How to Become an Unregistered NDIS Provider

How to Become an Unregistered NDIS Provider

Becoming an NDIS registered provider comes with its fair share of hoops to jump through – time-consuming paperwork, more costs, and everything else that comes with it. While registration is a great fit for some, it’s not the right move for everyone. The good news? You don’t need to be registered to provide disability support services.

Scroll on for everything you need to know about becoming an unregistered NDIS provider – from getting the right insurance and setting up your invoicing system to attracting clients and staying on top of your game. 

What is an Unregistered NDIS Provider?

When it comes to providing NDIS support, you have two main options: Registered or Unregistered. 

A registered NDIS provider has been approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver support to plan-managed participants. That means you’re part of a wider network with access to more opportunities. However, it also means more responsibility, compliance requirements, and the costs that come with it.

On the other hand, an unregistered NDIS provider hasn’t gone through the registration process with the NDIA. This gives you more flexibility and fewer regulations to follow, but it also means you can’t work with NDIA-managed participants directly. Instead, your work would typically involve self-managed or plan-managed participants who choose your services.

Why choose to be an unregistered provider?

First and foremost, it’s a lot easier to start a business by being an unregistered NDIS provider. There’s no need to worry about licensing or audit fees, and you have the flexibility to set your own prices – no NDIS restrictions here.

But, like everything, there are trade-offs. Without registration, you won’t be listed on the official NDIS Provider Lists, which can make it trickier to earn the trust of potential clients. You may also need to get creative with marketing to make sure you’re seen.

For some, this is a no-brainer. By opting out of the registration process, you can bypass the admin and start offering your services right away. This is perfect if you want to keep things simple and cost-effective.

How to become an unregistered provider

1. Register Your Business and Get Relevant Insurance

Register your business as a legal entity, such as a sole trader, partnership, or company.  Unregistered NDIS providers must have an ABN to operate legally and receive payments. This applies to both businesses and sole traders.

Obtain the necessary insurances, including public liability insurance and professional indemnity, to ensure protection for your clients and your business.

While registration with NDIS isn't required, these insurances are necessary for your own legal and professional safety.

2. Ensure You Meet All Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

As an unregistered NDIS provider, you’re not directly accountable to the NDIS, but you must still comply with local regulations and follow NDIS Practice Standards. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees all providers, ensuring safe and quality services for participants.

Here’s what you still need to do:

• Follow the NDIS Code of Conduct
• Handle complaints properly
• Ensure staff have the right checks and qualifications

Even as an unregistered provider, failing to adhere to the Code of Conduct can lead to complaints. Make sure to keep any other industry-specific requirements in mind that are related to your services.

3. Create a Clear Service Offering and Pricing Structure

When you're setting up your service offerings, it's important to take market demand and the specific needs of the clients you’re looking to serve into account. The beauty of being an unregistered NDIS provider is that you have the flexibility to decide on your own pricing structure – but there are some important things to keep in mind. 

The NDIS Price Guide doesn’t dictate what you can charge as an unregistered provider. Instead, it’s all about how your participants manage their funding.

If you're working with a participant who is plan-managed, you’ll need to ensure your fees stay within the limits outlined in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document. These limits act like a maximum cap – not a fixed price – and remember that you're free to charge below this rate. The flexibility works both ways: participants can also shop around for a rate that suits their budget.

However, if you're supporting a self-managed participant, the price limits set by the NDIA don’t apply. You have the freedom to set your rates based on what works for your business and what feels right for your client.

In the end, the choice is yours, and understanding how each funding model works will ensure you're offering your services in a way that benefits both you and the folks you support.

4. Develop a Strong Marketing Strategy

Since you won’t be on the official NDIS Provider List, effective marketing becomes key. Focus on reaching out to self-managed and plan-managed participants.

Leverage digital marketing, networking, and word-of-mouth to get the word out. Clear communication about the benefits of working with an unregistered provider will help you stand out.

Show potential clients your experience, reliability, and wholehearted commitment to providing exceptionally wonderful care so you can truly build trust. 

How does GoodHuman help with admin for unregistered NDIS providers? 

Whether you're registered with NDIS or not, running a disability support service comes with its fair share of challenges. From onboarding clients and setting meaningful goals to matching the right staff and maintaining compliance, there’s a lot to keep track of.

At GoodHuman, we get it. That’s why our NDIS provider software is built to make your life easier. With streamlined scheduling, budgeting, and hassle-free invoicing in step with the latest pricing updates, we help take the stress out of your day-to-day tasks.

Automation handles the little details, so you can skip the manual work, reduce the chance of errors, and ensure every service is billed accurately and on time. It’s a smarter, simpler approach that gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: going the extra mile and delivering the best support possible. 

Admin, made easy with GoodHuman

Our NDIS invoicing software is designed to bring everything under one roof – billing, timesheets, expenses, and more. Finally, you can save time on paperwork and feel confident knowing you're staying on top of compliance. 

Staying unregistered offers flexibility and freedom to operate on your terms. However, it’s essential to remain diligent about compliance. Without the NDIS’s oversight, the responsibility for meeting industry standards and legal requirements is entirely on you. 

That’s where GoodHuman steps in – helping to ease the compliance burden with built-in tools that track your activities, ensuring you're always aligned with the necessary guidelines. With this added support, you can keep your operations running smoothly, all while maintaining the freedom and flexibility that comes with being an unregistered provider.

FAQ: 

How do unregistered NDIS providers get paid? 

Unregistered NDIS providers are paid differently as they don’t have direct access to NDIS funding. For self-managed participants, they pay the provider directly and then claim reimbursement from the NDIA or apply for funds to transfer to the provider. This streamlines the process and avoids delays. 

Are there NDIS unregistered provider requirements?  

While unregistered NDIS providers aren't directly accountable to the NDIA, there are still responsibilities that come with the role. Unregistered providers must maintain clear business records, including staff details and any complaints made against them. Compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct is essential, as is conducting NDIS Worker Screening Checks for all employees to ensure a safe, quality service. Just because you're not registered doesn't mean the responsibility to uphold standards is any less important.

What are the positives and negatives of being an unregistered NDIS provider?

Being an unregistered NDIS provider offers some clear benefits, like avoiding audits and cutting down on administrative tasks. You can operate with more flexibility and make decisions that suit your business best. 

However, it's important to keep in mind that freedom comes with responsibility. You still need to adhere to key NDIS protocols, manage complaints effectively, and issue accurate invoices – all without the structured oversight that registration provides. While the lack of bureaucracy is a plus, staying organised and ensuring compliance can be more challenging.