If your NDIS funding is self-managed or NDIA-managed, you can ask to switch to plan management during your current plan. You do not have to wait for your next scheduled plan reassessment.
Start by contacting the NDIA or your my NDIS contact. The change can usually be handled through a plan variation, but you need the NDIA to approve it before using the new arrangement.
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What does an NDIS plan manager do?
A plan manager helps with the financial administration of your NDIS funding. They process invoices, submit claims, pay providers and give you reports showing your spending and remaining budget.
You still choose your support providers, authorise claims and make sure your purchases fit your plan. A plan manager does not take over all your NDIS decisions or replace a support coordinator.
Read our guide to NDIS plan management for more information.
How do I switch to NDIS plan management?
Step 1: Ask the NDIA to change your funding management
Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or speak to your my NDIS contact. Explain which parts of your funding you would like to become plan-managed.
You could explain that you want help managing invoices and tracking your budget. If a support coordinator is making the request for you, the NDIA needs your consent.
Step 2: Request a plan variation
A plan variation changes part of your existing plan. The NDIA's plan-variation guidance lists changing how funding is managed as one reason for a variation.
You can discuss the request with the NDIA or use its Plan Variation Request Form (PDF).
Ask what information is needed for your request. Do not pay for new therapy reports unless the NDIA has explained why they are necessary.
Step 3: Check the NDIA's decision and updated plan
If the change is approved, check which support budgets are now plan-managed and that funding for plan management has been included.
Confirm when the new arrangement starts. Continue using your existing payment arrangements until the change takes effect, and ask how any outstanding invoices should be handled.
Step 4: Choose and record your registered plan manager
Your plan manager must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Compare how they communicate, process invoices and help you understand your budget.
They also need to be recorded as a my provider for your plan. The NDIA's plan-management instructions explain how to do this through the participant portal or by calling the NDIA.
Your plan manager may send a relationship request through the portal for you to accept. Agree what information they can access and review their service agreement before signing.
Step 5: Arrange invoices and keep track of spending
Give your providers the plan manager's correct billing details. Confirm how invoices are approved, how quickly queries are answered and how you will receive budget updates.
Check your monthly statements. Plan management helps with administration, but you still need to understand how much funding is available.
Does changing to plan management cost anything?
When plan management is included in your plan, the NDIS provides dedicated funding to pay for it. These funded fees are paid from the plan-management allocation, not your therapy or everyday support budgets.
This funding can only be used for plan management. Check the allocation and your manager's fees in the service agreement.
Will my whole NDIS plan need to be reassessed?
A management-only change can usually be made through a plan variation without creating a whole new plan. It does not automatically require a full reassessment of your supports.
However, the NDIA may ask for information or decide that a different type of plan change is needed. If you are also asking for additional supports, explain this separately.
Can I keep my providers when I become plan managed?
Often, yes. Plan-managed funding can generally be used with registered or unregistered providers, provided the support is allowed and the provider meets the relevant rules.
There are exceptions. Some supports require registered providers, including Specialist Disability Accommodation and specialist behaviour support. Check the Commission's registration requirements if you are unsure.
If you are switching from self-management, check provider prices before changing. NDIS maximum prices apply to plan-managed funding, unlike self-managed funding. Your provider may need to adjust their rates to meet the applicable limits.
Can part of my plan stay self-managed or NDIA-managed?
Yes. A plan can use a combination of management types. Tell the NDIA which budgets you want to change, then check the approved arrangement in your updated plan.
Providers paid from an NDIA-managed part of your plan still need to meet the rules for NDIA-managed funding.
Is changing plan managers the same as changing to plan management?
No. If your funding is already plan-managed and you only want a different plan manager, you usually do not need a change to your funding management type.
Check your existing service agreement for any notice requirements, arrange a handover of outstanding invoices and update your recorded plan-manager relationship with the NDIA.
Will plan-manager requirements change in 2027?
The Government has scheduled a new approved plan-manager panel from 1 October 2027. This is a separate future requirement, not the current Commission-registration requirement.
The published NDIS reform guidance says participants whose existing manager is not on the panel will have an initial six-month transition period to move to an approved provider.
You do not need to wait for this future change to ask for plan management now.
Need help finding an NDIS plan manager?
MyCareSpace's free Connections service can help you find plan-manager options to compare. Ask about communication, invoice processing, budget reporting and how they will support your transition.
Get help finding a plan manager with MyCareSpace.
This resource provides general information. The NDIA approves changes to funding management. Check your own plan, service agreements and current official guidance before changing payment arrangements.
