When an NDIS plan is approved, one of the first decisions is how it will be managed. This choice affects which therapists you can use, how bills are paid and how much admin lands on your desk. The good news is that you can access therapy under any management type, but the day-to-day experience is different in each case.
This guide explains the three options, the pros and cons, and the questions to ask providers in Perth.
The three ways to manage your plan
NDIS funding can be managed in three ways, and some people use a mix:
- NDIA-managed (also called agency-managed)
- Plan-managed
- Self-managed
NDIA-managed plans
With an NDIA-managed plan, the National Disability Insurance Agency pays providers directly. Providers claim payment through the NDIS system after delivering a support.
Advantages
- Minimal paperwork for you
- You don't handle invoices or payments
- Simple if you prefer the agency to do the admin
Limitations
- You must use registered NDIS providers
- You have less control over timing and some pricing details
- Checking your remaining budget may rely on the NDIS portal or your support coordinator
Who it suits
People who want a simple setup and are happy to use registered providers.
Plan-managed plans
With a plan-managed plan, a plan manager pays your providers from your NDIS funding. You can use registered and unregistered providers. Providers send invoices to the plan manager, and the plan manager pays them and tracks your budget.
Advantages
- You can choose from registered and unregistered providers
- Your plan manager handles payments and keeps records
- You receive regular statements and budget updates
- Less stress than self-management
Limitations
- Plan management is a funded support, so it needs to be in your plan
- You need to approve or send invoices, depending on the process
- Some providers have extra steps for plan-managed participants
Who it suits
People who want flexibility in provider choice without managing the finances themselves. It is a popular choice for many families.
Self-managed plans
With a self-managed plan, you manage your own funding. You pay providers yourself, keep receipts and invoices, and claim payments through the NDIS system, or in a way that matches your plan's rules.
Advantages
- The greatest flexibility and control
- Freedom to use registered and unregistered providers
- You can negotiate prices within NDIS rules
- You decide when and how to pay
Limitations
- More record keeping, including invoices and proof of payment
- You are responsible for keeping to NDIS rules and claim timelines
- Mistakes can mean funds are not reimbursed
Who it suits
People who are comfortable with paperwork or have a family member or carer who can manage the finances.
Mixed management
Some participants have different management types for different budgets. For example:
- Core supports could be plan-managed
- Capacity Building (where most therapy sits) could be NDIA-managed
- Capital supports could be self-managed
Always check your plan to see exactly how each budget is managed.
Can you use therapy under all three?
Yes. Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and other allied health services can be delivered under each management type, provided:
- The support is included in your plan
- The provider meets the requirements for your plan type
- The service is delivered according to NDIS rules and price guidelines
The main thing to check is where therapy sits in your budget. It is commonly funded from Capacity Building, often under Improved Daily Living.
How management type affects choosing a therapist in Perth
If you are NDIA-managed
Confirm that the provider is a registered NDIS provider before booking. Many Perth clinics are registered, but it pays to check, especially for smaller practices.
If you are plan-managed
Ask whether the provider is comfortable working with plan managers and how they handle invoicing. Most are, but some have specific processes, such as sending invoices to a particular email address.
If you are self-managed
Ask for clear invoices that list the support item, date, time, hours and price. Keep copies. Ask about payment terms.
A worked example
Imagine three Perth families, all wanting weekly occupational therapy for a child.
The first family is NDIA-managed. They shortlist registered providers, check availability and book. The clinic claims payment directly, and the family receives a copy of the session record. They have little paperwork, but their choice of provider is limited to registered services.
The second family is plan-managed. They find a smaller, unregistered therapist who specialises in sensory support and has a short waiting list. Each month, the therapist sends invoices to the plan manager, who pays them and sends the family a statement. The family gets the provider they wanted without handling payments.
The third family is self-managed. They choose a provider, pay after each session and claim the funds back. They keep a folder of invoices and notes. They have the most flexibility, including the ability to negotiate session length, but they also carry the record-keeping.
All three families receive therapy. What differs is the paperwork, the provider options and how closely they track the budget.
How management type affects timing
Management type can also influence how quickly things happen. NDIA-managed claims usually go through the portal, so providers may need to wait for payment or confirm that funds are available. Plan managers often pay within a set timeframe, and they can tell you quickly whether a service has been paid. Self-managed participants control payment timing, but they must still meet claim deadlines. If cash flow is tight, talk to your provider about how and when invoices will be sent.
What happens if a provider is not registered?
If your plan is NDIA-managed, you generally cannot use an unregistered provider. If you want to work with someone who isn't registered, you may need to ask for a plan change, or arrange for a plan-managed or self-managed budget for those supports. Do this before starting therapy, not afterwards, because funds cannot usually be claimed retrospectively for ineligible providers.
Questions to ask a provider
- Do you accept NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants?
- Are you a registered NDIS provider?
- How do you invoice, and how soon after a session?
- What do your services cost, and what is included?
- What are your cancellation terms and fees?
- Will I receive a service agreement before we begin?
- How will you keep me updated on how many hours I have used?
Common mistakes
- Assuming all providers accept all plan types. Check first.
- Not keeping records on a self-managed plan. Make a folder for invoices and receipts.
- Ignoring plan manager deadlines. Late invoices can cause delays.
- Missing budget tracking. Ask for statements or check the portal regularly.
- Not asking about cancellations. Short-notice cancellation fees can reduce your budget quickly.
Changing your plan management type
You can request a change to how your plan is managed, usually at a plan review or by contacting the NDIA. If your needs or confidence have changed, it is worth asking. A support coordinator can help you decide what suits you now, and what you might want in future.
Tips for choosing the right management type
- Consider how much time you can spend on paperwork
- Think about whether you want to use unregistered providers
- Ask other participants and families about their experiences
- Talk with your support coordinator or plan manager
- Remember that you can review the decision later
Final thoughts
There is no single best way to manage an NDIS plan. The right choice depends on your preferences, your support network and the providers you want to use. Whichever you choose, therapy is still available.
AF Therapy Services explains how plan types fit with therapy at its Balcatta clinic in its NDIS therapy guide.
This article is general information only. Confirm plan rules with the NDIA, your plan manager or your support coordinator.
