Can I switch plan managers without waiting for my plan reassessment?

Yes. You can change plan managers at any time during your plan. You do not need a reassessment or NDIA approval to make the switch, and it does not require a plan variation. Simply give notice to your current plan manager per your service agreement and sign on with a new one.

Will switching plan managers affect my NDIS funding?

No. Your NDIS funding amounts, budget categories, and support allocations are determined by your plan, they are completely unaffected by which plan manager you choose. Your plan management budget line continues through the transition without interruption.

How much notice do I have to give my current plan manager?

Check your service agreement, as many plan managers ask for two to four weeks written notice. If your plan is on the PACE system, you may be able to get your new plan manager set up with the NDIA sooner, but it is still important to understand any notice requirements in your current agreement, and ask the NDIA or your new plan manager what applies in your situation.

Do my providers need to do anything when I switch?

Yes. You will need to tell them to send future invoices to your new plan manager from your switch date. Your new plan manager will provide a template notification to make this easy. Providers are familiar with plan manager changes, and the process is straightforward for them.

Can I switch if I am unhappy with my plan manager but do not have a specific reason?

Absolutely. You do not need to justify your decision to change providers. Choice and control is a foundational right of every NDIS participant. If the relationship is not working for you, that is reason enough.

What happens to invoices that arrive after I have switched?

Your new plan manager will be responsible for any outstanding invoices once they are recorded as your plan manager in the NDIA system. According to the NDIA, once recorded, plan managers can submit claims for any period in your plan. It is still a good idea to let your providers know your switch date and your new plan manager's invoice details, so everything is sent to the right place and the handover stays smooth.

How long does it take for my new plan manager to start processing invoices?

Once your new plan manager is endorsed through the NDIA system, they can begin processing invoices immediately. In most cases, your new plan manager will be fully active on your agreed switch date or sooner.

Can First2Care help me switch from my current plan manager?

Yes, this is something we do regularly. When you join First2Care, our team handles the transition process with you step by step. This includes providing provider notification templates and guiding you through the NDIA endorsement call. Contact us to get started.

How to Switch NDIS Plan Managers Step-by-step Australia Guide 2026

Updated Aug 2026 • 8 min read

How to Switch NDIS Plan Managers (Step by Step Australia Guide)

Illustration of the NDIS plan manager switching process in Australia.

You have decided your current plan manager is not working for you. Maybe payments are slow, communication is poor, or you simply want a more personal service. Whatever the reason, you have every right to change, and it is far simpler than most people expect.

There is no lock in. Your NDIS funding is completely unaffected, your support continues without interruption, and your new plan manager will guide you through most of the process. This guide covers the current PACE system process, what to do about your notice period, and exactly what to say in your notice email.

In this guide

01

Can you change plan managers any time?

02

Why do people switch plan managers

03

How to switch, 6 steps

04

How long does switching take?

05

What about my current invoices and budget?

06

Switching from NDIA management to plan management

07

Why switch to First2Care

08

Frequently asked questions

Can You Change Plan Managers Any Time?

Yes. The NDIS is built on choice and control, so you can change plan managers during your plan without waiting for a plan reassessment and without NDIA approval. The main thing to check is the notice period in your current service agreement, which we cover below.

It is worth knowing what stays the same. Your plan, your budgets, and your remaining funding do not move or reset when you switch. Plan management is also funded separately by the NDIA under Improved Life Choices (Capacity Building), so it does not come out of your other supports and costs you nothing out of pocket. Read more about NDIS: how to plan manage your funding.

Why Do People Switch Plan Managers?

Switching is a completely normal part of the NDIS journey. People change plan managers for all kinds of valid reasons:

Slow invoice payments. Late payments strain your provider relationships and can put your supports at risk.

Hard to reach. You deserve a dedicated contact who knows your plan, not days of waiting for a reply.

No budget visibility. You should be able to see how much funding is left in each category.

Your needs have changed. A more complex plan, move, or a new provider can call for different experience.

Your need has changed. A more complex plan, a move, or a new provider can call for different experience.

You do not owe your current plan manager an explanation. A simple written notice is all that is needed.

How to Switch NDIS Plan Managers?

Six clear steps take you from decision to your new plan manager being fully active.

