NDIS self-management, explained
Self-managing your NDIS funding means you choose your supports, pay your providers and claim the money back yourself. It gives you the most choice and control of any way to manage your plan. It also comes with more admin.
This page brings together everything you need to do it well. Start with the guide if you are new, or jump to the topic you need.
What you get when you self-manage
- Use registered and unregistered providers
- Negotiate prices with providers
- Employ or contract your own support workers
- Control your budget, payments and records
What you are responsible for
- Making your funding last the length of your plan
- Paying providers and claiming on time
- Keeping invoices, receipts and records
- Telling the NDIA when your situation changes
Based on the NDIS page What is self-managed funding.
Start here
New to self-managing, or thinking about it? Our guide walks you through every step, from setting up a bank account to your first claim.
Understand your plan
Your plan tells you what you can spend, on what, and when. Learn to read it with confidence.
Budget and funding periods
Most new plans release funding in stages, called funding periods. Work out what you have and how long it needs to last.
Claiming and record keeping
The rules on claiming deadlines and records are changing. Know what to keep and when to claim.
Providers and support workers
Find the right people and know your rights when you work with them.
What's changing
New NDIS laws passed in August 2026. Here is what they mean for self-managers.
When things go wrong
How Hai Helper helps
Hai Helper is an NDIS registered provider built for self-managers. It tracks your budget, keeps every invoice findable and speeds up your claims. AI helps, but never decides. As the admin side of self-management gets heavier and more participants drift toward plan management by default, Hai Helper is built to make staying in control a realistic choice, not just a harder one.
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026 by Sam Fairbairn, Founder.
General information only. This page explains how NDIS self-management works in general. It is not advice about your plan. For decisions about your funding, check with the NDIA or your my NDIS contact.