Independent vs agency support work
Independent (sole trader) vs agency disability support work compared — pay, admin, security, insurance and control — so you can choose the right path.
The short answer: which is better for you?
What each model actually means
Pay: agency wage vs independent rate (and the SCHADS vs NDIS price trap)
Security, entitlements and the safety net
Admin, tax and super: who does the paperwork?
Insurance and liability: what protects you?
Screening, the Code of Conduct and compliance
Finding work: rosters vs building your own client base
Autonomy, relationships and burnout
Career growth and doing both
Frequently asked questions
Do independent support workers get paid more than agency workers?
Usually yes on paper — the headline hourly rate for an independent is typically higher than the SCHADS wage an agency pays. But that's not your take-home. As an independent you fund your own super, income tax, insurance, paid time off and unpaid gaps out of that rate, so the real difference is much smaller than the sticker price suggests. Agencies also pay penalty rates — Saturday 150%, Sunday 200%, public holidays 250% — that can beat a flat independent rate on unsociable days. Compare what actually lands in your pocket after costs across real (not ideal) hours, not the headline figure.
Is the SCHADS rate the same as the NDIS price limit?
No, and confusing them is the biggest mistake in this industry. The SCHADS rate is the wage a worker is paid under award MA000100; the NDIS price limit is the maximum a provider can charge a participant's plan for a service. The price limit has to cover your wage plus super, leave, insurance, supervision, training, travel and overheads, so your pay is always a fraction of it — never expect to be paid the full NDIS price. Confirm wages with the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool and prices with the NDIS pricing arrangements.
Can I be both an agency and an independent support worker at the same time?
Often yes, and many workers do exactly this for a mix of security and higher earnings — an agency base plus a few private clients. First check your agency employment contract for any exclusivity, restraint-of-trade or conflict-of-interest clause, and make sure you're never taking the agency's own clients privately. Keep the two streams clearly separated for tax, invoicing and insurance purposes, and make sure you have your ABN, cover and screening sorted before you take private income.
What insurance do I need as an independent support worker?
At a minimum, consider public liability and professional indemnity cover, plus personal accident or income protection since you have no workers' compensation or sick pay to fall back on. Some matching platforms include limited insurance for work booked through them, but read exactly what's covered — whether it extends to personal care and to clients you found off-platform — before relying on it. Working in someone's home doing personal care without appropriate cover is a serious financial risk to your personal assets. Get advice from an insurer or broker who understands disability support.
Do I still need an NDIS Worker Screening Check if I work independently?
Yes. Screening and Code of Conduct requirements apply to you as a worker regardless of whether an agency employs you or you're self-employed — the obligations follow the work, not your employment status. You'll generally need a clearance through your state or territory Worker Screening Unit, and you'll work under the NDIS Code of Conduct. As an independent you also carry more of the incident-reporting and record-keeping responsibility yourself. Confirm the current process and fees with your screening unit and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Which is better for someone brand new to support work?
For most newcomers, agency work is the safer start — you get induction, supervision, training, guaranteed shifts and someone to call when something goes wrong, all without running a business. It's a low-risk way to build experience, get your screening and First Aid sorted, and work out what kind of support suits you. Once you have confidence, real experience and a financial buffer, you can add independent clients or move across entirely. There's no rush and no penalty for starting with the safety net.
Do I have to pay my own super if I go independent?
Yes. As a self-employed sole trader, no employer pays super for you, so you need to set it aside yourself out of the rate you charge — otherwise you're quietly underpaying your own retirement. The super guarantee rises to 12% from 1 July 2026 for employees, which is a useful benchmark for what to put away out of every invoice. Treat it as non-negotiable rather than optional, and confirm your obligations and the best way to contribute with the ATO or a registered tax agent.