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Three ways to manage a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan - and the pros and cons of each

Published date: 5 April 2022
Last updated: 3 March 2026
Author: My Plan Manager
Three ways to manage a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan - and the pros and cons of each

Did you know there are three ways to manage your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan? Here is a quick and simple comparison to explain what they are.

Self managed

Pros

You can choose any service provider and you aren't bound by NDIS Pricing Arrangement and Price Limits (which is the price range the National Disability Insurance Agency – or NDIA - sets out for services).

Cons

Comes with a lot of administration, like opening a separate bank account, paying your service providers (usually out-of-pocket first), and keeping records of receipts and invoices for up to five years. 

Agency managed

Pros

The NDIA manages your plan and your budget.

Cons

You can only choose NDIS-registered service providers, which reduces your choice and control over those you want to work with.

Plan managed

Pros

Similar to self management - but without time-consuming paperwork or the daily hassle of administration. Being plan managed means you can use both registered and non-registered service providers, so there are no limits on which ones you can work with.

Cons

We can’t speak for other plan managers - but with localised service, swift payment of invoices, a team of experts in your corner to help you to maximise your plan, and the ability to track spending and start new claims on the go (at My Plan Manager that all costs you nothing) – we’re hard-pressed finding a con!

If you have an NDIS plan and want to know what the support categories in it can actually fund, click here to learn more.

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If you have any questions, you can email us at enquiries@myplanmanager.com.au or call us on 1800 592 405 from 8am-5.30pm (ACDT) Monday to Friday. 

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