Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers (2026)
Camila
Healthcare Expert
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Key points
- Registered providers have been audited by the NDIS Commission and can work with all participants
- Unregistered providers can only work with plan-managed and self-managed participants (about 30% of the market)
- Registration costs $2,000 to $15,000+ for the initial audit, with renewal every 3 years
- Higher-risk supports like SIL and behaviour support require registration
- Proposed changes from the NDIS Review may introduce a tiered registration system affecting all providers
What does “registered” actually mean?
When people talk about registered NDIS providers, they mean providers that have:
- Applied to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Completed an audit (verification or certification) by an approved auditor
- Been assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards
- Received an NDIS provider number
- Agreed to ongoing compliance obligations including incident reporting, complaints management, and regular re-audits
Registration is not a one-off event. Providers must renew their registration every 3 years, which means undergoing another audit and demonstrating continued compliance.
What does “unregistered” mean?
An unregistered NDIS provider is simply a provider that has not gone through the registration process. This does not mean they are operating illegally or that they are of lower quality. It means they have not been independently audited against NDIS Practice Standards.
Many unregistered providers are:
- Sole traders or small businesses who find the registration cost prohibitive
- Experienced professionals who were working in disability before the NDIS
- Providers who serve primarily plan-managed or self-managed participants and do not need registration for their market
- Specialists in niche areas where registration groups do not quite fit their services
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Registered provider | Unregistered provider |
|---|---|---|
| Can work with agency-managed participants | Yes | No |
| Can work with plan-managed participants | Yes | Yes |
| Can work with self-managed participants | Yes | Yes |
| Audited against NDIS Practice Standards | Yes | No |
| NDIS Worker Screening required | Yes (all workers) | Yes (for certain supports) |
| Bound by NDIS Price Guide limits | Yes | No |
| Can deliver SIL | Yes | No |
| Can deliver behaviour support (restrictive) | Yes | No |
| Incident reporting to NDIS Commission | Required | Not required |
| Complaints handling process | Mandatory (audited) | Expected but not audited |
| Registration cost | $2,000-$15,000+ | None |
| Renewal cost (every 3 years) | $1,500-$12,000 | None |
Who can use which type of provider?
Agency-managed participants
About 70% of NDIS participants are agency-managed. This means the NDIA holds their funds and pays providers directly. Agency-managed participants can only use registered providers.
If you are agency-managed and want to access an unregistered provider, you have two options:
- Request plan management or self-management at your next plan review
- Ask the unregistered provider if they are willing to become registered
Plan-managed participants
Plan-managed participants have a registered plan manager who holds their funds and pays providers on their behalf. Plan-managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers.
This is one of the main advantages of plan management. It gives you the flexibility to choose from a much wider pool of providers while still having someone else handle the financial administration.
Self-managed participants
Self-managed participants manage their own NDIS funds, pay providers directly, and claim reimbursement from the NDIA. Self-managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers.
Self-management gives you the most choice, but it also requires more administrative work.
Quality and safety considerations
What registered providers must do
Registered providers have a set of ongoing obligations:
- Report all incidents (abuse, neglect, injury) to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours
- Maintain a documented complaints management system
- Ensure all workers have current NDIS Worker Screening Checks
- Meet the NDIS Code of Conduct
- Comply with the NDIS Practice Standards relevant to their registration groups
- Submit to mid-term audits if requested by the Commission
These obligations create a baseline level of accountability. They do not guarantee perfect service, but they create mechanisms for oversight and complaint.
What unregistered providers must do
Unregistered providers are still required to:
- Follow the NDIS Code of Conduct (this applies to all NDIS providers, registered or not)
- Have NDIS Worker Screening Checks for workers in certain roles
- Not engage in fraud, abuse, or neglect
However, unregistered providers are not subject to audits, do not have mandatory incident reporting to the NDIS Commission, and are not assessed against the Practice Standards. The NDIS Commission can still investigate complaints about unregistered providers, but there is less proactive oversight.
What this means for you
Registration provides a layer of quality assurance, but it is not a guarantee. Some registered providers deliver poor service. Some unregistered providers deliver excellent service. Your own due diligence (checking references, asking questions, trialling the service) is always important, regardless of registration status.
Cost implications
For providers
| Cost item | Registered | Unregistered |
|---|---|---|
| Initial audit | $2,000-$15,000+ | $0 |
| Renewal audit (every 3 years) | $1,500-$12,000 | $0 |
| Compliance systems (policies, training) | $2,000-$5,000/year | Minimal |
| Incident reporting system | $500-$2,000/year | $0 |
| Total annual cost of registration | $3,000-$10,000+ | $0 |
These costs are typically passed on to participants through higher hourly rates (within the Price Guide limits).
