The difference between registered and unregistered providers is an area that’s often misunderstood – and you might be missing out on some wonderful supports as a result. As a new provider it’s a question Stella Life Care is often asked.

Providers can either be registered with the NDIS, or unregistered. The main difference is that clients who have their funding managed by NDIS (rather than self managed or managed by a professional independent plan manager) must receive services from a registered provider. This is only a small percentage of the people that receive NDIS funding. Both registered and unregistered providers are heavily regulated and must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct. People are able to make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission about both registered and unregistered providers.

Can I use unregistered providers?

The simplest answer is if you’re plan managed or self-managed, then yes you can use your NDIS funds to pay for services from unregistered providers. If the services are relevant to you achieving your goals, then you can use your funding to pay for this for any provider (registered or unregistered). The NDIS actually encourages people with disabilities to choose the provider that best suits you, regardless of whether the provider is registered or not – the NDIS wants to ensure that you have as much choice as possible in choosing your provider, to get the support you need.

Stella Life Care is in the process of becoming a registered provider to ensure everyone who seeks our services can receive them. Many businesses provide services to a range of clients, not just people with disability such as personal trainers, some psychologists and other allied health providers, gardening and mowing businesses, home care and support businesses, and transport providers. These businesses may choose to not become NDIS registered because they provide services to a wide range of people and are not disability specific services. Despite the status of registered or unregistered, it’s important to ask how will this provider and business support YOU to achieve your goals and meet your needs.

In the Whitsundays, there are only a limited number of registered providers and a much larger network of unregistered providers. By only considering registered providers you may be limiting your options.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit the NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/what-service-provider