Plan-Managed Pre-Approvals: Get It Right Every Time

What “pre-approval” means in plan management

In NDIS plan management, pre-approval usually means your plan manager must confirm that a request is eligible under your NDIS plan before the provider starts work or charges you. It’s a way to help you avoid surprises, like an invoice that can’t be processed because the activity, price, or payment type doesn’t match what’s in your plan.

With plan-managed pre-approvals, the provider (or you) typically sends details to your plan manager—such as the support type, expected dates, who will deliver the support, the funding category, and the estimated cost. Your plan manager checks what’s available in your budget and whether the request aligns with your plan rules. In many cases, this is handled through tools and processes like MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au), which helps track and manage transactions.

If something is pre-approved, it doesn’t automatically mean every future invoice will be accepted. Your plan manager may still need confirmation of final details, and providers should report actual services delivered. If costs change, or the support isn’t delivered as agreed, you may need an update or a new pre-approval.

Key takeaway: Pre-approval is your “check first” step—so confirm the right support and the right price before services start.

To reduce the chance of delays, ask the provider to share their pre-approval-ready paperwork early. You can also compare options by using My Care Finders to look at providers and services, then talk to your plan manager about how each one fits your funding and timeline.