Yes. If you are plan-managed, you can use independent support workers through Careseekers.
Plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers, which gives you more flexibility and choice over who provides your support. The main difference is that NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits apply to plan-managed supports where they are relevant.
Because we are an NDIS-registered provider, we support plan-managed participants who want to choose their own worker and arrange support through Careseekers.
The short answer
If you are plan-managed, you can:
- choose your own support worker
- use independent workers
- use registered or unregistered providers
- arrange support through Careseekers
What changes is the pricing framework. For plan-managed participants, the support still needs to follow the NDIS pricing arrangements and price limits where they apply.
What does plan-managed mean?
Plan management means your NDIS funding is managed for you by a plan manager.
Your plan manager helps pay providers from your plan, keeps records, and helps manage claims and invoices. It gives you more flexibility than NDIA-managed funding because you are not limited to registered providers only.
Can you still choose your own worker?
Yes. That is one of the key benefits of using Careseekers.
If you are plan-managed, you can still browse worker profiles, compare experience, view rates and choose the person who feels right for your needs. Plan management does not take away that choice. It simply means the payment side of the arrangement works through your plan manager and within the NDIS pricing rules where they apply.
Can you use independent workers on Careseekers?
Yes.
Our workers are independent, and plan-managed participants can use independent workers through Careseekers because plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers. That is one of the reasons plan management is often a good fit for people who want more flexibility while still having help with the admin side of their funding.
Can you negotiate rates?
Yes, you can speak directly with workers on Careseekers and negotiate. The important point is that for plan-managed participants, the final rate still needs to stay within the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits where they apply. The NDIA says providers set their own prices, you can negotiate with them, and they cannot charge more than the relevant price limit.
So on Careseekers, plan-managed participants have direct choice and direct conversation with workers, but the agreed rate needs to fit the NDIS pricing framework where relevant.
How does payment work?
If you are plan-managed, your plan manager will usually pay approved invoices using your NDIS funding.
On Careseekers, once support hours are approved, invoices can be sent through the platform to the plan manager for payment. That helps keep the arrangement simple while still giving you direct choice over the worker.
What should you check before getting started?
Before choosing a worker, it helps to be clear on:
- what type of support you need
- whether the support item is subject to NDIS price limits
- whether the rate fits within the pricing rules
- how your plan manager will handle invoices
- whether the worker is the right fit for your routine and preferences
The most important thing is that the arrangement works both for your support needs and for your funding setup.
How we help
We make it easier to use plan-managed funding with the worker you choose.
On Careseekers, you can compare profiles, speak directly with workers, understand rates clearly, and arrange support through a platform that also works with plan-managed NDIS funding. That means you do not have to choose between flexibility and structure. You can have both.
Frequently asked questions
Can plan-managed participants use independent support workers?
Yes. Plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers, including independent workers.
Can I choose my own worker if I am plan-managed?
Yes. Plan management still gives you choice over who provides your support.
Do NDIS price limits apply if I am plan-managed?
Yes. For plan-managed participants, the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits apply where relevant.
Can I negotiate rates directly with workers on Careseekers?
Yes. You can negotiate directly with workers, but the agreed rate still needs to stay within the pricing rules where they apply.
Do I need to use a registered provider if I am plan-managed?
No. Plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers.
Ready to choose your own worker?
If you are plan-managed and want more choice over who supports you, we make it easier to compare workers, understand rates and arrange support that fits your needs.
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