Plan-Managed Bookings: Get Pre-Approved the Right Way

What “pre-approval” means in plan management

In plan management, pre-approval is the step where you (or your provider) confirms that a booked support can be paid from your NDIS plan before the service is delivered. It helps you avoid surprise costs and supports more predictable budgeting for supports like personal care, household tasks, therapy sessions, and allied health.

Pre-approval usually checks a few things: that the support is NDIS-funded for you, that it matches the way your supports are listed in your plan, and that the provider has the right pricing and service details. If something doesn’t fit, you may need to adjust the booking (for example, change the type of service, number of hours, or dates) or get guidance from your plan manager.

For plan-managed clients, you can also use tools like MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au) to support your understanding of what’s available to claim. If you’re comparing providers, My Care Finders can help you check options and compare fit (such as experience, communication style, and how they typically handle pre-approvals) before you commit to a booking.

Key takeaway: Pre-approval is about making sure your plan manager will be able to pay for the booking in advance—so you’re not left chasing money after the service.

Best practice: ask your provider to send the booking request early, include clear dates, service description, and total cost, and keep a copy of what was requested. If you’re unsure, contact your plan manager before the service starts.