By Lee 
Managing your NDIS funds can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding whether you’ll face any fees. The good news? If you’re an NDIS participant in Sydney, you don’t need to worry about paying extra for plan management.
This article explains everything you need to know about NDIS plan management fees, how they’re covered, and how to ensure you’re getting full value from your NDIS funding — without paying a single cent out of pocket.
NDIS plan management is a service designed to help participants manage their NDIS budgets efficiently. A plan manager takes care of all financial aspects — from paying invoices to keeping track of your spending — so you can focus on achieving your goals.
Plan management sits between self-managed and NDIA-managed options. With self-management, participants handle payments and paperwork themselves, while NDIA-managed plans restrict spending to registered providers. Plan management offers the best of both worlds — flexibility and professional support.
Example:
Imagine a Sydney resident named Mia who has an NDIS plan. Instead of managing dozens of invoices each month, her plan manager handles everything — ensuring all services are paid on time and within budget.
This is where participants often get confused — but the answer is simple: NDIS pays for your plan management services.
Funding for plan management comes directly from your “Improved Life Choices” (Support Category 14) budget within your NDIS plan. You don’t need to use your core or capacity-building funds for this purpose.
That means there are no out-of-pocket expenses. Once the NDIS approves plan management as part of your plan, your plan manager is paid directly by the NDIS.
No — as long as your provider is a registered NDIS plan manager, there should be no hidden or extra charges.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) sets strict pricing guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency. Every registered plan manager must adhere to these pricing limits and cannot charge more than what’s allowed.
Included Services:
- Budget setup and guidance
- Invoice processing and payments
- Monthly financial statements
- Communication with service providers
Not Typically Included:
Some optional extras (like advanced financial advice or specific technology tools) may come at a separate cost, but these are always optional and disclosed upfront.
Always read your service agreement carefully and ask your plan manager to explain what’s included before signing.
If you’re unsure whether your current plan covers plan management, follow these steps:
- Review your NDIS plan document.
Look for the section titled “Improved Life Choices.” - Check the support type.
It should list “Plan Management” as a funded support. - Contact your planner or LAC.
If it’s not included, you can request to have plan management added at your next review.
If you ever feel uncertain, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator can help confirm your funding and guide you through the process of adding plan management.
Sydney has dozens of NDIS plan management providers, but not all offer the same level of service or communication. When selecting one, consider:
- Registration: Make sure they’re an NDIS-registered plan manager.
- Transparency: Ask about how they report your spending and any optional costs.
- Local Knowledge: Sydney-based managers often have better insight into local service providers.
- Technology Tools: A good dashboard or app makes it easier to track your funding in real time.
Tip: Before signing, ask these five questions:
- How will you communicate with me and my providers?
- How long does it take to process invoices?
- Do you charge any setup fees?
- Can I access an online spending report?
- How do I switch if I’m not satisfied?
When your plan management is covered by the NDIS, you gain multiple advantages:
You’ll never have to pay for plan management out of your own pocket.
Your plan manager ensures all invoices meet NDIS requirements and are paid promptly.
Unlike NDIA-managed participants, you can use both registered and unregistered service providers.
Let professionals handle finances while you focus on therapy, training, or personal growth.
Plan managers don’t invoice you directly. Instead, they submit claims to the NDIS for their services.
Each payment follows the NDIA’s Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which means every provider is paid the same base rate. This ensures fairness and prevents overcharging.
Participants simply approve invoices or review them through their plan manager’s online portal. Every transaction is recorded and visible, giving you full transparency over your NDIS funds.
Not all plan managers are equal. Here’s what to compare before choosing:
- Response Time: How quickly do they process invoices?
- Customer Support: Do they provide dedicated account managers?
- Reporting Tools: Do they send regular summaries or have an app?
- Reputation: Check online reviews and testimonials from other Sydney participants.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| You must pay a portion of your funding to the plan manager | All plan management costs are fully covered by the NDIS |
| Plan management limits your provider choices | You can use both registered and unregistered providers |
| You can’t switch plan managers easily | You can change plan managers anytime with notice |
| Only big companies offer free plan management | Many local Sydney-based providers offer fee-free services |
Don’t let myths discourage you — all plan management fees are standardized and paid by the NDIS, not you.
If your current plan doesn’t include plan management, it’s easy to add it:
- Contact your NDIS planner or LAC.
- Request “Improved Life Choices” support.
- Select your preferred registered plan manager.
- Sign a service agreement.
Your plan manager will then liaise with the NDIS to begin managing your funds.
Documents Needed:
- Copy of your NDIS plan
- Participant details
- Consent form
- There are no fees for NDIS plan management in Sydney — or anywhere in Australia.
- All costs are covered under the “Improved Life Choices” category.
- Registered plan managers must follow NDIA’s official price limits.
- You can switch providers anytime if you’re not satisfied.
With professional support and no financial burden, plan management helps participants achieve their goals with confidence.
If you’re an NDIS participant in Sydney, plan management is a fully funded service — meaning it’s completely free for you. The NDIS takes care of the costs so you can focus on your wellbeing, personal growth, and community engagement.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or planning to switch providers, choosing a reliable plan manager ensures your funds are managed efficiently and transparently — without worrying about hidden fees.
1. Do I have to pay anything for NDIS plan management?
No. The NDIS covers all plan management costs — you never pay from your pocket.
2. Where does the funding come from?
It’s allocated under the “Improved Life Choices” (Support Category 14) section of your plan.
3. Can I choose my own plan manager in Sydney?
Yes, you can select any registered plan manager that fits your preferences.
4. What if my plan doesn’t include funding for plan management?
You can request to have it added by contacting your NDIS planner or LAC.
5. Are there hidden setup or exit fees?
No. Registered plan managers must follow NDIS pricing rules — no hidden charges allowed.
6. Can I change plan managers anytime?
Absolutely. You can switch by giving notice as stated in your service agreement.
7. Does this rule apply only in Sydney?
No, the same rule applies across all of Australia.
8. Can unregistered providers manage my plan?
No. Only registered NDIS plan managers can claim directly from the NDIS.