How to become an NDIS provider
To start as an independent support worker you need an ABN, insurance and a service agreement with each participant. You can then work unregistered for self-managed and plan-managed participants. To work for NDIA-managed participants, or to deliver supports that must be registered, you apply to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and pass an audit.
Registered or unregistered?
| Unregistered | Registered | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you can work for | Self-managed and plan-managed participants | All participants, including NDIA-managed |
| Application and audit | None | Commission application plus a verification or certification audit |
| Rules you follow | NDIS Code of Conduct; price limits for plan-managed participants | Code of Conduct, Practice Standards, incident and complaints management |
| Supports you can offer | Most everyday supports | All, including those that must be registered |
Steps for an unregistered independent worker
- Get an ABN as a sole trader (free through the Australian Business Register).
- Get insured. Public liability at least; see insurance for NDIS support workers.
- Do your checks. First aid and CPR, and an NDIS Worker Screening Check. It's only legally required for registered providers' workers, but many participants and plan managers ask for it.
- Set your rate. For plan-managed participants your price can't exceed the NDIS price limit. See support worker pay rates.
- Sign a service agreement with each participant: supports, item numbers, prices, cancellations and travel.
- Invoice correctly: support item number, dates, hours and the participant's NDIS number, sent to the participant or their plan manager.
Steps to become registered
- Apply through the NDIS Commission's online portal and choose your registration groups (the types of supports you'll deliver).
- The Commission tells you the scope of your audit: a verification audit for lower-risk supports, or a certification audit for higher-risk ones.
- Engage an approved quality auditor and complete the audit.
- The Commission assesses your suitability and decides on registration.
- Your workers in risk-assessed roles need an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
What it costs, mainly the audit, is covered in NDIS registration cost.
Mandatory registration changes in 2026
Registration is becoming compulsory for some supports. From 1 July 2026 providers of Supported Independent Living (SIL) and NDIS platform providers moved to mandatory registration, with applications due by 1 October 2026. Plans for mandatory registration of support coordination are on hold. Everyday support work by independent workers is not part of these changes so far, but check the Commission's reform hub before you start.
Invoices plan managers pay first time. ShiftInvoice picks the support item, checks your rate against the 2026-27 price limit and the day of the week, and builds a correct NDIS invoice.
Create an NDIS invoiceQuestions
Can I be an NDIS support worker without registering?
Yes. Unregistered providers can work for self-managed and plan-managed participants, which covers a large share of participants.
Do I need a Certificate III to be an independent support worker?
It isn't a legal requirement for unregistered workers, but many participants and agencies prefer it, and some supports need specific training.
Do I charge GST?
Most NDIS supports are GST-free when there's a written agreement with the participant and the support is in their plan. You only need to register for GST once your turnover reaches $75,000 a year.
Sources: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, registration and mandatory registration reform hub; NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27. Checked 31 October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.