Updated on August 8, 2024
Self-Managed
When you decide to self-manage your NDIS funding, it means you do everything yourself. You are in full control of your support and finances.
By self-managing, you will receive funding from the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) so that you can select and pay for the services that will help you reach your goal. You can choose any service provider (NDIS registered or non-registered), and you are not bound by NDIS pricing arrangements and price limits.
Plan-Managed
For a plan managed, you get similar benefits to a self-managed plan, except that you do not have to do any administrative work for your plan. You have a right to a plan manager if you choose to be plan-managed.
You can access registered and non-registered providers but are bound by the upper price limits in the NDIS price guide. Plan managed is accessible to all NDIS participants, with all fees paid by the NDIS.
The NDIS will pay your plan manager, who will, in turn, pay directly to your support workers, for all supports you have asked them to manage.
However, both plans seem to have a few extra responsibilities you may want to be abreast of.
| # | Self-Managed | Plan-Managed |
| 1 | You keep records of all your invoices and receipts for up to five years. | Your plan manager will keep all records in case the participant is an adult. |
| 2 | You pay your support workers, out of your pocket. | You are reimbursed any invoice or receipts for services you may have paid out of your pocket. |
| 3 | You claim your plan from the NDIS portal. | The plan manager will claim your plan from the NDIS portal. |
| 4 | Manage your remaining budgets by yourself. | You get updates on your remaining budget and a guide on how to handle it. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Managed
| # | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1 | As a self-manager, you are not limited to only NDIS-registered providers. This gives you a wider range and larger options of support workers you can hire. | Since you are not restricted by the NDIS pricing, providers can demand more than the NDIS rate, and you have no choice but to comply. |
| 2 | You can be more innovative with whatever it is you are spending your money on. | To be able to employ the services of the support workers, you need to have the capacity and time to engage, pay invoices, and so on. |
| 3 | You are not restricted by the NDIS pricing, so you can negotiate or pay higher/ lower rates where necessary. | You need to keep receipts and records in case of an audit. |
| 4 | You can employ your support staff directly. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Plan-Managed
| # | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1 | You are not restricted to only NDIS registered providers, therefore you can use existing providers and also pick from a wide range of support workers. | If you choose a provider who charges above the NDIS price guide, you may have to pay for the difference because the plan manager has to stick to the price guide, and that would be inconvenient. |
| 2 | No need to worry about paying the support worker, your plan manager does that for you. | You may engage the services of a bad plan manager; one whose services are poor, takes no responsibility, slow to pay invoices, unresponsive to your needs, and unhelpful. This kind of person can tank your funds and mismanage your budget. |
| 3 | No need to keep receipts or invoices in case of an audit. Your plan manager takes care of that. | |
| 4 | A good plan manager will help you manage the funds you get from the NDIS so you do not run out of funds unexpectedly. | |
| 5 | Using a great plan manager is a step to self-managed. |
Conclusion
Self-Managed and Plan-Managed plans are both good, it is a matter of choice and whatever would work for you as an individual.
If you are looking to be in control of your NDIS funding and choose from a wide range of providers, self-managed is the right choice for you. But if you are not looking to be in control, and do not want to worry about keeping records or paying invoices, you can go for a plan-managed option.
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, where we provide independent supported living or assist individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
Additionally, we provide day-to-day support for individuals with mental health issues, complex behaviour and other types of disabilities. We also have support coordinators available to assist with planning, navigating NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, or a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
RELATED
