NDIS Support for Self-Managed Participants

Flexible support workers across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Hunter. Transparent rates, no lock-in, person-centred from day one.

Make a Referral 0485 553 397

You chose self-managed for the freedom. We are built for it.

Self-managed NDIS participants made a deliberate choice: maximum control over who supports you, when, and how. The trade-off is more admin and more decisions - but it also opens up the full pool of providers, including ones that registered participants cannot use.

Safe Hands is one of those providers. We are a Newcastle-based, unregistered NDIS provider that works specifically well for self-managed participants and their families. No NDIA bureaucracy in the middle. No rigid corporate processes. Just reliable support, delivered by trained workers, billed transparently.

What does self-managed NDIS mean?

Self-managed means you receive your NDIS funding directly and pay providers yourself, then claim back from the NDIA via the myplace portal. You can use any provider - registered or unregistered - and negotiate your own rates. It is the most flexible of the three NDIS plan management options.

Why self-managed participants in Newcastle choose Safe Hands

Transparent pricing

Rates aligned with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements. You see the exact hourly rate and total cost in your Service Agreement before any service starts. No surprises.

Fast response

Small local team means we usually answer the phone in business hours and respond to enquiries within 1 to 2 business days. No call centres.

No lock-in contracts

Standard two-week notice period for changes, but no minimum term. You stay because you want to, not because you are stuck.

Local to the Hunter

Newcastle-based team that knows the area, the community programs, and the other local providers that complement what we do.

Worker matching

Tell us your preferences - gender, language, hobbies, returning worker, comfortable with pets - and we will do our best to match.

Clean invoicing

Itemised invoices with every detail the NDIA needs for your claim: date, hours, support type, rate, total. Easy to forward to the portal.

Day-to-day supports we deliver

We focus on day-to-day NDIS supports that help you live more independently. Click any service to learn more.

Daily Living Support Community Participation Transport Support Lifestyle Support Youth Support Family Support Employment Support Support Coordination See All Services

How it works

1

Free phone or video conversation

Call 0485 553 397 or submit a referral form. We listen to what you need, answer your questions, and tell you straight up if we are the right fit.

2

Service Agreement

If we are a good fit, we draft a plain-language Service Agreement covering what supports we will deliver, hourly rates, cancellation terms, and your rights. You take the time you need to read it and ask questions before signing.

3

Supports begin

We match you with workers who fit your preferences and schedule. First shifts are often supervised by a senior worker so you are confident from the start.

4

You invoice the NDIA

We send you an itemised invoice after each session (or weekly). You pay us, then claim back from the NDIA via the myplace portal. Your reimbursement usually lands in a few business days.

Common questions from self-managed participants

Self-managed NDIS means you receive your NDIS funding directly and pay providers yourself, rather than having the NDIA or a plan manager handle invoices for you. You have full choice over which providers you use - registered or unregistered - and can negotiate your own hourly rates. You keep receipts and submit claims to the NDIA through the myplace portal.
Yes. Self-managed participants have the freedom to choose any provider that delivers good support - registered or unregistered. All providers must still follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and all workers in risk-assessed roles must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Choosing an unregistered provider often means more flexibility, lower overheads, and more personal service.
Safe Hands sends you an itemised invoice after each support session (or weekly for regular supports). You pay the invoice directly, then submit a claim to the NDIA through the myplace portal. The NDIA reimburses you within a few business days. Many self-managed participants set up a separate bank account just for NDIS funds to keep it simple at tax time.
Safe Hands prices are aligned with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Weekday daytime supports start from a competitive base rate, with standard NDIS uplifts applying for weekday evenings, weekends, public holidays, and overnight shifts. We are transparent about pricing - you will see the exact rate and total in your Service Agreement before any service begins.
No. There are no lock-in contracts. The Service Agreement specifies a short notice period (typically two weeks) so we can plan rosters, but you can end services with us at any time, for any reason. We will help you transition smoothly to another provider if you choose to leave.
Self-managed NDIS involves more admin than plan-managed - you handle invoices, claim through the NDIA portal, and keep your own records. The trade-off is maximum choice and control over your supports and providers. Many self-managed participants find the extra admin worth it, especially when they have a Support Coordinator or a friend or family member to help with the paperwork.
Yes. You can change how your NDIS plan is managed by contacting the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and requesting a plan variation. The change usually takes effect at your next plan reassessment, though urgent changes can sometimes be made sooner. You can also use a combination of management types - for example, plan-manage your therapy supports and self-manage your daily living supports.
Self-managed participants must keep all invoices, receipts, and bank statements showing payments to providers for at least 5 years (the NDIA recommends 7). The NDIA can audit your spending at any time. Records should clearly show: provider name, date of service, type of support, hours, hourly rate, and total paid. Safe Hands provides itemised invoices that include all of this information.

Ready to talk to a real human?

Free initial conversation. No obligation. We will give you a clear answer on whether we are the right fit within one call.

Make a Referral 0485 553 397