Unregistered provider

A provider that is not registered with the NDIS Commission. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can choose to use them.

What it means

An unregistered provider is a business or individual that delivers NDIS supports but has chosen not to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Registration is a formal process that involves meeting the NDIS Practice Standards and passing an independent audit. Many providers decide the process is not worthwhile for their situation, so they operate without it.

Being unregistered does not mean a provider is unsafe or lower quality. It simply means they have not gone through the Commission's registration and audit steps. Unregistered providers still have to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations around acting safely, respectfully and with integrity. They must also meet other laws that apply to any business, such as work health and safety and consumer protection rules.

In practice

Whether you can use an unregistered provider depends on how your plan is managed. If you self-manage or are plan-managed, you can choose registered or unregistered providers, which gives you a much wider range of options. If your plan is agency-managed (NDIA-managed), you can only use registered providers.

Unregistered providers are common across areas like support work, cleaning, gardening, therapy and community activities. Using them can mean more choice, more flexibility and sometimes better value, but it also means the extra oversight that comes with registration is not there. It is worth checking a provider's experience, references, insurance and screening checks before you start. Keeping clear service agreements and invoices also helps protect you and makes claiming smoother.

A real example

For example, Priya is plan-managed and wants a support worker who speaks her language and understands her culture. The person she finds is skilled and well suited to her, but they are not registered with the NDIS Commission. Because Priya is plan-managed, she can still engage them, and her plan manager pays their invoices from her funding.

Unregistered provider — FAQs

Can I use an unregistered provider?
Yes, if you self-manage or are plan-managed. Both of these options let you choose registered or unregistered providers, which widens your choice. If your plan is agency-managed (NDIA-managed), you can only use registered providers. If you want to use unregistered providers but are currently agency-managed, you could ask about changing how your plan is managed.
Are unregistered providers safe to use?
Unregistered providers can be safe and high quality. They have not gone through the Commission's registration audit, but they must still follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and other laws. It is sensible to check their experience, insurance, references and any relevant worker screening before starting. A clear service agreement also helps set expectations and protect both of you.
Why do some providers choose not to register?
Registration involves meeting the NDIS Practice Standards and passing an independent audit, which takes time and money. Smaller providers, sole traders and businesses that mainly serve self-managed or plan-managed participants may decide this is not worthwhile for them. Choosing not to register does not necessarily reflect on their quality or professionalism, and many skilled providers operate unregistered.
Do unregistered providers have to follow any rules?
Yes. Unregistered providers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, which covers acting safely, respectfully, honestly and with integrity. They must also meet general laws that apply to any business, such as work health and safety, privacy and consumer protection. Complaints about unregistered providers can still be raised with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
How do I pay an unregistered provider?
If you are plan-managed, your plan manager pays the provider's invoices from your funding. If you self-manage, you pay the provider yourself and keep records to claim back from the NDIA. Setting up a service agreement and asking for clear invoices makes this easier. Agency-managed participants cannot claim for unregistered providers.

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