Is plan management really free?

The NDIA funds plan management through a separate line in your plan specifically for this purpose, so the cost does not come out of your support budget. In that sense, yes, it is free to you as a participant. However, you do need to have this funding included in your plan, so if your current plan does not include plan…

Can a family member be my plan manager?

No. Plan managers must be registered NDIS providers and cannot be your family members or carers. This is different from self-management, where family members can sometimes be paid as support workers under specific conditions.

What happens to unused funds at the end of my plan?

Unused funds generally do not roll over to your next plan under the standard rules, though the specific treatment of unspent funds has been an area of ongoing policy development. Under longer funding periods, the NDIA has more flexibility in how funds are managed across the period. Ask your planner or plan manager…

Can I switch from self-managed to plan-managed partway through a plan?

Yes. You can request this change by contacting the NDIA. The change can usually be processed without waiting for a full plan review, though there may be a short transition period. Once your plan manager is engaged and the change is processed, new providers will be paid by your plan manager going forward.

Self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed: which gives you more choice?

Updated 1 May 2026 · reviewed by Prakash Bartaula, Founder, Novida

Your plan management type decides which providers you can use. Here’s how to make the most of yours.

Frequently asked questions

Is plan management really free?: The NDIA funds plan management through a separate line in your plan specifically for this purpose, so the cost does not come out of your support budget. In that sense, yes, it is free to you as a participant. However, you do need to have this funding included in your plan, so if your current plan does not include plan…
Can a family member be my plan manager?: No. Plan managers must be registered NDIS providers and cannot be your family members or carers. This is different from self-management, where family members can sometimes be paid as support workers under specific conditions.
What happens to unused funds at the end of my plan?: Unused funds generally do not roll over to your next plan under the standard rules, though the specific treatment of unspent funds has been an area of ongoing policy development. Under longer funding periods, the NDIA has more flexibility in how funds are managed across the period. Ask your planner or plan manager…
Can I switch from self-managed to plan-managed partway through a plan?: Yes. You can request this change by contacting the NDIA. The change can usually be processed without waiting for a full plan review, though there may be a short transition period. Once your plan manager is engaged and the change is processed, new providers will be paid by your plan manager going forward.