You’ve got Plan Management questions, we’ve got answers!
1. What is NDIS Plan Management?
NDIS Plan Management is a service that helps participants manage the financial side of their NDIS plan. A Plan Manager pays providers on your behalf, keeps track of your funding, and helps you maximise your plan. Relieving you of the hassle of managing invoices and receipts yourself.
2. What does an NDIS Plan Manager do?
A Plan Manager:
- Pays your support providers
- Tracks your budget and sends you regular updates
- Helps you understand your plan and spending
- Gives you more choice and lets you use both registered and unregistered providers
3. Is NDIS Plan Management free?
Yes! Plan Management is fully funded by the NDIS under the support category Improved Life Choices. There is no cost to you as a participant.
4. What are the benefits of using a Plan Manager?
Using a Plan Manager means:
- No paperwork or invoice stress
- Access to more service providers
- Budget guidance and alerts
- Faster payments to providers
- More time and freedom to focus on your goals
5. Can I switch NDIS Plan Managers?
Absolutely. You can change Plan Managers at any time. You’ll just need to give notice to your current Plan Manager and advise the NDIA or your support coordinator to update your service booking.
6. What’s the difference between Plan Management, Agency Management, and Self-Management?
- Plan Managed: A Plan Manager handles your invoices and budget tracking. You get flexibility and support.
- Agency Managed: The NDIA pays registered providers directly. Limited to NDIS-registered providers.
- Self-Managed: You do it all. Pay invoices, track spending, and handle paperwork.
7. Do I need to use NDIS-registered providers with a Plan Manager?
No. You can use both registered and unregistered providers when you’re plan managed, giving you more choice and flexibility.
8. How quickly are NDIS invoices paid?
At Achora, invoices are typically paid within 3–5 business days (and most of the time even faster). We know timely payment matters to both participants and providers.
9. Can a Plan Manager help me avoid overspending?
Yes. A good Plan Manager monitors your funding usage, sends monthly statements, and alerts you if you’re over- or under-spending. We help you stay on track throughout your plan period, so there’s never any surprises catching you off guard.
10. Will I still have control over my NDIS plan if I am plan managed?
Absolutely. Plan Management actually gives you more control, not less. You choose your supports, providers, and schedule. We help manage the finances, so you can spend more time making those important decisions.
11. Can my support coordinator and plan manager work together?
Definitely. We often collaborate with support coordinators to ensure your services are aligned, invoices are approved efficiently, and funding is optimised across your plan.
12. How do I get started with Plan Management?
It’s easy! You can:
- Sign up online in minutes
- Book a free 15-minute consultation
- Have us contact you directly after your plan is approved
13. Can I add Plan Management to my current plan mid-way?
Yes. You can request Plan Management at any time, there’s no need to wait for an NDIS plan review. Ask the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator, and we’ll help with the wording and process.
14. How do you help me avoid overspending my NDIS budget?
You’ll get regular budget updates, alerts when spending trends change, and proactive recommendations to stay on track. This will be broken down by support category (Core, Capacity Building, Capital).
15. What information must be on a provider invoice for NDIS payment?
Provider name and ABN, participant name and NDIS number, service date(s), item description, hours/units, rate, total, and the correct support category. We give Brisbane providers a simple invoice template.
16. What happens if an NDIS invoice looks wrong or duplicates a charge?
We pause it, contact the NDIS provider to fix errors, and keep you updated. You won’t pay for services that don’t match your plan or agreed rates.
17. Will Plan Management limit my choice of supports?
No, Plan Management increases flexibility. You keep full choice and control over who you see and when, while we handle the admin and budget tracking.
18. Do you monitor the NDIS Price Guide for me?
Yes. We check that rates meet NDIS price limits (or agreed rates) and flag any issues with local Brisbane providers before they become problems.
19. Do Plan Managers provide spending reports for plan reviews?
Yes, category-level statements, monthly summaries, and YTD reports that make NDIS plan reviews easier and help demonstrate your ongoing needs. That’s a lot of NDIS terminology, so the best part? We’ll help you understand it and go into your plan review feeling confident!
20. What if my NDIS plan changes or I get a budget top-up?
We update your budgets immediately, notify your providers if needed, and adjust reports so you always have a clear, up-to-date view.
21. Can I use Plan Management if I don’t live in a major city?
Yes! Plan Management is fully remote and available anywhere in Australia, including rural and remote areas. You’ll still receive the same level of service through telehealth.
22. Is Plan Management only for adults?
No, Plan Management is available for all ages. Many parents and carers use Plan Management to help manage their child’s NDIS plan with less stress and more support.
23. What makes a good NDIS Plan Manager?
Look for:
- On time payments
- Clear, easy-to-read budget reports
- NDIS knowledge and experience
- Responsive support team
- No hidden fees or lock-in contracts
24. Can family members access plan information with my permission?
Yes. You can give written consent for a parent, carer, or nominee to receive updates or act on your behalf. This is especially helpful for children, or participants who need support managing communication.
25. How do I know if my NDIS invoices have been paid?
With Achora, you’ll receive:
- Monthly spending summaries
- Email alerts when invoices are processed
- Access to real-time data (if a client portal is available)
- This keeps you fully informed without needing to chase anyone
26. What happens if I change providers mid-plan?
Your Plan Manager will update your provider records and continue managing invoices from your new provider. If any final invoices are due from your old provider, we ensure they’re processed correctly.
27. Do Plan Managers talk directly to my providers?
Yes, if you give consent, Plan Managers can communicate directly with your providers to clarify invoices, resolve billing issues, or streamline payments. This helps reduce admin stress for you.
28. How can a Plan Manager help me prepare for an NDIS plan reassessment?
Your Plan Manager can provide:
- Spending reports across each category
- Trends showing under- or over-utilisation
- Insights to help justify future funding needs
- Evidence for areas that need adjustment
29. What happens if I run out of NDIS funding in a support category?
If you’re Plan Managed, your Plan Manager will alert you if you’re close to overspending and can help you make decisions about reallocation, tracking, or preparing for a plan review. However, they can’t approve more funding, that must come from the NDIA.
30. Who can be my NDIS Plan Manager?
Your Plan Manager must be an NDIS-registered provider. They should be experienced in NDIS processes, offer clear communication, and be responsive to your needs. You choose the Plan Manager that feels right for you.
31. How can I find a Plan Manager near me?
If you’re looking for a Plan Manager you’re in the right place! Achora supports NDIS participants across Australia. From Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, to Perth and rural communities or remote towns, wherever you are Achora can provide Plan Management services that maximise you NDIS plan and experience.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk It Through.
There’s a lot to take in when it comes to NDIS Plan Management, and if you’re feeling unsure or still have questions, you’re not alone. If you’re still wondering how Plan Management works for your situation, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our friendly NDIS experts. We’ll answer any questions you have, explain your options clearly, and help you feel confident about your next steps.