NDIS plan managed vs self managed: how each one pays your physio

If you are an NDIS participant, the way your funding is managed decides who pays your physio, which physios you can use, and whether NDIS price limits apply. There are three options: plan managed, self managed and NDIA managed, and you can mix them within one plan. None of them changes how much funding you have, but each works differently day to day.

This guide explains how each option pays for physiotherapy, the pros and cons, and what to check before you book. All rules below come from the NDIS website and were current in September 2026. It is general information only, not financial or legal advice. Your NDIA planner, my NDIS contact or plan manager can confirm what applies to your plan.

The short answer

• Plan managed: a registered plan manager pays your providers from your plan and keeps the records. Funding for the plan manager is added to your plan separately. You can use registered or unregistered providers.
• Self managed: you, your nominee or child representative pay providers and keep the records. You can use registered or unregistered providers and negotiate prices.
• NDIA managed: the NDIA pays your providers, who must be registered NDIS providers.
• NDIS maximum prices apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. For 2026-27, the national limit for physiotherapy is $183.99 an hour.
• You can ask to change how your plan is managed at any time.

The three ways NDIS funding can be managed

The NDIS guide to management options sets out three choices: self-management, plan management and NDIA-management. Your plan can be managed all one way, or the options can be combined. For example, your core supports could be self managed while your capital supports are NDIA managed.

Whichever you choose, you can only spend your funding on NDIS supports that are in line with your plan, and you remain responsible for checking that the supports you pay for fit your plan. You can see every claim made against your plan in the participant portal or the my NDIS app.

Plan managed: how your physio gets paid

With plan management, a plan manager handles payments and record keeping for you. The NDIS includes funding in your plan to pay the plan manager, separate from your other supports. Your plan manager must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

1. You choose your physio and agree on the service, usually in a service agreement.
2. After each visit, the physio sends an invoice to your plan manager.
3. Your plan manager pays the physio from your plan through the NDIS portals.
4. Your plan manager keeps the records and gives you reports on your spending.

You can choose registered or unregistered providers. NDIS price limits still apply, so a provider cannot charge a plan-managed participant more than the maximum price. You stay responsible for choosing your providers, authorising claims, and making a service agreement with your plan manager.

Self managed: how your physio gets paid

Self-management gives you the most flexibility. The NDIS self-management guide explains that you can use registered or unregistered providers and negotiate how much a support will cost, including above or below the NDIS price limits. There are two ways to pay, both through the participant portal or my NDIS app:

• Option 1: the NDIA pays you first, then you pay the provider.
• Option 2: you pay the provider from your own pocket, then the NDIA pays you back.

Self-managers must keep records of how they spend their funding, such as invoices, receipts and dates, for 5 years. Each record needs details including the provider’s name and ABN, the dates of the support, the support category, a short description, the hours, the price and the total paid. You should claim as soon as possible after each support. A claim submitted more than 6 months after the support may be held for review, which can take up to 28 days.

You cannot self-manage in some situations, for example if the NDIA believes it would pose an unreasonable risk to you, or if you have certain criminal convictions or are an insolvent under administration.

NDIA managed: how your physio gets paid

With NDIA-managed funding, the NDIA pays your providers and keeps the records. You still choose your physio, but they must be a registered NDIS provider. You cannot use unregistered providers for NDIA-managed supports.

Your physio claims against your plan in the provider portal. The NDIA usually pays within 2 to 3 business days if the claim comes from one of your recorded “my providers” with the correct details. If a provider who is not recorded for your plan makes a claim, the NDIA will SMS you to accept or decline it. The NDIA says these messages will never ask for personal information, ask you to reply, or include a link.

Pros and cons at a glance

Plan managed

• Pros: someone else handles invoices and records; wide choice of providers; plan manager fees come from separate funding.
• Cons: price limits apply; you still need to keep an eye on your budget and authorise claims.

Self managed

• Pros: the most choice and control; you can negotiate prices and even engage your own staff.
• Cons: you do the paperwork, pay on time and keep records for 5 years; if you pay first, you wait to be reimbursed.

NDIA managed

• Pros: no paperwork for payments; providers are registered.
• Cons: you are limited to registered providers.

What this means for your physiotherapy

Under the NDIS pricing schedule that took effect on 24 September 2026, the national maximum price for physiotherapy is $183.99 an hour, with higher limits in remote and very remote areas. For plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants, this is the most a provider can charge. Other physiotherapy items, such as provider travel and NDIA-requested reports, are listed as separate items in the schedule.

Khy Physio is a registered NDIS provider and works with self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants. For plan-managed and NDIA-managed funding, we bill your plan manager or the NDIS directly. A travel fee applies to home visits and depends on your location. Contact our team for the cost to your area. Ask us about your costs before your first visit, and see our pricing page for more detail.

If you are unsure how physiotherapy fits your plan goals, our NDIS physiotherapy guide covers the funding categories, and what to expect from NDIS physiotherapy walks through a typical first visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change from NDIA managed to plan managed?

Yes. You can ask to change how your funding is managed at any time, and there is no limit on how often you ask. If this is the only change you need, the NDIA can usually make it with a plan variation rather than a full plan reassessment.

Can a plan-managed participant use an unregistered physio?

Yes. The NDIS says plan-managed participants can choose registered or unregistered providers. Price limits still apply.

Do price limits apply if I self manage?

No. The maximum prices only apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. Self-managers can negotiate prices, but it is sensible to agree on the price in writing and make sure your funding lasts the length of your plan.

What if I think a claim on my plan is wrong?

Check your claims in the participant portal or my NDIS app. If you think you, a provider or your plan manager has made a mistake, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Ready to use your NDIS plan for physio?

Our NDIS mobile physiotherapy team visits participants at home across Melbourne and the Geelong region, whichever way your plan is managed. Make a referral or contact our team on 03 8824 0712 and we will help you get started.

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