Plan-managed vs self-managed: what's the difference?

Plan-managed

With a plan-managed budget, a plan manager sits between you and your providers. They pay invoices from your NDIS funding and keep track of your spending, so you don’t handle the money yourself. You can still use both registered and unregistered providers - which means you have a lot of choice. TrueSide invoices your plan manager directly using the agreed support item, rate and service details.

Self-managed

Self-managing means you (or a nominee, like a family member) manage the funding yourself. Providers invoice you, and you claim through the participant portal or process that applies to your plan. It’s more admin, but it gives you the most flexibility - including the ability to negotiate rates with providers. TrueSide is happy to work with self-managed participants and can keep the paperwork simple.

NDIA-managed (sometimes called agency-managed)

Here the NDIA manages your funding, and you can only use NDIS-registered providers. This is the most restrictive option for choosing who supports you. TrueSide is not currently registered for NDIA-managed participants - so if your plan is agency-managed, we’ll tell you honestly and help you understand your options.

Not sure which you are?

That’s completely normal - plenty of people aren’t sure. Your plan document will say, and if you’re still unsure, give us a call. We’ll help you check, with no pressure, in English or Dari.