How a Non Registered NDIS Provider Works

What NDIS Participants Need to Know Before Choosing Support

When you first hear the term "non-registered NDIS provider," it can sound confusing. However, a large part of the disability support sector in Australia consists of non-registered providers. Many of these providers deliver great, personalised care every day.

Understanding how non-registered providers work is essential. Knowing the differences between registered and non-registered providers helps you make informed choices about your support options. This article will guide you through everything you need to know.

What Does “Non-Registered” Actually Mean?

A non-registered provider is a business or sole trader that delivers NDIS supports but has not completed the full NDIS registration and audit process. They can still operate legally and support participants, but there are specific rules regarding who they can support and how payment works.

Being non-registered does not imply that the provider is unqualified or unprofessional. It simply means they haven’t completed the formal NDIS registration pathway yet.

Who Can Non-Registered Providers Support?

Non-registered providers can work with two types of participants:

Plan Managed Participants

This group is the most common among those who work with non-registered providers. A Plan Manager pays the invoices on behalf of the participant. As long as the service is reasonable, necessary, and within NDIS price limits, a non-registered provider can deliver it.

Self Managed Participants

These participants manage their own NDIS funding. They have the freedom to choose any provider, including non-registered ones, and can negotiate their own pricing.

Who They Cannot Support

Non-registered providers cannot deliver supports to participants whose funding is agency managed (managed directly by the NDIA). Only registered providers can service these participants because the NDIA pays them directly.

What Services Can Non-Registered Providers Offer?

Non-registered providers can offer most NDIS support categories. These include:

• Personal care
• Community access
• Transport
• Household tasks
• Life skills and capacity building
• Social and community participation
  
  

Providers must ensure they have the right qualifications, insurances, policies, and procedures in place to deliver safe and quality support. Many non-registered providers already meet most of the requirements even before they begin their official registration process.

How Payment Works

This is where participants often have questions. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Plan Managed: The provider sends the invoice to the participant’s Plan Manager. The Plan Manager pays the invoice from the participant’s NDIS funding.
• Self Managed: The participant pays the invoice upfront or claims back the money from their NDIS portal. They can negotiate pricing directly with the provider.
  
  

There is no payment directly from the NDIA to a non-registered provider.

Why Participants Choose Non-Registered Providers

There are several reasons participants often prefer working with non-registered providers:

More Flexibility

Non-registered providers can tailor supports around your preferred times, locations, and cultural needs. They do this without the heavy compliance requirements that come with being fully registered.

Personalised Service

Many non-registered providers are small businesses. They offer a hands-on, relationship-based approach that can make a significant difference in your support experience.

Less Waiting Time

Because they are not dealing with registration restrictions, non-registered providers can usually onboard a participant faster.

Responsibilities Non-Registered Providers Must Follow

Even without registration, non-registered providers must adhere to key rules to keep participants safe. This includes:

• Having the correct insurances
• Following the NDIS Code of Conduct
• Providing workers with screening and checks
• Ensuring privacy and confidentiality
• Keeping clear documentation
• Having a complaints and incident reporting process
• Charging within NDIS price limits (for plan-managed clients)
  
  

A good non-registered provider will operate very close to the same standard as a registered one.

Is a Non-Registered Provider a Good Option?

For many participants, the answer is yes. If you are plan managed or self-managed and want responsive, tailored support, a non-registered provider can be a strong fit. The important thing is to choose a provider who communicates well, is transparent, and has the right systems in place behind the scenes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right support is crucial for your journey. Non-registered providers offer flexibility, personalised service, and often a quicker onboarding process. If you are looking for a provider who can adapt to your needs, consider exploring non-registered options.

If you have questions or want to learn more about your options, feel free to reach out.

Speak with us today to find out more