Directly Employing a Support Worker vs a Platform vs an Agency
Directly employing a support worker vs a platform vs an agency: the three ways to engage NDIS support, and how they compare on cost, control and admin.
There are three main ways to bring a support worker into your life on the NDIS: employ someone directly, find them through an online platform, or go through an agency. Each strikes a different balance between cost, control and how much admin lands on you. This guide walks through all three so you can choose what fits.
The three ways to engage a support worker
Directly employing a worker
Using a platform
Using an agency
Cost, control and admin compared
Which management type each needs
How to choose
Finding workers and providers
Frequently asked questions
What are the three ways to hire a support worker?
You can employ a worker directly (you become their employer), use an online platform to book an independent worker (a sole trader with an ABN), or go through an agency that employs the worker for you. They differ mainly in cost, how much control you have, and how much admin falls to you.
Which option is cheapest?
Employing a worker directly is usually the cheapest per hour, because there's no agency margin — but it carries the most admin and employer responsibility. Platforms sit in the middle. Agencies are typically the dearest per hour, because the rate covers their recruitment, training, insurance and…
Do I have to be self-managed to employ a worker directly?
Realistically, yes or close to it. Employing someone directly means handling tax, super and insurances, which needs self-management or a plan manager comfortable with it. Agency-managed participants can generally only use registered providers, so directly employing and platform hiring usually aren't…
Who covers a shift when my worker is sick?
With an agency, the agency arranges a replacement. When you employ directly or use most platforms, arranging cover is usually your responsibility. If reliable backup matters most to you, that's a strong point in favour of an agency — though you trade away some control and cost.
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