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If you’re thinking about entering the world of disability support in Australia, you’ve likely come across the NDIS. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds essential supports and services for people with disabilities. But before you can work with participants, you need to decide: Will you be a registered NDIS provider or an unregistered NDIS provider?
Whether you’re launching an NDIS business or trying to choose the right provider, understanding the between registered vs unregistered NDIS provider types, their compliance obligations, and how they impact participant choice is critical. In this guide, we’ll break down the key benefits, drawbacks, and legal distinctions between both provider categories.
A Brief Review of How The NDIS Works
The NDIS gives people with disabilities control over how they receive support. It is a government-funded program, but participants can choose who delivers their services. There are three ways NDIS plans are managed: by the NDIA, by a plan manager, or by the participants themselves (self-managed).
- NDIA-managed participants can only use registered NDIS providers.
- Plan-managed NDIS participants can use both registered and unregistered NDIS providers.
- Self-managed NDIS participants have full flexibility and can hire anyone they trust.
The scheme is overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which also handles provider registration, audits, and complaints.
What is a registered provider in the NDIS?
A registered NDIS provider is an individual or company that has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This means they meet the NDIS practice standards, follow safety rules, and pass an NDIS audit. Once registered, they can support all types of participants.
These providers also get a certificate, known as an NDIS provider certificate, and their names appear in the NDIS provider search tool. Only registered providers can deliver high-risk supports, like restrictive practices NDIS, or work with NDIA-managed participants.
Why become a registered NDIS provider
There are many reasons to become an NDIS provider through the official NDIS registration process. Being listed as a registered provider builds trust. It shows that your business meets strict safety and quality rules. This can help you attract more clients and work with a wider range of participants.
Also, some supports like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and complex behaviour support are only available to registered providers. This means more opportunities to grow your NDIS business and access bigger contracts through NDIS funding.
Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Provider: What’s the Difference?
The main difference is the level of regulation. A registered NDIS provider goes through audits and checks, while an unregistered NDIS provider does not. This affects who you can support and what services you can deliver.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Registered Provider | Unregistered Provider |
| Can work with NDIA-managed participants | Yes | No |
| Can deliver high-risk supports | Yes | No |
| Listed on NDIS provider search tool | Yes | No |
| Uses NDIS portal for payments | Yes | No |
| Must meet NDIS practice standards | Yes | No |
To Register or Not To Register: Pros & Cons
There is no one-size-fits-all. Let’s look at the benefits and challenges of both paths, using real NDIS data. (Source: NDIA Quarterly Report)
Registered: Pros
Registered NDIS providers receive a much higher share of NDIS payments. In the March 2025 quarter, they handled 57% of the $6.6 billion paid by plan managers. That’s a huge chunk, considering they make up only 7% of total providers.
Also, having a registered NDIS business means you can offer more services and work with all participant types, including NDIA-managed participants. This gives you more flexibility in contracts and funding.
Registered: Cons
Registration comes with strict rules. You need to go through an NDIS audit, submit reports, and meet all the NDIS provider compliance requirements. If something goes wrong, you risk losing your registration. In 2024, over 1,300 providers left the scheme due to NDIS audit requirements and poor compliance.
It also takes time and money to maintain registration. Many providers use NDIS care management software to help them stay organised.
Unregistered: Pros
An unregistered NDIS provider does not need to pass audits or meet strict guidelines. They can work with self-managed NDIS participants and plan-managed participants, which together make up 93% of users in March 2025.
This path offers more freedom and is great for small businesses or sole traders who are just starting out. You also avoid the costs of registration.
Unregistered: Cons
However, it’s harder to get big contracts. Only 2% of unregistered NDIS providers earned more than $100,000 in a quarter. In contrast, 38% of registered providers did. You also can’t support participants managed by the NDIA or use the NDIS logo.
Best Practices To Follow for Unregistered NDIS Providers
Even if you’re not registered, you’re still expected to deliver safe, reliable, and ethical support. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that:
Step 1: Set Up Clear Service Agreements
Always provide participants with a written agreement. This should outline the services offered, costs, cancellation terms, responsibilities, and how to resolve any disputes. It builds mutual trust and sets clear expectations.
Step 2: Be Transparent with Your Pricing
List your prices clearly upfront. Stick to the NDIS pricing guidelines when possible. Participants appreciate no hidden fees—so be honest, accurate, and consistent in all cost-related communications.
Step 3: Focus on Quality Service Delivery
Just because you’re unregistered doesn’t mean you can cut corners. Be professional, reliable, and responsive. Happy participants lead to word-of-mouth referrals, which are gold for growing your NDIS business.
Step 4: Use an ABN and Issue Proper Invoices
You must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to legally operate. Make sure your invoices include all necessary details—like your ABN, service dates, descriptions, and agreed prices.
Step 5: Keep Records of Everything
Document every session, service, and communication. Even if you’re not audited, good records protect you in case of complaints or misunderstandings.
Step 6: Use NDIS Care Management Software
Managing bookings, client notes, and invoices manually can get messy. A simple NDIS care software tool can help you stay organised, professional, and efficient.
Step 7: Stay Compliant and Informed
You’re still bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct and other legal duties. Keep up with updates from the NDIS Commission, know your rights and responsibilities, and invest in occasional training to stay sharp.
How to become registered
To become a registered NDIS provider, you must complete an online form on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website. You choose your NDIS registration groups, describe your services, and explain your policies.
Next, you do a self-assessment and hire an approved auditor. After your audit, the commission checks your background and may ask for more info. If all goes well, you receive your NDIS provider certificate.
Things to consider before registering
Before registering, ask yourself: Can I meet the rules of the NDIS practice standards? Do I have systems to handle audits and reports? Will registration help me serve more participants or grow my income?
Some providers start unregistered and later apply for registration once their business grows. This gives them time to learn and prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can unregistered providers use restrictive practices?
No. Only registered NDIS providers can use restrictive practices NDIS. These include seclusion or physical restraint and are only allowed with strict approvals.
Does the NDIS audit non-registered providers?
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission does not directly audit unregistered NDIS providers. But if someone makes a complaint, they may investigate. You still need to follow Australian law.
How do unregistered NDIS providers get paid?
They send invoices to clients directly. Plan-managed NDIS participants and self-managed NDIS participants pay out of their budgets. Unregistered providers can’t use the NDIS portal for automatic payments.
Can you use the NDIS logo if you’re not registered?
No. Using the NDIS logo without permission is illegal. Only registered NDIS providers can display the logo.
Do unregistered NDIS providers need an ABN?
Yes. You need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to work legally, get paid, and manage taxes.
How do you check if a company is NDIS registered?
You can visit the NDIS provider search tool online. Search by name, location, or service type. The listing shows if a provider is currently registered and which services they offer.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Whether you choose to be a registered NDIS provider or stay unregistered, the most important thing is to deliver quality care. Registration opens doors to more clients and services, but it comes with higher responsibility. Exploring our NDIS management software provides you with opportunity to streamline the business. By using this software both registered and unregistered providers get more freedom and enhance their opportunities.
Think about your goals, your resources, and the type of participants you want to support. And remember, the NDIS world is growing fast—make sure you grow with it. Want to simplify your NDIS provider journey? Request a demo of our Inficurex NDIS Management Software today.