NDIS Plan Management Explained: How You Can Become a Plan Manager

NDIS plan management plays a critical role in supporting participants to manage their funding, pay invoices, and keep track of budgets. For providers, it’s also a valuable service opportunity that combines financial skills with a strong commitment to supporting people with disability.

As an NDIS provider, you may be exploring how to become an NDIS plan manager, the NDIS plan manager qualifications you’ll need, and the responsibilities of NDIS plan management providers. Understanding these elements ensures you can offer compliant, high-quality services that empower participants while building a sustainable business.

What Is NDIS Plan Management?

Definition & Role

Plan management is when a registered provider manages a participant’s NDIS funding on their behalf. Unlike NDIA-managed or self-managed plans, plan management gives participants the best of both worlds: professional financial support combined with personal choice.

Plan managers are responsible for:

• Making payments to providers.
• Tracking participant budgets.
• Submitting claims through the myplace portal.
• Providing regular financial reports to participants

Why Participants Choose It

Participants often choose plan management because it:

• Allows them to use both registered and unregistered providers.
• Reduces the burden of managing invoices and payments.
• Provides financial oversight and transparency.
• Supports participants to build financial management skills over time.

In short, plan management offers more flexibility and less stress for participants while still ensuring accountability.

How to Become an NDIS Plan Manager

Understand the Role You’re Stepping Into

Plan managers perform the financial administration of a participant’s plan: monitor budgets, process invoices, submit payment requests, pay providers after NDIA disbursement, and provide regular statements. You also deliver capacity-building support that strengthens a participant’s financial and organisational skills when this is funded in their plan. 

Ethical compliance matters. You follow NDIS price limits, claim only after supports are delivered, and contact the participant directly when funds are low. Invoices must include a valid ABN where applicable. Robust information security and accurate records are expected to support audit and payment assurance.

NDIS Plan Manager Qualifications & Professional Memberships

To register as a plan management provider, you (or your staff) must hold relevant professional qualifications or memberships recognised under the NDIS Verification Module. Examples include:

• Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
• Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)

While a formal degree may not always be required, experience in finance, administration, or disability services is highly valuable. Membership with a professional body strengthens your credibility and ensures you meet NDIS standards.

Registration as a Plan Management Provider

Plan managers must be registered with the NDIS Commission under the registration group: Management of funding for supports in participants' plans.

The process involves:

1. Completing a self-assessment.
2. Undergoing a verification audit to demonstrate compliance.
3. Gaining NDIS Commission approval.
4. Appearing in Provider Finder listings via the myplace portal so participants can find and engage your services

Ready to learn more? Labour Care can guide you through registration and qualification requirements with ease.

NDIS Plan Manager Qualifications vs Provider Responsibility

It’s important to understand the difference between qualifications and provider responsibilities:

• Qualifications: Professional memberships or certifications (CPA, IPA, CA ANZ, ICB) that confirm financial capability.
• Provider responsibility: Registration with the NDIS Commission, compliance with Practice Standards, completion of audits, and adherence to the NDIS Code of Conduct.

Together, these ensure that both the individual plan manager and the provider organisation are competent, compliant, and accountable.

Steps to Register With NDIS as a Plan Manager

Here’s a clear pathway to register with NDIS as a plan manager:

1. Confirm your scope. Choose the registration group covering management of funding for support in participants’ plans.
    
2. Apply with the NDIS Commission. Complete the registration process and meet the applicable conditions and practice requirements.
    
3. Prepare your service model. Draft participant-friendly service agreements and set KPIs that reflect NDIA timeliness expectations for validating invoices and paying after disbursement.
    
4. Set up participant onboarding. Explain reporting frequency, invoice validation checks and how you will support choice and control, including use of unregistered providers where appropriate within price limits.
    
5. Embed governance and security. Implement policies for information security, record-keeping and conflict-of-interest management that align with the Guide’s principles.

Need help navigating provider registration and setting up your operating model? Book a free consultation for tailored support.

Become a Trusted NDIS Plan Manager

NDIS plan management empowers participants by giving them more choice, flexibility, and support in managing their funding. For providers, it’s an opportunity to deliver meaningful services while building a sustainable business.

By understanding the NDIS plan manager qualifications, meeting provider registration requirements, and committing to best practice compliance, you can position yourself as a trusted NDIS plan management provider.

Ready to take the next step in NDIS plan management? Book your free consultation with Labour Care today and start your journey with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an NDIS Plan Manager

1. Do I need to be a registered NDIS provider to offer plan management services?

Yes, only registered NDIS providers under the “Management of funding for supports in participants’ plans” group can deliver plan management.

2. Do you need to be an accountant to become an NDIS plan manager?

No, you don’t need to be a qualified accountant, but you must show financial management skills. Membership with recognised bodies like CPA, IPA, CA ANZ, or ICB helps meet NDIS Verification Module requirements.

3. How do NDIS plan managers get paid?

Plan management fees are included in a participant’s NDIS plan under “Improved Life Choices.” This means participants don’t pay out of pocket for plan management services.