01 Choose your new plan manager first.

Line one up before you leave your current one, because a gap can delay invoices and provider payments. When comparing, three things matter most day to day: payment speed, responsiveness, and whether you can see your budget online.

02 Sign a service agreement with your new plan manager.

This sets out the services they provide, how invoices are processed, and the notice period if either of you ends the arrangement. Ask about anything that is unclear before you sign.

03 Give written notice to your current plan manager.

Check your service agreement for the notice period, which is often two to four weeks. An email is enough. State your intended end date and ask for a final reconciliation of any outstanding invoices and keep a copy. Note that you may be charged a fee if you end the agreement without giving the agreed notice.

04 Update your records with the NDIA.

Your plan manager must be recorded as a ‘my provider’ before they can be paid. You can do this in the my NDIS participant portal, at a plan meeting, or by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110. If your plan is on the PACE system, you may be able to get your new plan manager set up sooner, but it is still important to understand any notice requirements in your current agreement. Ask the NDIA or your new plan manager what applies in your situation.

05 Tell your providers where to send invoices.

Let each provider know your switch date and your new plan manager’s invoice details, so invoices for services after that date go to the right place. Your new plan manager can give you a template to make this simple.

06 Your new plan manager takes over.

Once your records are updated and your providers are notified, your new plan manager begins processing invoices and tracking your budget. They will confirm when they are officially managing your plan.

First2Care website grey blob 2_edited_edited.png

How Long Does Switching Take?

From your decision to your new plan manager being active, the typical timeline looks like this:

Stage

Choose a new plan manager & sign service agreement

Give notice to current plan manager

Notice period with your current manager

Update your records with the NDIA

Tell your providers

New plan manager active

Timeframe

Most of the wait is the notice period. The actual paperwork and calls take only a few hours across that time, and your new plan manager handles most of it.

What About My Current Invoices and Budget?

This is the most common concern when switching, and it's completely understandable. Here is how it works:

Before your switch date: your current plan manager processes those invoices. Ask them to confirm in writing that all outstanding invoices are cleared.

After your switch date: invoices go to your new plan manager, so make sure your providers know the exact date.

Your budget: your funding amounts and balances are held in the NDIA system, not by your plan manager, so they do not transfer or reset. Your new plan manager sees your current figures once they are recorded.

Switching From NDIA Management to plan Management

If you are currently NDIA managed (agency managed) and want plan management for the first time, the process is slightly different you will need plan management added to your plan first.

This is a change to how your plan is managed, which is treated as a plan variation, a small change to your existing plan. Contact your LAC or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to add plan management. It is a standard request and is routinely approved. The NDIA needs to agree to the change, and once they have the information they need, a variation takes up to 28 days to complete.

Once your plan is updated to include plan management funding, you can sign up with a plan manager immediately. For a full picture, read our guide: What is NDIS Plan Management? Complete 2026 Guide.

Why switch to First2Care?

Choosing a plan manager is about more than just ticking a box, it is about who you want in your corner. Here is what you get with First2Care:

01 Fast invoice payments
Reliable, prompt processing that keeps your supports running.

02 Easy to reach
Speak with a real person who knows your plan not a call centre.

03 Clear budget visibility
Track your budget any time through the Plan Magic portal.

04 Accurate, compliant processing
We check invoices carefully to reduce errors and stays NDIS compliant.

05 Support that feels personal
We take time to understand your needs and treat your with warmth and respect.

Ready to switch to First2Care?

We handle almost all of it, the service agreement, adding us as your provider, and notifying your providers. Have a free, no obligation chat with a real person.

Join First2Care today →

Book a free online chat→

Call 1300 322 273

FAQ About NDIS Plan Management

What Can You Spend NDIS Funding On?

If you have ever wondered what your NDIS funding can actually be used for, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions participants ask, and the most important to get right. Understanding what NDIS funding can be used for, one category at a time. Your NDIS funding exists to support your independence, your goals, and your participation in everyday life. It can be used for supports that are related to your disability, meet the reasonable and necessary criteria,

First2Care blog illustration showing support beyond invoice payments with two people working together using a tablet to represent ongoing NDIS plan management support.

