Independent NDIS support worker

An independent support worker works directly for NDIS participants as a sole trader, not through an agency. You need an ABN, insurance and the usual checks, you agree your rate and supports in a service agreement, and you invoice the participant or their plan manager with the right support item numbers. Most work unregistered, for self-managed and plan-managed participants.

Your setup checklist

ABN as a sole trader
Public liability insurance, and ideally professional indemnity and personal accident cover
First aid and CPR
NDIS Worker Screening Check (many participants ask for it)
NDIS Worker Orientation Module (free online)
A service agreement template and an invoice template
A separate bank account for the business

Finding participants

Platforms that connect participants with independent workers. Note that platform providers now have to be registered with the NDIS Commission.
Support coordinators and plan managers in your area: introduce yourself with your services, area and availability.
Local disability groups, community centres and word of mouth from participants you already support.

Setting your rate

For plan-managed participants your rate can't be above the NDIS price limit for the item and time of day: $73.58 an hour for weekday daytime self-care or community access in 2026-27 (national). Price in your tax, super, insurance, travel and unpaid admin. Details in support worker pay rates.

Getting paid

Keep a record of each shift: date, start and finish, the support and a short progress note.
Invoice weekly or fortnightly. One invoice per participant, with the support item number, date, hours, rate and the participant's NDIS number.
Send it to the participant (self-managed) or the plan manager.
Follow up anything unpaid after the terms in your agreement.

Tax and super

No tax is withheld from your invoices, so put aside a share of each payment for income tax. Most NDIS supports are GST-free under a written agreement, and you only need to register for GST once turnover reaches $75,000. As a sole trader no one pays super for you; voluntary contributions may be tax-deductible. A tax agent who knows NDIS work is worth the fee.

Built for independent support workers. ShiftInvoice Pro saves your participants, plan managers and rates, logs shifts and turns a week of shifts into invoices, each line checked against the price limit. A$15 a month.

Create an NDIS invoice

Questions

Do independent support workers need to be registered?

No, not for self-managed and plan-managed participants. You need registration to work for NDIA-managed participants. See how to become an NDIS provider.

Can I work for an agency and independently at the same time?

Usually yes, unless your employment contract says otherwise. Keep your ABN work and your employment completely separate.

Can family members be paid as support workers?

Generally the NDIS doesn't fund supports from family members, except in limited circumstances agreed with the NDIA.

Sources: NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27; NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission; ATO guidance on GST-free NDIS supplies. Checked 31 October 2026. General information, not tax advice.