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Understanding the Role of an NDIS Plan Manager

Updated: Aug 9

Navigating your NDIS funding can feel like learning a new language — and that’s where a Plan Manager can make a huge difference. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or just tired of handling invoices yourself, a Plan Manager can help you stay organised, stay in budget, and make the most of your plan.

In this post, we’ll break down what a Plan Manager does, how they support you, and when it might be time to find one that suits your needs.


🧾 So… What Is a Plan Manager?

A Plan Manager is a financial intermediary funded by the NDIS to help you:

  • Pay providers on your behalf

  • Manage and track your budget

  • Keep records for your NDIS audits

  • Give you monthly statements

  • Offer support and education around NDIS finances

They don’t make decisions for you — they simply handle the money side of your plan so you don’t have to.


📊 Do I Have to Pay for a Plan Manager?

Nope! If you’re plan-managed, the NDIS allocates separate funding specifically for Plan Management. It doesn’t take away from your support budgets, and you don’t need to pay out of pocket.

To access a Plan Manager, your plan just needs to say you’re “plan-managed.” If it doesn’t — you can request this at your next planning meeting or plan reassessment.


⚖ Plan-Managed vs. Agency-Managed vs. Self-Managed

Funding Type

Who Pays Providers

Who You Can Use

Plan-Managed

Plan Manager

NDIS-registered + unregistered providers

Agency-Managed

NDIA

NDIS-registered only

Self-Managed

You

NDIS-registered + unregistered providers

Plan management gives you the best of both worlds: flexibility and support.


💼 What Doesn’t a Plan Manager Do?

It’s important to know what Plan Managers don’t do:

  • They don’t find supports or services for you

  • They don’t approve purchases or decide what’s “reasonable and necessary”

  • They’re not support coordinators (though they may work closely with them)

Their job is to manage invoices, payments, and budgeting — not service delivery.


🔍 Choosing the Right Plan Manager

Not all Plan Managers offer the same level of service. Some things to look for include:

  • User-friendly dashboards or apps to track your spending

  • Fast invoice turnaround times

  • Real humans you can talk to when something doesn’t look right

  • Clear communication around what’s been paid and what’s pending


🙌 Plan Managers We Love Working With

We’re not affiliated with these providers — but we’ve had great experiences working alongside them:


As always, call around and choose the option that suits your family’s needs best!


You can also check out our NDIS Provider Directory. It's a carefully curated list of small, local (to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast) providers, including Plan Managers.


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Loving Life Support Services is an NDIS provider based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, offering disability support services tailored to each participant. We provide 1:1 support, SLES, and NDIS social groups for teens, young adults, and adults. Whether you're looking for a trusted NDIS support service or just starting your journey, our team is here to help. Our support workers service suburbs across the Gold Coast including Southport, Nerang, Labrador, Helensvale, and more

Locations

Gold Coast Hub: 2/9-11 Price Street, Nerang QLD 4211

Sunshine Coast Hub: 21a Allen Street, Moffat Beach QLD 4551

Brisbane & Mackay: Coming Soon!

Phone

Gold Coast: 0437 903 866 (Carli)

Sunshine Coast: 0437 170 386 (Angela)

Brisbane & Mackay: 0421 223 882 (Aaron)

© 2024 Loving Life Support Services Disability Support Service Gold Coast 

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