Your ultimate guide to NDIS providers
An NDIS Provider is either an individual or an organisation that delivers either a support or a product to an NDIS participant.
But not all providers are classified as "Registered Providers". To become a registered NDIS Provider, organisations or individuals have to apply with the NDIS Commission, undergo an audit and a suitability assessment and be issued a certificate of registration.
Registration is required for a handful of services, like specialist disability accommodation, specialist behaviour support services, supports or services to NDIS participants with NDIA-managed funding, and plan management services.
Only self-managed and plan-managed NDIS funds can be spent on unregistered NDIS providers, but it's worth noting that both registered and unregistered providers must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Whether you're looking to use a registered or unregistered NDIS provider, this guide is here to try to simplify what you need to know about NDIS providers.
Refresher: What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a support provided by the Australian Government to its citizens who are born with or have gained permanent and significant disability. Launched in 2013, it was implemented by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), an independent statutory agency.
The NDIS takes a lifetime approach to providing support to its eligible participants, particularly those with disabilities that are lifelong and affect their day-to-day lives. Half a million Australians are currently receiving disability support via the NDIS, enabling them to have more choice and control over their lives.
The NDIS enables people with disabilities to access more resources and opportunities for personal, social, and professional growth. They may acquire greater independence, gain employment opportunities, access new experiences, and even get to spend more time with friends and family.
Finding the right NDIS Provider is a crucial step in maximising your NDIS plan, and understanding how providers operate is key. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sets clear expectations for both those delivering and receiving support.
Understanding NDIS Providers: Registered vs. Unregistered
As described above, NDIS providers are broken into two groups: "Registered" and "Unregistered".
All providers, regardless of whether they are registered or not, are bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct. Because the NDIS serves some of Australia's most vulnerable people, this requirement helps ensure ethical practices for all providers.
Registered NDIS providers have a more rigorous approval process. This requires meeting specific NDIS Practice Standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. It also involves comprehensive audits, and a commitment to strict quality and safety benchmarks.
If your NDIS plan is managed directly by the NDIA (or what's known as "agency managed"), then you have to use registered providers.
Registered providers can also take advantage of NDIS marketing, and are listed on the NDIS Provider tool.
The registration process also grants providers access to online business systems for service bookings and efficient payments, plus regular updates and training from the NDIS.
Finding the perfect NDIS provider near me
Every NDIS participant has different needs, so finding the right provider starts with identifying your specific NDIS goals. You can speak with your early childhood partner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or support coordinator for advice on where to start.
The NDIS Provider Finder tool can help you find registered providers near you. This tool allows you to search by location, specific service types, and other criteria, helping you narrow down options.
Like Family has been a proud NDIS registered provider since September 2016.
What are the benefits of choosing an NDIS registered provider?
Choosing an NDIS registered provider can give you access to:
Reliable, vetted support workers you can trust
NDIS registered providers deliver a person-centred service, with a focus on delivering the best outcome for participants. This means you will only work with support workers who are vetted based on their experience, capacity, profile, and how they can best complement your needs.
These support workers will typically undergo online training, an induction, and an NDIS Worker Check before they start working with participants.
A community that shares your interests
With a strong support system, you can feel more connected and integrated within your community, as well as the services available there.
NDIS registered providers, such as Like Family, can connect you with other participants and support workers with similar interests such as cooking, baking, making music, spending time outdoors or going for hikes, and even attending concerts or knitting lessons.
And it’s not just similar interests—Like Family also has its own pool of experienced and dynamic Social Carers and support workers from diverse backgrounds, with a capacity to help participants in over 90 languages.
Support when you need it
Sometimes, your regular support worker won’t be available to support you. Luckily, larger NDIS registered providers have hundreds of local support workers to choose from. This may come in handy if you need to find a replacement quickly.
If you decide to work with an NDIS registered provider like Like Family, you’ll benefit from reliable support workers, a supportive community, and the assurance that the NDIA can launch an investigation if issues about funds management arise.
Why partner with Like Family?
We’ve been a proud NDIS registered provider since September 2016. We provide NDIS participants of all plan management types with companionship and non-medical support services.
Like Family, much like its name, considers all of its Members a family of their own, dedicated to helping them achieve their goals and end loneliness in the community.
We help individuals who are ailing, ageing, and those with disability. Our companionship services are not just limited to daily tasks; they are also centred on building connections and creating friendships. This extends beyond the Social Carer and the Member, but also to the community.
To date, we’ve recorded over 50,000 hours of support and have an average 4.8 star rating on Google. We also have over 3,200 Social Carers (support workers) across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
Looking for an NDIS support worker for you or a loved one? Get in touch with our friendly team and we would be happy to assist. Email us anytime at hello@likefamily.com.au or complete this form.