Plan-Managed Bookings: Pre-Approval vs Simple Service Requests

What “plan-managed bookings” really means

“Plan-managed bookings” means your NDIS funding is managed by a plan manager (not by the provider directly through your account). In practice, it’s about how services are organised and paid: the provider sends information to your plan manager for approval and/or payment, using the rules for your plan. This can apply to both assistive supports and other supports, depending on how your plan is set up.

In most cases, you’ll see two ways services are requested: pre-approval or a simple service request. Pre-approval is common when something needs checks before the plan manager can process payment (for example, confirming the right support type, quantity, timeframe, and rate). A simple service request is usually used for straightforward, repeat-type services where the details are already clear, and your plan manager can pay after the booking or invoice is submitted.

If you’re unsure which process applies to your situation, it helps to look at how your plan manager operates. You can also compare providers by asking questions up front and using resources like My Care Finders to help you understand options and what to expect from different service providers. Many plan-managed participants also use MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au) to better understand plan management processes and payments.

Key takeaway: Plan-managed bookings are about how your plan manager checks and pays—the difference between pre-approval and simple requests is whether approval is needed before services start, or only submitted for payment after.

To avoid delays, always ask the provider (and your plan manager) to explain what they will submit, when they submit it, and what you need to approve. Good providers will clearly tell you the steps, expected timelines, and any booking cut-off dates—so you can plan supports with confidence.