How to work as an unregistered provider

🧾 How to Work as an Unregistered NDIS Provider

You don’t have to be registered with the NDIS Commission to support participants. Many people start as unregistered providers — and it’s a great way to get experience and build your business.

But being unregistered doesn’t mean you’re unprofessional. You still need to follow important rules and provide safe, high-quality services.

🧠 What’s the Difference?

• Registered providers go through an audit and are approved by the NDIS Commission. They can offer more services, work with more types of participants, and often grow faster.

• Unregistered providers do not need an audit, but can only work with:

  • Self-managed participants (who pay invoices themselves)

  • Plan-managed participants (who use a registered plan manager to pay)

🛑 You cannot work with NDIA-managed participants or offer:

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

• Services that use restrictive practices

• Behaviour Support Assessments or Plans

🧭 Step-by-Step: Start as an Unregistered Provider

1. Understand the NDIS

Learn how the NDIS works. It helps people with disability access the supports they need. Visit ndis.gov.au to learn more.

2. Choose Your Services

Decide what supports you want to offer. Common services include:

• Personal care (e.g. showering, meals)

• Community participation

• Cleaning or transport

• Therapy or life skills support

3. Know the Rules

Even if you’re unregistered, you must follow:

• The NDIS Code of Conduct

• State and federal laws (e.g. safety, privacy, fairness)

📘 Read the NDIS Code of Conduct

4. Set Up Your Business

Choose a business structure:

• Sole trader (most common starting point)

• Company or partnership (if working with others)

✅ Register for:

• ABN (Australian Business Number)

• Any licenses required in your state or industry

5. Get Insurance

You should have:

• Public Liability Insurance

• Professional Indemnity Insurance

These protect you and your clients if something goes wrong.

6. Create Service Agreements

Write clear service agreements that include:

• What services you offer

• Fees and payment terms

• Cancellation policies

• Contact details and responsibilities

📄 Use the [Service Agreement Template] from the Supporting Documents page.

7. Set Your Prices

Use the NDIS Price Guide to understand how much you can charge.
Even as an unregistered provider, you should follow the pricing limits.

📘 NDIS Pricing Arrangements

8. Connect with Participants

Start offering your services to:

• Self-managed participants

• Plan managers who work with participants

You can:

• Promote yourself on Facebook or community groups

• Network with local support coordinators

• Offer free intro meetings to build trust

9. Keep Good Records

You should:

• Send proper invoices

• Track hours worked

• Save receipts and notes

• Keep consent and service agreements on file

This helps you stay organised and professional — and makes tax time easier too.

💡 Who Can Use Unregistered Providers?

However, all providers — registered or unregistered — must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.

🛡️ Final Advice

Being unregistered is a good way to start, but it comes with limits. If you want to grow, offer more services, or work with all participants, consider getting registered later.

Until then, focus on:

• Following the rules

• Providing amazing support

• Building relationships with plan managers and participants