Why You Might Want to Switch Plan Managers
Not all plan managers provide the same level of service. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it might be time to switch:
Slow Invoice Processing
Invoices sitting unprocessed for weeks. Providers complaining about late payments. You're stuck chasing updates.
Poor Communication
Hard to reach by phone. Emails go unanswered for days. No proactive updates about your budget or issues.
Unclear Budget Reports
Statements arrive late, are confusing, or contain errors. You're never sure how much funding you have left.
Frequent Invoice Errors
Claims get rejected by the NDIA due to errors. Your plan manager doesn't catch mistakes before submission.
You deserve better. Plan management should be fast, transparent, and stress-free. If your current plan manager isn't delivering, switching is the solution — and it's easier than you think.
Step 1 — Choose Your New Plan Manager
Take a few minutes to research registered NDIS plan managers. Look for these key qualities:
- NDIS Registration: Ensure they're officially registered with the NDIA
- Processing standard: valid invoices processed within 1–2 business days
- Clear Reporting: Monthly statements in plain English
- Responsive Support: Real people who answer calls and emails
- National Coverage: Service available wherever you live
✅ Why Choose Forward Planning Plus?
- ✅ Valid invoices processed within 1–2 business days
- ✅ Nationwide coverage (Queensland, NSW, VIC, all states)
- ✅ No hidden fees — 100% NDIS-funded
- ✅ Real human support, not call centres
- ✅ Transparent monthly statements
- ✅ Trusted by participants across Australia
Action: Call us on 0405 589 006 or fill out our contact form to start your switch.
Step 2 — Sign a Service Agreement
Once you've chosen Forward Planning Plus, we'll email you a simple service agreement. This is the legal document that authorizes us to manage your NDIS plan on your behalf.
What's included in the agreement:
- Your contact details and NDIS number
- Authority to communicate with your previous plan manager
- Permission to process invoices and manage your budget
- Service standards and communication commitments
⏱ Time Required: 2-5 minutes
Sign digitally from your phone or computer. No printing, scanning, or mailing required.
For nominees or Support Coordinators: If you're acting on behalf of a participant, you'll sign the agreement with their consent. We can provide template consent forms if needed.
Step 3 — Notify Your Current Plan Manager
The good news: You don't have to do this yourself. Forward Planning Plus handles this notification on your behalf.
Here's what we do:
- Send formal notification to your current plan manager advising them of the switch
- Request handover of remaining funds, budget balances, and outstanding invoices
- Obtain participant records including plan details, provider list, and transaction history
- Confirm cut-off date for invoices (typically the date you sign with us)
What if my current plan manager makes it difficult? They won't. Plan managers are legally required to facilitate smooth transitions. If any issues arise, we handle them professionally on your behalf.
⏱ Timeframe: set by the NDIA once paperwork is signed
Most plan managers respond within 1-2 business days. We keep you updated throughout the process.
Download the NDIS Plan Management Guide (2025)
A plain-English guide to how plan management works, what a plan manager does, how invoices are processed, and what to check before you choose a provider.
Step 4 — Transition Your Invoices and Providers
With your authorization, Forward Planning Plus now contacts all your service providers to notify them of the change.
What we send to your providers:
- Formal notification that you've switched to Forward Planning Plus
- New invoice email address and contact details
- Effective date for sending invoices to us
- Confirmation that all services continue as normal
We also verify outstanding invoices:
- ✅ Confirm which invoices your previous plan manager is still processing
- ✅ Identify any unpaid or pending claims
- ✅ Avoid duplicate payments or missed invoices
- ✅ Set up tracking for all future invoices
💬 What Providers Need to Do
Nothing. They simply start sending invoices to our email address instead of your old plan manager's. That's it.
Your supports continue without interruption. Providers keep delivering services as normal. They get paid faster with Forward Planning Plus.
