How Registered & Unregistered NDIS Providers Affect Funding

Disability is a complex issue that affects a significant part of our world's population. This condition can limit mobility and sensory abilities, making daily tasks even more difficult. Besides causing discomfort, it can ruin one's self-esteem and social life, especially with the rampant stigma. 

Fortunately, there are various disability services and products that can aid in the person's daily tasks. However, it's not enough to solely try or buy them. You must also understand the difference between registered and unregistered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers. 

If you want to find a good match for your needs and preferences, this article will differentiate between registered and unregistered NDIS providers. We'll also explain how they can impact your decisions and answer if you should pay for plan management. 

What Are the Registered Provider Standards?

Professionals can become registered providers by meeting the strict standards for quality and experience and adhering to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements. They must also subject themselves to regular audits to maintain their registration. However, this process can be costly and time-consuming, making some smaller providers not pursue registration, depending on their service. 

What Services Can Registered Professionals Provide?

NDIS-registered providers can only provide certain services, such as Special Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), and plan management. They also offer behaviour support or restrictive practices. 

Are Registered Providers More Reliable?

Many people believe registered professionals are more dependable, which isn’t baseless, as they must maintain specific standards to keep their registration. However, it’s not always the case that unregistered providers are automatically not trustworthy. 

What Are Unregistered Provider Services?

Providers can still provide various products and services even if not registered. However, they must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. Unregistered providers offer daily services like cleaning, gardening, and delivery of consumable goods. They may also provide allied health services like physiotherapy and occupational therapy. 

Registration Status: What Are They and How Can They Impact Your Decisions

After differentiating registered and unregistered professionals, here are the three registration statuses and how they can impact your decisions. 

1. Agency-Managed 

If you’re under the management of an agency, you cannot use your NDIS funds to pay unregistered professionals. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will only pay the invoices from registered providers. As a result, you may not be able to use certain products, services, or allied health providers you desire. 

2. Self-Managed

Being a self-managed individual allows you to work with registered or unregistered providers. However, you must realise that unregistered professionals may not follow the NDIS pricing guidelines, which could result in additional expenses or budget limitations. Working with unregistered providers may also require you to do more administrative work, as you’ll need to claim their invoices manually. 

3. Plan-Managed

A plan manager lets you choose any provider, whether registered or not. They will also handle all the financial and administrative tasks like invoices, payments, and record keeping. 

Should You Pay for Plan Management?

Other people may hesitate to opt for plan management, as they may assume there’s an added layer of bureaucracy, be uncertain about how it works, or have a negative experience. They may also not choose this registration status as they worry about the cost. However, that’s not the case, as it’s a straightforward process. 

Choosing plan management during your planning meeting or plan review doesn’t require you to pay additional costs. You’ll receive extra NDIS plan management funding without any hassle. 

In Closing 

People with disabilities (PWDs) deserve the proper care, products, and services. You can get the needed support by choosing the best registration status for your needs and finding reputable NDIS providers. 

If you or your loved one needs to find professional NDIS providers, let Kismet help. We’re committed to assisting you in finding the best professionals to support your journey. Find your listing and claim it now.