How First2Care Supports You Beyond Just Paying Invoices

When people look into NDIS plan manager benefits, they often expect help with paperwork and provider payments. Those services matter, but plan management can also give you clearer budget information, regular funding updates and practical help to understand how your plan is being used. At First2Care, we combine invoice administration with budget visibility, clear explanations and a team that keeps shared records. Because the team can see your history, you can pick up the conve

Invoicing and Record-Keeping for NDIS Providers

Getting invoicing and record keeping right helps keep everything running smoothly, from timely payments to clear and accurate tracking of participant budgets. They go hand in hand. A well-prepared invoice gets the process started, while strong records support what sits behind it. When both are clear and consistent, it reduces delays, avoids back and forth, and makes it easier for everyone involved to stay on track. A quick note on invoicing If you have read our previous bl

First2Care is a registered NDIS plan management provider (ABN: 24 601 046 155), registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This article is for general information purposes. For advice specific to your individual plan, please speak with your NDIA planner, Local Area Coordinator, or the First2Care team directly.

How to Switch NDIS Plan Managers (Step by Step Australia Guide)

In this guide

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

Can You Change Plan Managers Any Time?

Why Do People Switch Plan Managers?

How to Switch NDIS Plan Managers?

01

​Choose your new plan manager first. Line one up before you leave your current one, because a gap can delay invoices and provider payments. When comparing, three things matter most day to day: payment speed, responsiveness, and whether you can see your budget online.

02

Sign a service agreement with your new plan manager. This sets out the services they provide, how invoices are processed, and the notice period if either of you ends the arrangement. Ask about anything that is unclear before you sign.

03

04

05

Tell your providers where to send invoices. Let each provider know your switch date and your new plan manager’s invoice details, so invoices for services after that date go to the right place. Your new plan manager can give you a template to make this simple.

06

Your new plan manager takes over. Once your records are updated and your providers are notified, your new plan manager begins processing invoices and tracking your budget. They will confirm when they are officially managing your plan.

How Long Does Switching Take?

What About My Current Invoices and Budget?

Switching From NDIA Management to plan Management

Why switch to First2Care?

01

Fast invoice payments Reliable, prompt processing that keeps your supports running.

02

Easy to reach Speak with a real person who knows your plan not a call centre.

03

Clear budget visibility Track your budget any time through the Plan Magic portal.

04

Accurate, compliant processing We check invoices carefully to reduce errors and stays NDIS compliant.

05

Support that feels personal We take time to understand your needs and treat your with warmth and respect.

Ready to switch to First2Care?

FAQ About NDIS Plan Management

Can I switch plan managers without waiting for my plan reassessment?

Will switching plan managers affect my NDIS funding?

How much notice do I have to give my current plan manager?

Do my providers need to do anything when I switch?

Can I switch if I'm unhappy with my plan manager but don't have a specific reason?

What happens to invoices that arrive after I have switched?

How long does it take for my new plan manager to start processing invoices?

Can First2Care help me switch from my current plan manager?

Read more from First2Care

What Can You Spend NDIS Funding On?

How First2Care Supports You Beyond Just Paying Invoices

Invoicing and Record-Keeping for NDIS Providers

Choose your new plan manager first.

Line one up before you leave your current one, because a gap can delay invoices and provider payments. When comparing, three things matter most day to day: payment speed, responsiveness, and whether you can see your budget online.

Sign a service agreement with your new plan manager.

This sets out the services they provide, how invoices are processed, and the notice period if either of you ends the arrangement. Ask about anything that is unclear before you sign.

Tell your providers where to send invoices.

Let each provider know your switch date and your new plan manager’s invoice details, so invoices for services after that date go to the right place. Your new plan manager can give you a template to make this simple.

Your new plan manager takes over.

Once your records are updated and your providers are notified, your new plan manager begins processing invoices and tracking your budget. They will confirm when they are officially managing your plan.

Fast invoice payments
Reliable, prompt processing that keeps your supports running.

Easy to reach
Speak with a real person who knows your plan not a call centre.

Clear budget visibility
Track your budget any time through the Plan Magic portal.

Accurate, compliant processing
We check invoices carefully to reduce errors and stays NDIS compliant.

Support that feels personal
We take time to understand your needs and treat your with warmth and respect.