Provider Comparison Worksheet
A free, copy-and-use worksheet to compare NDIS providers side by side on services, cost, availability and fit — so you choose well, not just cheap.
What this worksheet is for
How to use it
The worksheet (copy and use)
What each row is really asking
A worked example
Common mistakes and edge cases
Where to get help deciding
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use a registered NDIS provider?
It depends on how your plan is managed. If you are NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers. If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you can generally use both registered and unregistered providers, as long as they follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. Check your plan or ask the NDIA on 1800 800 110 if you are unsure.
Should I just choose the cheapest provider?
No. The lowest hourly rate is not the same as the best value. Travel charges, cancellation fees, wait times and how well the provider suits you all matter. Two providers with the same rate can cost very different amounts once travel and cancellations are added. Compare the whole picture using the worksheet.
How do I know a provider is not charging me too much?
Providers of price-controlled supports cannot charge above the limits in the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, updated by the NDIA each year. Ask for pricing in writing and check it against the current price guide. If something looks too high or a provider will not confirm pricing, note it and ask the NDIA.
How many providers should I compare?
Two or three is usually enough to get a real sense of your options without becoming overwhelmed. More than four tends to get hard to read and hard to decide between. The point is to compare a few good options fairly, not to contact everyone.
A support coordinator recommended a provider — can I say no?
Yes, always. You are free to choose any provider you like. It is also fair to ask whether the person recommending them has any connection to that provider. Under the NDIS Code of Conduct, providers and coordinators must be transparent and act with integrity, which includes being open about conflicts of interest.