Common Questions Plan Managers Get – Answered!
Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your funding. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or have been on the journey for a while, you probably have questions—lots of them! That’s where Plan Management comes in.
At Pacific Plan Management, we get asked all sorts of questions every day, and we’re always happy to help. In this blog, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from participants and their families to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported.
What are Plan Managers Responsible For?
Plan Managers are here to take the stress out of managing your NDIS funding. We handle:
Receiving and paying invoices from providers of your choice (both registered and non-registered)
Claiming funds from your NDIS budget
Sending monthly statements that show how much you’ve spent and how much is left
Adhering to the NDIS Price Guide and making sure all claims are compliant.
How Does Plan Management Affect My Funding?
It doesn’t!
When you choose Plan Management, the NDIS includes extra funding in your plan specifically for Plan Management services. This is separate from the funding allocated for your supports and services, so it doesn’t take away from your core supports or therapies.
How Does Plan Management Differ from Self-Managed and Agency-Managed Plans?
There are three ways you can manage your NDIS funding:
Self-managed: You manage your own invoices, payments, and admin.
Agency-managed: The NDIA handles payments, but you can only use registered providers.
Plan-managed: You get the freedom to use both registered and non-registered providers, while we handle all the financial administration for you.
How Does a Plan Manager Help with Paying Providers?
We receive invoices from your providers and check that they’re accurate and meet NDIS guidelines. As long as the provider has an active ABN (which is required for payment), we then process the invoice through the NDIS portal. Once approved, we pay your providers directly—so there's no need for you to chase invoices or deal with any of the paperwork!
Can I Use Any Provider if I Have a Plan Manager?
Yes!
Being plan-managed means you can use both NDIS registered and non-registered providers, giving you more flexibility, choice, and control over your supports.
What Reports or Updates Will I Receive About My Budget?
At Pacific Plan Management, we send monthly budget summaries so you always know where your funds are going. These reports show:
How much you’ve spent
What you’ve spent it on
How much funding remains
We also offer an online portal so you can check your budget in real-time.
How Does a Plan Manager Ensure My NDIS Funds Are Spent Correctly?
At Pacific Plan Management, we understand the NDIS rules and guidelines. Every invoice is carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with your plan goals and the correct funding categories. If we spot something that doesn’t look right or isn’t claimable, we’ll let you know and guide you through your options.
Having service agreements in place with your providers also helps prevent overspending. These agreements outline the supports you’ve agreed to receive, allowing us to allocate and manage your funds more accurately and ensure your budget is used appropriately.
For more on the importance of service agreements, check out our blog: [Service Agreements: Why They Matter in Your NDIS Plan].
Can I Change Plan Managers if I’m Not Happy with My Current One?
Yes, you can!
We’ve made switching plan managers simple:
Email your current plan manager to end services.
Then get in touch with us:
📧 accounts@pacificplan.com.au
📞 1800 861 112
One of our friendly team members will be in touch to take care of the rest.
How Long Does It Take to Claim an Invoice?
When everything is in order, claims are usually processed within 2–3 business days.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Plan Manager?
There are plenty of benefits to being plan-managed, including:
Less admin—we handle invoices, claims, and budgeting
More choice—you can use registered and non-registered providers
Easy-to-understand reports so you stay in control
Expert support to help you understand and navigate your NDIS plan
What Happens if I Run Out of Funding Before My Plan Ends?
If your budget starts getting low, we’ll flag it with you early. We keep a close eye on your spending and can help you adjust supports or connect with your support coordinator to explore options.
We also understand that not all participants have a Support Coordinator. In that case, it’s important to reach out to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner to let them know your funds are running low. They can help guide the next steps.
Can a Plan Manager Help Me Understand My NDIS Plan?
In some cases, yes.
We can help you understand what you can claim and which budget category to use. However, for a more detailed explanation of your overall plan and goals, that’s where your LAC or Support Coordinator comes in—they’re best placed to provide a deeper breakdown of your plan and ensure it aligns with your needs.
How Do I Know What Is Covered by My Plan?
Your plan includes funding categories that align with your goals. A Plan Manager can help you:
Understand each category
Know what supports are included
Identify which claims need approval
Make the most of your plan’s flexibility
How Can I Get Started with a Plan Manager?
It’s easy!
If your NDIS plan includes Plan Management, simply choose a provider like Pacific Plan Management. We’ll handle the sign-up process and contact your providers on your behalf. You don’t need to notify the NDIS—we’ve got it covered.
How Do I Sign Up?
Getting started with us is simple: 👉 Register online: https://www.pacificplan.com.au/registration
📧 Email: accounts@pacificplan.com.au
📞 Call: 1800 861 112
Our friendly team is ready to support you every step of the way.
At Pacific Plan Management, we’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs. If you ever need extra support or want to learn more, our friendly team is just a phone call or email away.
You don’t have to navigate your NDIS journey alone—let us help you get the most out of your plan.