Self Managed
About Self Managed
Self-management means the participant, or their nominee, pays providers directly and then claims the money back from the NDIA. They keep their own records of spending against the plan.
It gives the most flexibility. Self-managed funding can be used with any provider, registered or not. It also means the most responsibility: paying invoices, keeping receipts and claiming correctly and on time. A participant does not have to self-manage the whole plan. Some funding can be self-managed and the rest plan-managed or agency-managed.
At a glance
- The participant or nominee pays providers, then claims.
- Any provider can be used, registered or not.
- Most flexibility, and the most record-keeping.
- You can self-manage some categories and not others.
This is general information, not financial or funding advice. Program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Always confirm current detail with the relevant official body before relying on it.
How to prepare before arranging support
- Decide whether you or a nominee will pay providers and keep the records.
- Keep every invoice and receipt, and pay providers before claiming the money back from the NDIA.
- Submit each claim correctly and on time.
- If it is too much, self-manage some funding categories and use plan or agency management for the rest.
Information and records to have ready
- The current NDIS plan and implementation notes
- Service agreements, quotes and cancellation terms
- Invoices, budget statements and payment records
- Assessments, reports and evidence relevant to plan decisions
Questions to ask a provider
- Can you work with this plan-management arrangement, and must you be registered for this support?
- Which support item or budget do you expect to use, and why?
- What are your rates for sessions, travel, reports, cancellations and non-face-to-face work?
- How will you report progress, spending or concerns before the budget runs short?
- What happens if the NDIA rejects a claim or an invoice is disputed?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a funded category covers every service
- Using an outdated price limit or support-item description
- Starting without written rates and cancellation terms
- Waiting until the plan is nearly exhausted before reviewing spending
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to self-manage the whole plan?
No. You can self-manage some funding and use plan management or agency management for the rest.
Who can confirm what Self Managed means for me?
Ask the NDIA. A provider can explain its services and billing, but it cannot make a binding funding decision for the responsible body.
Does a provider listing prove it accepts self managed?
No. A directory or public-register listing describes a provider and the supports it lists. Confirm the funding arrangement, approval and current availability with the provider before booking.
What if the rules or my circumstances change?
Check the current guidance with the NDIA, tell your providers promptly and update written agreements or approvals before relying on the changed arrangement.
Official sources
Other NDIS Plans topics
Browse providers or explore other funding topics.
Helpful reading
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Keeping records of your NDIS supports: a simple system: Good records make plan reviews, claim queries and changes of provider far easier. Here is a light-touch way to keep them.