Posted by The Caringly Clinical Team
on August 11, 2026
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please refer to the NDIS website or speak with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager for advice specific to your plan.
Written and reviewed by the Caringly Clinical Team. Last updated: 11 August 2026.
NDIS Funding for Continence Aids: Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed vs NDIA-Managed
Once your NDIS plan includes funding for continence consumables, how that funding is managed determines how you actually place an order. There are three management types, and many participants use a mix across different support categories. Here's what each means for ordering continence products through Caringly.
Self-Managed Funding
With self-management, you control your funding directly — you choose your provider, pay for products yourself, and keep your own records for NDIS purposes. This gives you the most flexibility and the widest choice of providers, including non-registered ones.
How to order: Shop on caringly.com.au exactly as any regular customer would — add products to your cart, check out, and pay online. You'll receive an order confirmation and tax invoice by email to keep for your NDIS records.
Plan-Managed Funding
A registered Plan Manager handles the financial administration of your plan — paying invoices and tracking your budget — while you retain choice over which providers you use.
How to order: Use the ‘NDIS Orders’ button next to Add to Cart on any product page instead of the regular checkout. Select your products and quantities, then enter your participant and Plan Manager details — no card or payment details needed. We prepare the invoice and send it to you and your Plan Manager directly. Your order ships once payment is received, which can take a few days to around two weeks depending on your Plan Manager's processing time, so it pays to order ahead of running low.
NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed) Funding
Here, the NDIA holds and manages your funds directly. Providers claim payment through the NDIS portal, which means you're limited to NDIS-registered providers — Caringly is a Registered NDIS Provider, so ordering with us works the same way as plan-managed.
How to order: Also use the ‘NDIS Orders’ button. Submit your details — no payment required upfront. We prepare the invoice and submit it for NDIA processing, then dispatch your order once payment clears. As with plan-managed orders, allow processing time so you don't run low on supplies.
Mixed Management
It's common to have different categories of your plan managed differently — for example, your Core Supports (which usually includes continence consumables) might be plan-managed while other categories are self-managed. Check your plan or ask your Support Coordinator which management type applies to your consumables budget specifically, since that's what determines how you should order.
A Quick Comparison
Self-managed — most flexibility, you pay upfront and claim/record it yourself.
Plan-managed — a Plan Manager pays on your behalf, you keep provider choice, no upfront payment.
NDIA-managed — the NDIA pays registered providers directly, no upfront payment, provider choice limited to registered providers.
Whichever applies to you, the entire process — from selecting products to submitting your NDIS order — happens on caringly.com.au. There's no separate site or account to manage.
Ready to order? See our full NDIS Orders page for a step-by-step walkthrough, or browse Supreme Pull-Ons, Supreme Slips and Adult Incontinence Wipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which management type applies to my consumables budget?
Check your NDIS plan document, or ask your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager — it's usually specified per support category, not for the whole plan.
Can I switch management types?
Yes, this can generally be changed at your next plan review. Speak with the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator about how to request a change.
Do I need a continence assessment before I can order?
Yes — your plan needs to include funded continence supports first, which usually requires an assessment. See our guide on NDIS continence assessments for what that involves.
What if my Plan Manager hasn't paid yet and I'm running low?
Contact us at support@caringly.com.au or call 1300 00 2439 — we're happy to help you plan ahead for processing delays.
Resources and Support in Australia
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Website: ndis.gov.au
National Continence Helpline
Phone: 1800 33 00 66 (free call)
This article has been written and reviewed by the Caringly Clinical Team, healthcare professionals experienced in NDIS and community continence care in Australia. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Funding rules and processes can change — always confirm current details with the NDIS or your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager.
