Self-management training

NDIS Capacity Building support

Training for people who manage their own NDIS plan, covering topics such as budgeting, choosing providers, keeping records and making claims.

The short answer

Self-management training helps NDIS participants who manage, or want to manage, their own plan to do it well, covering budgeting, choosing providers, keeping records and making claims.

About Self-management training

Self-managing your plan gives you the most flexibility and control. You choose your providers, agree prices, pay invoices and claim the money back. It also means responsibility for keeping records, staying within your budget and understanding the rules about what supports can be paid for.

Training helps you build the skills to do this with confidence. It can cover how your plan is structured, how to set up a budget, how to negotiate with providers, how to keep good records and how to make claims. Some people combine self-management with a plan manager for part of their plan.

Training can come from plan managers, support coordinators and specialist trainers. Ask what the training covers, whether it is one-to-one or in a group and whether they offer ongoing support if you get stuck. It is worth learning the basics before you start, so you feel in control from day one.

Who is this service for?

NDIS participants who manage, or want to manage, their own plan and would like training in how to do it well.

What a typical session looks like

Self-management training helps you take charge of your own supports and plan. Sessions cover practical things such as understanding your budget, choosing and directing providers, writing shift instructions, handling invoices and knowing your rights. A trainer or coach explains the ideas, uses real examples and helps you practise with your own situation.

The pace is yours. Some people want to manage every detail, while others prefer to manage some things and have help with others. The training aims to build the confidence to decide what you want to do and to ask for help where you need it, without feeling that you have to do everything alone.

Who delivers this support

Training is provided by coaches, support coordinators, peer mentors and specialist organisations. Peers who manage their own supports can be especially helpful because they know the practical realities. Ask about the trainer's experience and whether the training can be tailored to your situation.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Read your plan and note which parts you want to manage.
  2. Contact providers who offer self-management training.
  3. Set up a simple budget and record system.
  4. Review after a few months to see how it is going.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Self-management training fits with support coordination and plan management, since many people combine training with a coordinator or plan manager who handles some tasks. It also links with financial skills and daily living skills. Knowing how to manage supports helps you keep control when things change.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Self-management training if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Self-management training is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Self-management training that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Plan management providers on the NDIS register

2,316 NDIS providers list plan management supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing plan management

See all 2,316 plan management providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What does self-management involve?

Managing your own plan means choosing providers, agreeing prices, paying invoices, keeping records and making claims. Training helps you build the skills to do this confidently.

Is self-management right for me?

It gives flexibility and control but also responsibility. Some people self-manage part of their plan and use a plan manager for the rest. Training can help you decide.

Who provides self-management training?

Plan managers, support coordinators and specialist training providers offer it. Ask about what is covered and whether it suits your learning style.

Can I self-manage part of my plan?

Some people manage only part of their plan. Ask your planner what is possible.

What records do I need to keep?

Invoices, receipts and notes about services, so you can show how funds were used.

Can I switch to a plan manager later?

Yes, you can change how your plan is managed. Ask your planner.

What does managing my own supports actually involve day to day?

It means you make the decisions about your supports and manage aspects such as choosing providers, agreeing services and dealing with invoices. The details depend on how your plan is managed.

Can I combine self-management with help?

Yes. Many people manage some parts themselves and use a plan manager or coordinator for others.

Is training only for people who manage their own funds?

No. It can help anyone who wants to feel more in control of their supports, whichever way their plan is managed.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Self-management training?

If Self-management training is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Self-management training provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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