Plan-Managed Bookings: Pre-Approval Rules in Plain English

Section 1: What “pre-approval” means (and why it matters)

In plan-managed supports, pre-approval means your plan manager checks the booking first to make sure the service is allowed under your NDIS plan and that it fits the rules of how your funding must be used. Even if you’ve chosen a provider, a pre-approval step helps confirm the right support item, the correct funding category, and that costs can be paid from your plan budget.

Why this matters: without pre-approval, you might face delays or out-of-pocket costs if the booking doesn’t match what your plan can fund. Pre-approval also helps prevent situations where the provider invoices in a way that can’t be processed. With plan-managed services, payment is still linked to what your plan covers, so pre-approval is your safety check before supports start.

You’ll often see pre-approval handled in two common ways: (1) your provider sends details of the booking and rates to your plan manager, and (2) you confirm the supports and times match what you need. If you’re using MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au), it can support the process by helping manage information and keeping things organised before spending happens. If you’re comparing providers, My Care Finders can help you understand what to ask before you book, so you’re more likely to get a smooth approval outcome.

Key takeaway: Pre-approval is about making sure the support you want is funded and correctly set up before the provider starts, so you avoid payment problems and delays.

• Ask your provider for the exact service description, dates/times, and quoted price before booking.
• Check the support item/capacity your plan is using, especially if you’re booking multiple sessions.
• If something changes (hours, frequency, or the type of support), request a new pre-approval.
• Use My Care Finders to compare providers and understand what “good booking details” look like.