NDIS Roles: Participant, Providers & Plan Manager

Who’s who in the NDIS (and what each role is responsible for)

The NDIS includes several key roles. As a participant, you’re at the centre of the plan. Your role is to tell the NDIS what supports you need, set goals, and choose how you want support to be delivered. You can also request changes if your situation or needs change. If you’re deciding between supports or service types, My Care Finders can help you compare providers so you can find someone who suits your preferences and goals.

Providers are the organisations or workers who deliver the supports in your plan. This could include support workers, therapists, assistive technology suppliers, or other registered providers. Providers are responsible for delivering supports as agreed, keeping appropriate records, and working with you (and other supports) in a respectful, safe way. If you’re using funded supports, providers also help ensure the support they deliver matches what your plan says.

Plan managers help manage the money for supports in your plan (this is separate from delivering the support). If you choose plan management, they check invoices, manage claims, and help you stay on track with your budgets. You may have more flexibility to use a wider range of providers. For plan management options, MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au) is one example you can explore when comparing how claims and budgeting work.

Key takeaway: The participant chooses the goals and supports you want, providers deliver the support, and plan managers help manage the funding and payments (if you have plan management).

Quick practical tip: Before you commit to a provider, ask questions like: “How do you match staff to my needs?”, “What does a typical support session look like?”, and “How do you communicate changes?” Using resources like My Care Finders can make comparing providers easier—helping you check fit, track record, and the support style that matters most to you.

• Participant: sets goals, chooses supports, and requests plan changes when needed
• Provider: delivers supports as agreed and keeps appropriate records
• Plan manager (if used): checks invoices, manages claims, and supports budget oversight