Registered vs unregistered NDIS providers: Understanding the difference

Once you have received your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan and have decided how you would like to manage your plan, it’s time to choose which providers you’d like to deliver the services that will help you reach your goals.

When navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), choosing the right provider is crucial. NDIS providers can be categorized into two main groups: registered and unregistered.

Participants who choose plan management or self-management of their NDIS plans can choose to use the services of both registered and unregistered providers, while those who are NDIA agency managed are limited to receiving supports from registered providers.

This article explores the key differences between these two types of providers from a participant's perspective.

What is a service provider?

A Service provider is a businesses or individual who deliver specific disability services or therapies.

There are many different types of providers. Some are large companies, others are small, family-run businesses or sole traders. Examples of service providers include:

• Physiotherapists

• Support Coordinators

• Disability support workers

• Early Childhood Intervention Services

• Assistive Technology Providers

• Behaviour Support Practitioners

Registered NDIS Providers

Registered providers are those that have been approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver NDIS-funded supports and services. Registered providers must meet the NDIS Practice Standards that create an important benchmark to assess performance and demonstrate that providers deliver high quality and safe supports and services to NDIS participants.

Registered providers can deliver some services that unregistered providers can’t.  These exclusive services are plan management, Specialist Disability Accommodation, Supported Independent Living, behaviour support or behaviour management planning and supports that involve restrictive practices (e.g. physical restraint).

Benefits of choosing a registered provider:

• The provider has been through the registration process and meets NDIA guidelines

• They are fully recognised as a provider committing to a certain quality standard

• Invoices are sent directly to your NDIS portal

• Registered providers must adhere to price caps set by the NDIA

• They can deliver certain services that unregistered providers can’t.

Unregistered NDIS Providers

Unregistered providers are those that have not been approved by the NDIA, they have chosen not to complete the NDIS approval process, though can still offer a valid service to participants. Being unregistered does not directly relate to a service provider’s professionalism or quality of supports. They often operate independently or as smaller businesses.

Unregistered providers and their workers are still required to adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct. The NDIS Commission Enforcement and Compliance Policy also applies to unregistered providers, and anyone can make a complaint to the Commission about a provider or worker regardless of registration status.

Unregistered providers working with self-managing participants are free to set their prices. You will only be able to claim the price the NDIS has set for the service in its price guide on your plan. You will need to pay any cost above and beyond that rate out of your own pocket.

Benefits of choosing an unregistered disability service provider:

• You are free to choose whichever provider you’d like to deliver your services

• There is a larger network of providers to choose from

• The ability to continue working with a provider you previously used, who is unregistered, when you transition onto the NDIS

Choosing the Right Provider

The decision between a registered and unregistered provider depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as:

• Level of Support: Do you require complex supports or are simpler services sufficient?

• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on NDIS services?

• Preference: Do you prefer a larger, established provider or a smaller, more personalized one?

• Location: Are there registered providers in your area, or are you open to using an unregistered provider?

To summarise:

The main difference between being registered and unregistered is the different legal status they have when it comes to the NDIA and the supports and services they provide to NDIS participants. Providers who are registered with the NDIA must follow specific NDIS rules and regulations. Although providers who are unregistered are not held to the same legal status as registered providers, it is recommended that they adhere to the rules and regulations that help to ensure participants have choice and control over their NDIS plan and supports.

All registered and unregistered NDIS providers and their workers must comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct which promotes the health, safety and wellbeing of persons with disability, by setting out acceptable, appropriate and ethical conduct for NDIS providers and workers delivering supports or services in the NDIS sector.

As a NDIS participant, you have a lot of choice and control over who delivers your services. There are many positives to using either registered or unregistered providers and, if you are plan or self-managed, you have the freedom to choose a mixture of both.