Can I Use Unregistered Providers With NDIS Plan Management?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of having a plan manager is the ability to use both NDIS-registered and non-registered (unregistered) providers. This gives you significantly more choice in who supports you.
Why Are Some Providers Not Registered?
NDIS registration involves a formal process through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Providers must meet specific practice standards, undergo audits, and maintain ongoing compliance.
Many excellent providers choose not to register because:
- The registration process is costly and time-consuming, especially for sole traders and small businesses
- They may only have a small number of NDIS clients
- Independent practitioners (psychologists, OTs, support workers) often prefer to operate independently
- Some providers are new and have not yet completed the registration process
Not being registered does not mean a provider is lower quality. It simply means they have not gone through the formal NDIS registration process.
How It Works
When you have plan management:
- You choose any provider — registered or not — to deliver your supports
- The provider delivers the service and sends an invoice to your plan manager
- Your plan manager verifies the invoice against NDIS pricing arrangements and your budget
- Payment is made to the provider
The process is exactly the same whether the provider is registered or not. Your plan manager handles everything.
Quality Considerations
While unregistered providers are not audited by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, you should still check:
- Qualifications: Ensure therapists, support workers, and other professionals have appropriate qualifications and insurance
- References: Ask for references or reviews from other clients
- ABN and insurance: Confirm the provider has a valid ABN and appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Service agreement: Have a clear agreement about what services will be provided, at what price, and how often
Your plan manager can help you understand what to look for when engaging a new provider.
Pricing Rules
Unregistered providers must still comply with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. This means:
- Invoices cannot exceed the NDIS price cap for that support type
- Travel and cancellation charges must comply with NDIS rules
- Your plan manager will check every invoice against these limits before payment
If an unregistered provider charges above the NDIS price limit, your plan manager will flag this and work with the provider to resolve it.
When You Cannot Use Unregistered Providers
There are a few exceptions where you must use a registered provider, regardless of your management type:
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Specialist behaviour support (behaviour support plans involving restrictive practices)
For all other support types, plan management gives you full access to both registered and unregistered providers.
The Bottom Line
Plan management opens up your provider options significantly. At Ripper Plan Management, we work with thousands of providers — registered and unregistered — across Australia. We handle the invoicing and compliance so you can focus on getting the best supports for your needs.
Complete a referral to get started, or call us on 03 9022 1229.