Not every NDIS provider is registered, and that is allowed. Whether you can use an unregistered provider depends on how your plan is managed and what support you need. This guide sets out the difference in plain words.
The short answer
A registered provider (see the glossary entry for registered provider) has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission for certain groups of support. An unregistered provider (glossary) has not. The NDIS says unregistered providers are often small, local operators that also provide non-disability services.
You can usually choose either if you self-manage or use a plan manager. You must use registered providers for NDIA-managed funding. A few supports always need registration.
Who can use whom
| Your funding | Registered providers | Unregistered providers |
|---|---|---|
| NDIA-managed | Yes | No |
| Plan-managed | Yes | Yes, for most supports |
| Self-managed | Yes | Yes, for most supports |
"Most supports" matters. The NDIS names supports that need a registered provider whatever your plan type: specialist behaviour support, plan management, specialist disability accommodation (SDA) and supported independent living (SIL).
You can mix the types across a plan. Our guide to self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed funding shows how.
What registration adds
Registered providers are approved for specific registration groups. They are on a public list, and they are checked under the Commission's rules, including audits.
You can look up a registered provider. See how to check an NDIS provider's registration number. The page shows their status, groups and the date their registration is in force until.
This gives you a public record to check. It does not tell you how good a provider is. Registration means they met the Commission's checks, not that they suit you.
What unregistered providers still must do
Both types need to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. The Commission says registered and unregistered providers both still need to deliver safe and high quality supports.
That includes respecting your rights and privacy, giving safe and competent supports, and acting with integrity. Read the NDIS Code of Conduct in plain English.
If you are unhappy with any provider, you can talk to them, ask a trusted person to help, and make a complaint to the Commission. See what to do if something goes wrong with a provider.
Price rules
The NDIS says its maximum prices apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. Providers cannot charge more than the maximum for those participants. You and your provider can agree a lower price.
If you self-manage, those maximum prices do not apply, so you negotiate the price yourself. Check ndis.gov.au for the current pricing schedule before you agree.
What is changing
From 1 July 2026, the Commission says providers of supported independent living and NDIS digital platforms must be registered. Some providers who applied before 1 October 2026 can keep delivering while their application is decided. The Commission lists these providers separately on its register page.
Mandatory registration for support coordination has been paused. Check the Commission's mandatory registration page for updates.
Questions to ask any provider
The questions are the same for both types.
- What is your ABN and legal name?
- Which supports will you deliver, and who will deliver them?
- Do your workers have an NDIS Worker Screening Check? See NDIS worker screening check explained.
- What do you charge, and what is the cancellation policy?
- Will you give me a written service agreement?
A quick example
Chloe self-manages her plan. She wants garden help and chooses a local gardener who is not registered. She agrees a price and keeps invoices. She also needs specialist behaviour support. That must come from a registered provider, so she checks the Commission's register.
Both choices were legal. They just followed different rules.
Trade-offs to think about
Neither type is better in every case. Here is what people often weigh up.
Registered providers
- They are on a public list you can check.
- They have been approved for specific groups.
- You can use them under any management type.
- You may have fewer to choose from in some areas.
Unregistered providers
- You can usually use them only if you self-manage or use a plan manager.
- There may be more choice, especially for local and small services.
- There is no register entry to check, so you check other things yourself.
- They still must follow the Code of Conduct.
If you want more choice, think about self-managing or plan management. Our guide on plan managed vs self managed can help you compare.
How to check an unregistered provider
There is no register entry for an unregistered provider, so use other checks.
- Ask for an ABN and look it up on ABN Lookup. It shows whether the ABN is active.
- Ask about worker screening. Ask whether the people who will support you have an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
- Ask about insurance. Ask what cover they hold.
- Ask for references or reviews. Talk to other people who have used them.
- Ask for a written service agreement. The NDIS recommends one so that you both know what has been agreed.
For professionals, check the professional register too. For example, many health professionals are on the Ahpra register. See how to find an OT, physio or speech pathologist.
What if I am not sure my plan allows it?
Check how each budget in your plan is managed. Your plan will say whether a budget is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed. If a budget is NDIA-managed, you need a registered provider for it.
If you are unsure, ask your my NDIS contact or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. If you use a plan manager, they can also tell you which providers they can pay.
Do not guess. An invoice from the wrong type of provider may be rejected, and you may be left waiting for a fix.
On Goodo
If you want to ask the community about registered and unregistered providers, you can add your question to the Goodo list and we will email you when your area opens.
About this guide
Goodo is independent. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the NDIA or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is general information, not advice. Rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an unregistered provider?
Often, yes. The NDIS says you can choose unregistered providers if you self-manage, or if you use a registered plan manager. If your plan or a budget is NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers.
Which supports must come from a registered provider?
The NDIS names specialist behaviour support, plan management, specialist disability accommodation and supported independent living. From 1 July 2026, supported independent living and NDIS digital platform providers must be registered, with transitional arrangements for some applicants.
Do unregistered providers have to follow the Code of Conduct?
Yes. The NDIS Commission says registered and unregistered providers both need to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. They also still need to deliver safe and high quality supports.
Are registered providers better?
Not automatically. Registration shows a provider has met the Commission's checks for the groups listed. It does not rate quality. Many unregistered providers are small, local and good. Ask the same questions of every provider.
Who do I complain to about an unregistered provider?
You can talk to the provider first, and then make a complaint about a provider or worker to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. You can also ask your support coordinator or plan manager to help.
Sources
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