nib Thrive, your partner in navigating your NDIS plan

NDIA recently introduced changes under Section 33 of the NDIS Act to make plans clearer and easier to manage. From 19 May 2025, new or renewed NDIS plans from this date will show the total budget, funding component amounts and funding periods (1, 3, 6, or 12 months) during which the allocated funding must be used. Instead of all funds being released upfront, funding amounts will be made available in smaller amounts throughout your plan period.

For more information, the NDIA has released a message from the CEO about these changes and you can also view a list of S33 FAQs here. We’re here to support you navigate these changes, if you have questions please contact our friendly nib Thrive team. 

All NDIS participants are entitled to have plan management included in their plan. During your initial planning conversation, you can tell NDIS staff that you'd like a plan manager's support. If you're in the middle of your plan and wish to add a plan manager, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to discuss how you can add plan management.

Participants do not need to pay for plan management. The NDIS will cover the costs for your plan manager. This is separate funding from other services and supports in your budget.

If your budgets are plan managed, simply find service providers you want to use and ask them to invoice nib Thrive for their services. To ensure the services you want to purchase are included in your plan, reach out to our team, and we can check this for you.

No, choosing to self-manage your NDIS Plan means you're responsible for managing your budget and tracking your funding categories.

Yes, you have the flexibility to choose the providers and supports that work best for you.

Here’s how it works:

1. We submit claims to the NDIS for payment, usually within three days if:

• The claim is authorised,

• Funds are available in the plan, and

• The service falls under a plan-managed area.

2. The NDIS reviews the claim, usually within three days. 3. When the NDIS approves the claim, and we receive the funds, we aim to pay the provider the following business day.

Our friendly team can help guide you through the switch to nib Thrive. Please contact us at 1800 999 333 or enquiries@nibthrive.com.au to begin the process.

Support coordination and plan management are services that help individuals put their NDIS plan into action - but do so in different ways.

A support coordinator helps you understand your plan and connects you with the right people and services to achieve your goals.

A plan manager handles the financial aspects of your plan, such as organising payments, processing invoices and managing your budget.

As they are completely different services, if you select nib Thrive for both support coordination and plan management, we will manage these services separately.

We encourage you to provide feedback and we would be grateful to hear any ideas you have to assist with improving the way we work.

To provide feedback or make a complaint:

• Call us on 1800 999 333

• Email us at enquiries@nibthrive.com.au

To make a complaint to the NDIS Commission

• Visit NDIS Commission’s website

Any complaint received will be dealt with promptly and fairly. We’ll keep your complaint confidential and request your permission if details surrounding your complaint need to be shared. The only time your complaint would be shared without permission is when we believe that someone is at risk of serious harm or if we believe a criminal offence has occurred. 

An advocate can provide information, help an individual explore their options and work through issues, and make informed decisions.

The Department of Social Services funds the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) to provide people with disability access to effective advocacy support.

Through NDAP, an advocate can assist individuals to:

• Understand and exercise their rights

• Self-advocate

• Identify and address situations of violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation

• Make a complaint

• Understand and/or access the NDIS, Centrelink and other government services

• Find and use community services, including legal services

• Request extra support (such as reasonable adjustments) at school or work.

Find out more about how an advocate can assist people with disability at the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP).