NDIS Funding Types Explained
Self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed? Here's what each means and how to choose.
Self-Managed
You control your funding directly. Pay providers yourself and claim from the NDIS.
Pros
- Maximum choice & control
- Use any provider (registered or not)
- Negotiate your own rates
- Manage your own budget
Cons
- More admin & paperwork
- You handle invoices & claims
- Need to keep records for audits
Plan-Managed
A plan manager handles your payments and claims. You still choose your providers.
Pros
- Use any provider (registered or not)
- No invoicing or claims admin
- Still choose your providers
- Plan manager handles paperwork
Cons
- Must be included in your plan (funded separately by NDIS)
- Less direct control than self
- Need to find a plan manager
Agency-Managed
The NDIA manages your funding. They pay registered providers on your behalf.
Pros
- No admin at all
- NDIA handles everything
- Safeguards from NDIS Commission
- No out-of-pocket risk
Cons
- Must use registered providers only
- Less choice & flexibility
- NDIA controls the budget
- Slower to change providers
Which type is right for me?
Choose self-managed if: You want maximum control, are comfortable with paperwork, and want access to both registered and unregistered providers. Ideal if you want to negotiate rates or use directories like SupportPath to find independent workers.
Choose plan-managed if: You want the flexibility of self-managed (use any provider) but don't want the admin burden. A plan manager does the financial heavy lifting while you focus on choosing your support.
Choose agency-managed if: You prefer a hands-off approach and are happy using NDIS-registered providers. The NDIA handles all payments and claims. This is the default if you don't choose otherwise.
Can I mix funding types?
Yes! You can have different management types for different parts of your plan. For example, you might self-manage your core supports (to choose your own workers) but have your capital supports agency-managed. Talk to your planner or LAC about splitting your plan.
How does each type work with SupportPath?
Self-managed
Full access. Browse all providers, message directly, arrange your own support. You pay the provider and claim from the NDIS.
Plan-managed
Full access. Same as self-managed — you can use any provider on SupportPath. Your plan manager handles the invoicing.
Agency-managed
You can browse all providers on SupportPath, but you can only use NDIS-registered providers. Look for providers showing NDIS registration status on their profiles.
How do I change my funding type?
You can request a change at your next plan review, or contact the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110. Changes to self-managed or plan-managed can sometimes be done outside of a formal review.
If you're switching to plan-managed, you'll need to choose a plan manager first. Browse NDIS providers on SupportPath — search providers in your area.