How a Non Registered NDIS Provider Works

What participants need to know before choosing support

When someone first hears the term non registered NDIS provider, it can sound a bit confusing. The truth is, a large part of the disability support sector in Australia is made up of non registered providers, and many of them deliver great, personalised care every day.

The key is understanding how it works, what the differences are, and what it means for participants who want flexibility and choice in the way they receive support.

What does “non registered” actually mean

A non registered provider is a business or sole trader that delivers NDIS supports but has not gone through the full NDIS registration and audit process.

They can still operate legally and support participants, but there are rules around who they can support and how payment works.

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

Who non registered providers can support

Non registered providers can work with two types of participants:

Plan Managed participants

This is the most common group that works with non registered providers. A Plan Manager pays the invoices on behalf of the participant, and 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 full 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 non registered providers can offer

A non registered provider can offer most NDIS support categories, including personal care, community access, transport, household tasks, life skills and capacity building, social and community participation.

They just need to make sure 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 is the 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 a few reasons participants often prefer working with non registered providers.

More flexibility. They can tailor supports around the participant’s preferred times, locations and cultural needs without the heavy compliance requirements that come with being fully registered.

Personalised service. Many non registered providers are small businesses that offer a hands-on, relationship-based approach.

Less waiting time. Because they are not dealing with registration restrictions, they can usually onboard a participant faster.

Responsibilities non registered providers still must follow

Even without registration, they are still required to follow 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 someone is plan managed or self managed and they want responsive, tailored support, a non registered provider can be a strong fit. The important thing is choosing a provider who communicates well, is transparent, and has the right systems in place behind the scenes.

Speak with us today to find out more