How to Find and Hire an Independent Support Worker Directly
How to find an independent support worker and hire them directly: where to look, the ABN and insurance to check, service agreements, and how to pay them.
Hiring an independent support worker directly can give you more choice, more continuity and often a lower hourly rate than going through an agency. It also means taking on a little more setup yourself. This guide walks through how to find the right person and put a safe, simple arrangement in place.
What 'independent support worker' means
Is this right for your plan?
Where to find independent workers
What to check before you hire
Setting up a service agreement
Insurance, ABN and getting paid
Starting well: trial and onboarding
Finding workers on Novida
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an independent support worker?
Look through online platforms and directories, ask other participants, family or your support coordinator for recommendations, and check local community networks. Searching by location helps, since a nearby worker is more likely to be reliable for regular hours. Then check experience, references and…
Do I need to be self-managed to hire an independent worker?
You need to be self-managed or plan-managed. Both can engage independent workers. If you're agency-managed (NDIA-managed), you can generally only use registered providers, so hiring directly usually isn't available until you change how your plan is managed. Plan-managed participants have the plan…
What should a service agreement include?
Keep it simple but clear: the support tasks, the hourly rate (including any evening or weekend rates), the hours and roster, how changes are handled, cancellation notice on both sides, and how invoicing and payment work. Putting this in writing at the start prevents most misunderstandings later.
Does an independent worker need an ABN and insurance?
Yes. An independent worker operates as a sole trader, so they should have their own ABN and invoice you with it, plus their own insurance such as public liability. Because they're not your employee, you're not responsible for their tax or super — but do confirm their ABN, insurance and screening…
Related guides
- How to Find NDIS Support Workers Without an Agency
- Best Hireup Alternatives (2026)
- Alternatives to a Home Care Package Provider (for NDIS-Eligible People)
- How to Switch From Mable to an Independent Support Worker
- How to Switch NDIS Plan Managers (Without Losing Your Claims)
- Kynd Alternatives: Other Ways to Find NDIS Support (2026)