How a plan is managed decides who you can buy from and how invoices get paid. There are three arrangements: self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed. This page sets out how each one works so you can see which fits, and the quiz will route you to the right explainer once it lands.
The three arrangements
Self-managed means you handle the money yourself: you pay providers, keep records, and claim back from the agency. It gives the widest choice of providers and the most admin.
Plan-managed means a plan manager pays invoices on your behalf and keeps the records, while you keep a broad choice of providers. Agency-managed means the agency pays providers directly, and there the choice of provider is narrower.
Why the difference matters for buying
The arrangement changes which suppliers you can use. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can buy from any suitable supplier. Agency-managed participants generally need to purchase through registered NDIS providers.
Your plan documents state which arrangement applies to you, and a plan can even mix arrangements across different budgets. If you are unsure which applies, your planner or plan manager can confirm it.