered providers. Flourish Health is an NDIS-aligned provider, so you can access our occupational therapy services if you are plan-managed or self-managed.
How do I find a plan manager?
Your my NDIS contact, Local Area Coordinator, support coordinator, family, or other people you trust may help you identify registered plan managers. You can also research registered plan managers online. When comparing them, ask about response times, budget reporting, participant portals, and how they handle questions or disputed invoices.
Can I use Flourish Health if my plan is NDIA-managed?
No. Flourish Health is NDIS-aligned but not registered through the NDIS, so we work with self-managed and plan-managed participants only. If you are currently NDIA-managed, you can ask your my NDIS contact or the NDIA whether your management type can be changed. The NDIA decides whether to agree to that request.
What is the difference between a plan manager and a support coordinator?
A plan manager handles your finances - paying invoices, tracking budgets, and providing spending statements. A support coordinator helps you find and connect with providers, build your capacity to manage your own supports, and navigate the NDIS system. They are separate roles funded from different budget categories. You can have both a plan manager and a support coordinator at the same time.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are plan-managed or self-managed, Flourish Health’s AHPRA-registered occupational therapists can help you make the most of your NDIS plan. We provide in-home and telehealth OT across Melbourne, with services aligned to your NDIS goals.
- Make a referral to get started - no GP referral required
- View our NDIS occupational therapy services to learn more about how we work with NDIS participants
- Contact us with any questions - call (03) 7043 7778 or email admin@flourishhealth.com.au
