What is NDIS plan management?

NDIS plan management refers to how a participant's NDIS funding is managed and paid. There are three types: self-managed (participant handles payments directly), plan-managed (a plan management provider handles invoices and payments), and NDIA-managed (the NDIA pays registered providers directly through the myplace portal).

Can unregistered providers work with plan-managed participants?

Yes. Unregistered NDIS providers can work with both plan-managed and self-managed participants. Only NDIA-managed participants require their providers to be registered with the NDIS Commission.

How do I invoice a plan manager?

Send a compliant tax invoice to the plan manager with your ABN, the participant's NDIS number, the correct PAPL billing code, date and duration of service, hourly rate, and total amount. The plan manager processes the payment from the participant's NDIS funds.

NDIS Plan Management Explained — Self, Plan, NDIA Managed

The Three Types of NDIS Plan Management

Every NDIS participant has their funding managed in one of three ways. As a support worker, the management type determines who you invoice and whether you need to be a registered provider.

1. Self-Managed

Self-managed participants control their own NDIS funding. They choose their providers, negotiate prices, and pay invoices directly. As a support worker, you invoice the participant (or their nominee), and they reimburse themselves through the NDIS portal.

Self-managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers, giving them the most flexibility. This is common with sole trader support workers.

2. Plan-Managed

Plan-managed participants use a plan management provider (plan manager) to handle their finances. The plan manager receives and pays invoices on the participant's behalf, tracks spending, and provides financial reports.

This is the most common arrangement for independent support workers. You send your tax invoice to the plan manager, and they process payment from the participant's NDIS funds. Plan-managed participants can also use both registered and unregistered providers.

3. NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)

NDIA-managed participants have their funding handled directly by the NDIA. Providers submit claims through the myplace portal. To serve NDIA-managed participants, you must be a registered NDIS provider. Learn about the registration process if you want to serve this group.

How Plan Management Affects Invoicing

Regardless of the management type, your invoice must include the same essential fields: your ABN, the participant's NDIS number, the correct PAPL billing code, the applicable hourly rate, and a compliant progress note. The only difference is who you send the invoice to.

Most sole traders work primarily with plan-managed and self-managed participants, as these arrangements do not require NDIS registration. Use our rate calculator to determine your shift earnings before creating an invoice.

Simplify Invoicing with CareVoice

CareVoice generates compliant NDIS invoices that work for all three management types. Record your shift, review the AI-generated invoice, and email it directly to the plan manager or participant. No manual data entry, no code lookups.