A plain-English guide for families
NDIS plan management, explained without the jargon.
You didn't sign up to become a case manager, a bookkeeper and a translator overnight. This page walks you through what NDIS plan management actually is, how it works, and how to switch plan managers — in everyday language. LUNA sits alongside you as you go.
What is NDIS plan management?
NDIS plan management is one of the three ways your NDIS funding can be handled. A registered Plan Manager pays your providers on your behalf, keeps the receipts, and gives you a running view of what's left in each budget category.
You still choose your therapists, supports and providers. The plan manager just handles the paperwork and payments — so the money actually reaches the people helping your child, without you chasing invoices at 10pm.
NDIA-managed
The NDIA pays registered providers directly. Simplest — but you can only use registered providers.
Plan-managed
A registered Plan Manager pays your providers (registered or not) and tracks your budget. Most families choose this.
Self-managed
You receive the funds, pay providers yourself, and keep all the records. Most flexibility, most admin.
How does NDIS plan management work?
Once your plan is approved with plan-managed funding, the flow looks like this:
- 1
You choose a plan manager
Any registered Plan Manager. You sign a short service agreement — no cost to you, it's paid from a separate 'Improved Life Choices' bucket in your plan.
- 2
Your providers invoice the plan manager
Therapists, support workers and other providers send their invoices to the plan manager instead of chasing you.
- 3
The plan manager claims and pays
They claim the funds from the NDIA and pay the provider — usually within a few business days.
- 4
You see the bigger picture
You get statements showing what's been spent and what's left in Core, Capacity Building and Capital. This is where LUNA quietly helps you keep track.
How to switch NDIS plan managers
You can switch at any time — you don't need to wait for a plan review. Here's the calm version of the process:
- 1.Choose a new registered Plan Manager. Ask other families, or your support coordinator, who they trust.
- 2.Sign the new plan manager's service agreement.
- 3.Email your current plan manager ending your service agreement, and give a clear handover date.
- 4.Let your providers know where to send invoices from that date onwards.
- 5.Keep a copy of your last statement from the old plan manager — it's useful for tracking budgets across the switch.
Where LUNA fits in
LUNA doesn't manage your plan. LUNA helps you navigate it.
LUNA is not a Plan Manager and does not touch your NDIS funds. What LUNA does is take the invisible load off your plate — the translating, the remembering, the second-guessing — so the conversations with your actual plan manager, therapists and the NDIA feel less like a full-time job.
Translates NDIS language into everyday words
LUNA's Language Shield turns clinical and NDIS-speak (e.g. 'hydrotherapy', 'capacity building', 'functional capacity') into terms your family actually uses — so plan meetings feel less alien.
Keeps your plan in one calm place
Your plan dates, funding categories, provider names and next steps sit in a quiet parent dashboard — instead of scattered across screenshots, emails and PDFs.
Helps you draft the emails you're avoiding
The handover email to your old plan manager. The 'can you send the invoice to…' note to your therapist. LUNA gives you gentle drafts so you can just check and send.
Tracks what's actually being used
You can log sessions, therapies and small wins as they happen — giving you a real picture of how the plan is being used, ready for review time.
Prepares you for plan reviews
LUNA quietly gathers the moods, wins and notes you've logged into a simple summary you can take into your review — no last-minute scramble.
Supports your child on the other side
While you handle the admin, your child has three age-appropriate AI companions to talk to — with safe friction, no streaks, and gentle nudges back to real life.
Common questions from families
Get started with LUNA
One less thing to hold in your head.
LUNA won't manage your NDIS plan. It helps you understand it, organise it, and stop carrying it alone. Here's what happens once you download the app:
- 1
Download and set up together
Install LUNA on your phone or your child's device. A short, calm onboarding walks you both through it — no jargon, no forms.
- 2
Add your plan in plain English
Enter what your child is funded for in everyday words. LUNA quietly translates it into the NDIS language your providers and plan manager use.
- 3
See the bigger picture
Your parent dashboard shows sessions, funding movement, and gentle check-ins — so you always know where things stand.
Free to download. No credit card. Available now on Android — iOS waitlist open on the home page.
What happens next