One of the very first decisions in your NDIS plan is how it will be managed. There are three options — agency, plan and self — and each one changes a few things about how your supports work day-to-day.
Here’s a fast, no-jargon breakdown.
Agency-managed (NDIA-managed)
The NDIA pays your providers directly. You can only use registered providers, like Helping Haven. The NDIA holds your funding.
Pros: zero admin for you. Strong oversight.
Cons: you can’t use unregistered providers, and providers often have to wait for payment.
Plan-managed
A plan manager (a separate provider) holds your funding and pays providers on your behalf. You can use both registered and unregistered providers.
Pros: more flexibility on providers, no admin for you, plan manager handles invoicing.
Cons: you have to choose a plan manager. The fee comes from your plan but doesn’t reduce your support funding.
Self-managed
You hold the funding. You pay providers yourself, claim back from the NDIA.
Pros: maximum flexibility — including hiring directly. Best for participants and families who want full control.
Cons: requires admin time. You manage receipts, claims and reports.
Mixed plans
Many participants run a mixed plan — some line items agency-managed, others plan-managed or self-managed. It’s worth asking your planner whether that suits you.
What changes for daily-living supports?
Almost nothing. Helping Haven works with all three management types. Our pricing follows the NDIS Pricing Arrangements either way. The only practical difference is who pays our invoices and how often.
Useful resources
- Our deeper plan management guide
- NDIS managing-your-plan official page
- Send us a message — we’re happy to walk through which option suits you.
