What unregistered means
Unregistered providers have not applied for, or do not hold, registration with the NDIS Commission. They range from sole trader support workers and cleaners to therapy practices and larger organisations. Many are skilled and experienced: registration involves audits, paperwork and cost, and some providers choose not to take it on.
Not being registered does not mean unregulated. The Commission oversees unregistered providers too, and health professionals such as psychologists and physiotherapists are still registered with AHPRA in their own profession.
Who can use an unregistered provider
Only participants who self manage or plan manage their NDIS funding can use unregistered providers. If your plan is NDIA managed, you must use registered providers. Many participants mix and match, using registered providers for some supports and unregistered ones for others.
What unregistered providers cannot deliver
Some supports can only be delivered by a registered provider, whoever manages the plan:
- Supported independent living (SIL), since 1 July 2026. Providers who were already delivering SIL unregistered could only continue if they applied for registration before 1 October 2026
- NDIS digital platform services that process NDIS payments, since 1 July 2026
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Specialist behaviour support, and any support involving regulated restrictive practices
- Plan management
- Any support for a participant whose funding is NDIA managed
Rules unregistered providers still follow
- The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to unregistered providers, their key personnel and every worker, including fair pricing
- The NDIS Commission can handle complaints about them and take action, including banning orders that stop a provider or worker from delivering NDIS supports
- When claiming from plan managed funding, prices must be within the NDIS price limits. Only self managed participants are not bound by the limits
- The ban on kickbacks and inducements starts on 27 November 2026
- NDIS worker screening is not legally required for unregistered providers, but the Commission recommends it, and participants can make it a condition of working with them
What is changing from 2027
The rules are tightening. From 1 July 2027 mandatory registration starts expanding to higher risk supports, such as personal care, daily living supports and supports in closed settings, with all providers in scope registered by December 2030. A new provider enrolment system also starts on 1 July 2027, requiring basic identifying information from most NDIS providers, with everyone in scope enrolled by December 2027.
Separately, the NDIA's Annual Pricing Review recommended lower price limits for some supports delivered by unregistered providers, including 10% less for social, community and civic participation, from 1 January 2027. As of October 2026 this is still under consultation.
Choosing an unregistered provider safely
Using an unregistered provider puts a little more of the checking on you. Before you start:
- Ask whether they and their workers hold an NDIS worker screening clearance and have completed the NDIS Worker Orientation Module
- Check they have an ABN and appropriate insurance
- Search the NDIS Commission's compliance list for banning orders
- Put a written service agreement in place covering prices, cancellations and how to raise concerns
- Keep invoices and claim within 90 days of the service from 1 December 2026