Step 5 — Confirm Budget and Access Your Dashboard
Once records are transferred, Forward Planning Plus verifies your remaining funding and sets up your account.
What we confirm:
- Budget balances across Core, Capacity Building, and Capital
- Plan start and end dates to ensure accurate tracking
- Provider list and recent transaction history
- Outstanding invoices that need processing
You'll receive:
- Welcome email with your account details and contact information
- Budget summary showing current funding across all categories
- Provider list confirming all active service providers
Monthly statements: From now on, you'll receive clear, easy-to-read budget statements by email every month. No more confusion about how much funding you have left.
Step 6 — Start Fresh (Usually Within 24–48 Hours)
That's it. The transition is complete. You're now with Forward Planning Plus — and you'll immediately notice the difference.
Processing in 1–2 business days
Valid, correctly submitted invoices are processed within 1–2 business days of receipt. Final payment timing can also depend on NDIA processing.
Real Support
Call us anytime and a real person answers. Email us and we respond within 24 hours. No call centres, no endless hold music.
Clear Statements
Monthly budget reports in plain English. See exactly what you've spent, what's left, and when you might need a plan review.
Proactive Alerts
We monitor your budget and alert you before you run low on funding. No surprises, no last-minute scrambles.
No downtime. No interruption. Just better service from day one.
Why Switching Is Worth It
Thousands of NDIS participants switch plan managers every year. Here's why they make the change — and why they never look back:
Faster Invoice Processing
Valid, correctly submitted invoices are processed within 1–2 business days. Happier providers = more reliable service.
Clear Monthly Reports
Transparent budget statements that show exactly where your funding is going. No more confusing spreadsheets or unclear categories.
Friendly Australian Support
Talk to real people who care about your outcomes. No offshore call centres, no automated phone trees, no waiting on hold.
Fully Funded by NDIS (No Cost to You)
Plan management is completely free under Improved Life Choices funding. You get professional service at zero cost — whether you stay or switch.
Bottom line: If your current plan manager isn't delivering fast, transparent, responsive service, you're missing out. Switching takes less than an hour of your time — and the benefits last your entire plan.
How Support Coordinators Can Help
If you're a Support Coordinator helping a participant switch plan managers, Forward Planning Plus makes the process easy for you too.
What you can do:
- Initiate the switch with participant consent (verbal or written)
- Sign the service agreement on behalf of the participant if you have authority
- Coordinate with us to notify providers and track the transition
- Receive copies of budget statements and spending reports
📧 Template Emails Available
Forward Planning Plus provides template emails and notification letters for Support Coordinators. We make it easy to facilitate smooth transitions for your participants.
Why Support Coordinators choose Forward Planning Plus:
- ✅ Fast communication and budget updates
- ✅ Proactive alerts when participants are running low on funding
- ✅ Clear reports that help with plan reviews
- ✅ Collaborative approach that keeps the team aligned
Many Support Coordinators actively recommend us to their participants because they know we deliver reliable, transparent service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to switch plan managers?
The switch typically takes 7-10 business days to complete, but you can start the process in under 5 minutes. Forward Planning Plus often completes the transition once paperwork is signed; the NDIA then records the change.
Do I need NDIA approval to change plan managers?
No. You can switch plan managers at any time during your NDIS plan without NDIA approval. You simply notify your current plan manager and sign an agreement with your new one.
Will my supports stop during the switch?
No. All your supports and services continue without interruption throughout the entire switching process. Your providers keep delivering services as normal.
Does it cost anything to change plan managers?
No. Switching plan managers is completely free. Plan management is NDIS-funded under Improved Life Choices, whether you stay with your current manager or switch to a new one.
Download the NDIS Plan Management Guide (2025)
A plain-English guide to how plan management works, what a plan manager does, how invoices are processed, and what to check before you choose a provider.
Ready to Switch?
We'll handle the paperwork and payments for you — fast, simple, no cost. Join Forward Planning Plus today and experience standards-based plan management that works.