For participants
Registered providers are bound by the NDIS Price Guide maximums. This means you know the most you will ever pay for a service.
Unregistered providers set their own prices. In practice, many unregistered providers charge below the Price Guide maximum because they have lower overheads (no audit costs, less compliance administration). But some charge above the maximum, particularly for specialised or in-demand services.
If you are plan-managed, your plan manager will pay whatever the provider charges from your NDIS budget. If you are self-managed, you pay directly and claim reimbursement (up to the Price Guide limit for registered providers, or the actual cost for unregistered providers from your Core Supports budget).
When to choose registered
Choose a registered provider when:
- You are agency-managed (you have no choice; you must use registered)
- You need higher-risk supports like SIL, specialist behaviour support, or SDA
- You want the assurance of independent auditing and regulated quality standards
- You have complex support needs that require providers with demonstrated compliance systems
- You value incident reporting and knowing the NDIS Commission is actively overseeing the provider
When to choose unregistered
Choose an unregistered provider when:
- You are plan-managed or self-managed and want a wider choice of providers
- You want a specific individual (like a sole trader therapist or support worker) who does not have registration
- You are looking for competitive pricing from providers with lower overheads
- You need niche or specialised services that may not fit neatly into NDIS registration groups
- You want more flexibility in how services are delivered (unregistered providers are not bound by Price Guide rules on session length, activity type, etc.)
The future of NDIS registration
The 2023 NDIS Review (led by Professor Bruce Bonyhady and Lisa Paul AO PSM) recommended significant changes to how providers are registered. The key proposal is a tiered registration system that would replace the current binary registered/unregistered model.
Proposed changes
The proposed system would create multiple tiers:
| Tier | Requirements | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Base tier | NDIS Code of Conduct, Worker Screening | All providers (including currently unregistered) |
| Middle tier | Additional quality standards | Providers delivering moderate-risk supports |
| Top tier | Full Practice Standards and certification | Providers delivering high-risk supports (SIL, behaviour support) |
Under this model, all providers would need to meet at least the base tier requirements. The current situation where unregistered providers have minimal regulatory oversight would change.
These changes are expected to be implemented gradually from 2025 to 2026. The exact details, timelines, and requirements are still being finalised. Check the NDIS Commission website for the latest updates.
How to check if a provider is registered
- Visit ndiscommission.gov.au
- Use the “Find a Registered Provider” search tool
- Search by provider name, location, or registration group
- The results will show the provider’s registration number, active registration groups, and outlet locations
If a provider claims to be registered but does not appear on the register, ask them for their NDIS provider number and verify it directly.
How MD Home Care can help
MD Home Care’s provider directory includes both registered and unregistered NDIS providers. You can browse profiles, compare services, and connect with providers who match your needs, location, and plan management type.
If you are a provider and want to reach more NDIS participants, list your services on MD Home Care.
Looking for NDIS providers? Browse the MD Home Care directory or call 1800 953 253.
FAQ
What is a registered NDIS provider?
A provider that has been assessed and approved by the NDIS Commission through an audit against Practice Standards. They can work with all NDIS participants.
What is an unregistered provider?
A provider that has not gone through formal NDIS Commission registration. They can only work with plan-managed and self-managed participants.
Can agency-managed participants use unregistered providers?
No. Agency-managed participants must use registered providers. Request plan management at your next review if you want access to unregistered providers.
Are unregistered providers safe?
Not automatically unsafe. Many are experienced professionals. But they are not independently audited. Always check Worker Screening, insurance, qualifications, and references.
How much does registration cost?
The application is free, but audits cost $2,000 to $15,000+ depending on the type. Renewal every 3 years costs similar amounts.
Can unregistered providers charge more than the Price Guide?
Yes. They are not bound by Price Guide limits. In practice, many charge below the maximum, but some charge above.
What services need a registered provider?
SIL, specialist behaviour support (restrictive practices), SDA, and early childhood intervention all require registered providers.
Should I register as a provider?
It depends. Registration gives access to 70% of participants (agency-managed) and adds credibility, but it costs money and requires ongoing compliance. If you primarily serve plan-managed or self-managed clients, registration may not be necessary.
Is NDIS registration changing?
Yes. A tiered registration system has been proposed following the 2023 NDIS Review. All providers (including currently unregistered ones) would need to meet baseline standards. Implementation is expected from 2025-2026.
Resources
- NDIS Commission - Find a Registered Provider - Official provider register search
- NDIS Commission - Becoming a Registered Provider - Registration process and requirements
- NDIS Practice Standards - Quality standards for registered providers
- NDIS Review Final Report - Proposed changes including tiered registration
- NDIS Code of Conduct - Applies to all providers, registered and unregistered
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