Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Service Providers, Which One Should You Choose

1. Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Service Providers, Which One Should You Choose? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) works hard to facilitate funding and support for people with disabilities. The individuals under the scheme have goals and plans that NDIS support services help with. Service providers have direct contact with participants to ensure a smooth flow of activities and service delivery. NDIS service providers are either registered or unregistered, but participants often need clarification about their provider selection. When engaging a service provider, these two options are viable depending on an individual's NDIS plan. Here is a guide for choosing between a registered or unregistered NDIS service provider. What is an NDIS Registered Provider? Registered NDIS providers have approval from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS) to deliver support services. Although the NDIA requires the registration of service providers, not all providers register their services. Registration requires a provider to fulfil specific requirements like the NDIS price guides. They must also follow NDIS rules, agreements and regulations when dealing with their clients.

2. The distinction between registered and unregistered providers is that they offer additional services the latter does not provide. For example, Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), plan management, behaviour support and management plans, etc. Why Choose a Registered Service Provider ● ● ● ● ● The provider is fully registered and delivers services as per NDIA guidelines. Commitment to NDIS service quality standard. Deliver invoices to your NDIS portal without middlemen. Offers services according to the NDIA price caps in place. Access to services that are unavailable at unregistered providers. Cons of Using Registered Service Providers ● Agency-managed NDIS participants only use NDIS-registered providers within their region. Therefore, you will have to travel a long distance if no registered providers exist to access support services. This situation may be inconvenient for participants who need urgent services. What is an Unregistered Provider? Unregistered providers are service providers who still need to complete the NDIS approval processes. However, they still offer reliable services to thousands of participants. In addition, they offer NDIS-funded support and have sufficient resources and knowledge to deliver professional services to people with disabilities. Despite not being registered, these providers still follow the NDIS code of conduct to the letter. Unregistered NDIS participants are still subject to the NDIS Commission Enforcement and Compliance Policy in case of complaints. Why Choose an Unregistered Service Provider ● ● ● Participants can choose any provider they wish to deliver their support services. There are several unregistered providers to get services from. Smooth transition to a provider even after inclusion in the NDIS. Cons of Using Unregistered Service Providers ● Getting started on funding services from unregistered service providers is hectic due to the amount of paperwork involved. Providers will send invoices to the participant, who must manually claim payments via the NDIS. Services provided need to meet the NDIS quality standards. They also do not conduct compliance audits for their services. ●

3. Who Can Engage Registered NDIS Service Providers? NDIS participants who have their funding services managed by the NDIS must only use NDIS-registered providers. However, other participants still have room to choose from any provider. This also highlights the importance of having a plan manager NDIS to assist with service delivery. Who can use Unregistered NDIS Service Providers? Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants can choose between registered and unregistered providers. Participants manage their plans by accessing NDIS services and selecting their supports. Alternatively, plan management requires participants to consult registered providers who manage their plans' funding. Therefore, engaging an unregistered service provider is acceptable since the NDIA guidelines and codes of conduct guide their services. Conclusion NDIS participants are always in control when choosing service providers to deliver support services. Both registered and unregistered providers have their benefits and help participants in various ways. Self-managed individuals are at an advantage because they have more flexibility in choosing who delivers their services.