How to Become an NDIS Provider

On The Record: How to Become an NDIS Provider

Thinking about how to become an NDIS provider? Maybe you’ve spotted a gap in support and want to make a real difference. Or maybe you’re looking to add a few more good humans into the fold and take your services to the next level. Whatever your reason, we’ve got the tips to help you get started. 

So, scroll on how to find out more about how to be a registered NDIS provider.

What is an NDIS provider? 

The NDIS exists to make life better for people with a permanent and significant disability, giving them access to the funding, support, and services they need to live life on their terms.

Each NDIS participant has a personalised plan outlining their goals, the support they’ll use, and the funding they’ve been allocated. And providers? They’re a key part of the puzzle – offering wonderful services, good care, and expertise that help turn those plans into reality. 

Who can be an NDIS provider? 

Some people think you have to go through a big registration process (and maybe even an audit) before you can start offering services to NDIS participants. But guess what? That’s not true. 

If you’ve got a legal Australian business with an ABN, you’re already set to get started. Yep, the moment someone pays you using their NDIS funding for a disability-related service, you’re officially an NDIS provider. No paperwork required. 

Of course, if you want to go the registered route, there are extra steps – but if you're just starting out, it's good to know you can provide services without the formalities.

Types of NDIS Providers: Registered vs. Unregistered NDIS Providers

Since anyone with an ABN can be an NDIS provider, you might assume they’re grouped as ‘sole traders’ or ‘corporations’ – but that’s not how it works. Instead, NDIS providers fall into two categories: registered and unregistered.

The main difference? Registered providers get the official tick of approval from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and can support plan-managed participants. Unregistered providers, on the other hand, either haven’t gone through the process yet or have chosen to stay independent.

Being unregistered means more flexibility, but it also means missing out on working with NDIA-managed participants (and a whole lot of potential clients). The NDIA doesn’t oversee unregistered providers, which might be a deal-breaker for some.

If you’re thinking about becoming an NDIS provider, going the registered route is usually the smarter move – it opens doors to more opportunities and gives clients extra peace of mind. But, it does come with a few hoops to jump through. It’s worth weighing up what works best for you.

NDIS provider requirements

Technically, registering as an NDIS provider is totally free. However, the audit does come with some costs. 

How much? Well, that depends on your business size and the services you offer. Once you submit your application, the NDIS will send you a ‘scope of audit’ – basically a heads-up on what’s involved and what it might cost.  

How much does it cost to become an NDIS registered provider?

There are two types of NDIS audit, and each leads to a different registration qualification.

• Verification: For lower-risk, less complex supports. Think smaller-scale services. Cost? Anywhere from $900 to $1500.
• Certification: For providers offering higher-risk, more complex supports. A bigger process, with a cost between $3000 and $5000.

How to become a registered NDIS provider

So, you’ve decided to go all in and register as an NDIS provider? Here’s the gist of how to become registered as an NDIS provider: 

1. Apply online via the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and complete a self-assessment.
2. Pick an approved quality auditor. 
3. Go through an independent audit – usually in two stages. 
4. Sit tight while the NDIS Commission reviews your application.
5. Get your outcome and, fingers crossed, your official registered status!

Whether you're unregistered or registered, here are some NDIS provider requirements 

Adhering to the NDIS Code of Conduct 

The NDIS Code of Conduct is a rule book for ethical, respectful, and safe service. Whether you’re a registered provider or not, you’re expected to follow it.

• Here’s what that looks like in practice:
• Respect participants’ rights, choices, and privacy
• Deliver quality, safe, and skilled support
• Be honest and transparent in all dealings
• Act fast if something goes wrong
• Take steps to prevent harm, violence, or misconduct

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is in charge of keeping things fair and safe. If you have questions or concerns, they’re the ones to call. 

A rock-solid NDIS incident management system keeps you aligned with the NDIS Code of Conduct by making compliance seamless. With an automated reporting workflow, you can capture every incident, track progress, and ensure proper documentation. Nothing slips through the cracks. This means greater transparency, accountability, and organisation so you can focus on going above and beyond with your care while staying compliant. 

Be mindful of NDIS pricing limits

The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set the maximum rates you can charge participants – a tangled web of line item code that keeps shifting just when you think you’ve cracked it. Keeping up with the paperwork? A headache. 

That’s where NDIS invoicing software can step in. Automated workflows sync in real-time to the latest pricing regulations and each participant’s service agreement, so you’ll never have to manually chase down changes again. No scrambling, no second-guessing – just seamless invoicing and compliance, without the stress.

Invoicing correctly for the NDIS  

When it comes to NDIS invoicing, there’s a lot to get right. Even the smallest mistake or missing detail can lead to rejected invoices and delays that no one has time for.

That’s why we’ve created a system that simplifies it all – bringing together customers, your team of good humans, and billing in one platform. No more jumping between apps, no more lost details – just smooth, efficient invoicing every time.

Reporting  

Admin is a drag. But, when it comes to NDIS audits, documentation is non-negotiable.

Missing or incomplete details can create delays and raise red flags for compliance. Sure, setting aside time to check and complete everything helps, but using automated tools takes it up a notch – keeping everything organised and in one place so you never have to worry about falling behind.

We know you hate admin. That’s why we love it.  

How GoodHuman Can Help You Become an NDIS Provider

Registered or not, all NDIS providers can level up their operations with smarter rostering, less admin that sticks to the requirements, and more time for what matters. Our human-friendly platform brings everything under the same roof – from client management, scheduling, invoicing and documentation – making processes easier for both local good humans and large-scale businesses.