How to choose an NDIS provider

Start with what matters to you

Before you look at providers, write down what you want. It makes comparing them easier.

• What support you need, such as personal care, help at home or getting out in the community.
• When you need it: which days and times, and how often.
• Who you would like to support you. For example, a worker of a certain gender, someone who speaks your language or someone who shares your interests.
• Where support happens: at home, in the community or both.
• How you like to communicate: phone, text, email, Easy Read or with an interpreter.
• How your plan is managed: by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you (self-managed).

Registered or unregistered?

Registered providers are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission). They must meet strict quality and safety conditions, and they can't charge more than the NDIS price limits. Unregistered providers aren't registered with the NDIS Commission and aren't regulated by it in the same way. Both must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.

Which kind you can use depends on your plan:

• NDIA-managed funding: you must use registered providers.
• Plan-managed or self-managed funding: you can usually choose registered or unregistered providers.
• Some supports always need a registered provider. These include supported independent living (SIL), SDA, specialist behaviour support and plan management. See SIL, STA and SDA explained.

More registration is on the way

The government has announced that more supports will need a registered provider. Its timeline says this starts from 1 July 2027 for higher risk supports, such as personal care and daily living supports, with all providers in scope registered by December 2030.

Check a provider before you sign

• Search the NDIS Provider Register on the NDIS Commission website. It shows registered providers, and those whose registration has been suspended or revoked.
• Use the NDIS Provider Finder on the NDIS website to find registered providers by suburb or postcode.
• Search the NDIS Commission's list of banning orders and other compliance actions.
• Ask people you trust for recommendations and read reviews, as the NDIA suggests.
• Don't rely on words like 'NDIS approved' on a website or flyer. The NDIS Commission registers providers, so check the register yourself.

Questions to ask a provider

The NDIA suggests meeting a provider before you start. Take this list with you:

• Availability: can you start when I need, on the days and at the times I need? Who comes if my usual worker is sick or on leave?
• Workers: how do you match workers to me? Can I meet a worker first, or ask for someone else? What checks do your workers have, such as an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
• Prices: what is the price per hour, and is it within the NDIS price limits? Do you charge for travel? Are there any other fees?
• Cancellations: how much notice do I need to give? What will I pay if I cancel late? The NDIS pricing arrangements set when a provider can charge for a late cancellation.
• Complaints: how do I give feedback or complain, and who looks into it?
• Service agreement: can I read it before I agree, take it home and ask for changes?

Read the service agreement

A service agreement records what you and a provider agree about your supports. A good one covers the supports, how they're delivered, the cost, how the provider is paid, key dates and reviews, rights and responsibilities, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Australian Consumer Law gives you the right to ask as many questions as you like, ask for a better price, take your time and say no. Signing an agreement never removes a provider's duties under the Code of Conduct or consumer law.

Red flags to watch for

If you notice any of these, slow down and get advice from someone you trust.

• Pressure to sign today, or before you have read the agreement.
• Gifts or rewards for signing up. From 27 November 2026, the law bans NDIS providers from offering kickbacks and inducements to get you to use their services, or use more of them. Cash, alcohol, tobacco and electronic devices are banned in all cases.
• Asking for your myGov or NDIS login, passwords or SMS codes. The NDIA warns people not to share these with anyone they don't know or trust.
• Prices above the NDIS price limits on NDIA-managed or plan-managed funding. The limits apply to that funding, and providers can't charge more. If you self-manage, you can agree a price, and the limits can still help you compare.
• Promises about your funding. The NDIA decides what is funded in your plan, not the provider.
• No written agreement or invoices, or charges for support you didn't get. Check your claims in the my NDIS app or portal.
• Being told you can't complain, or will lose support if you do. Providers must not threaten you for raising a concern.

Where to report a concern

For a concern about the safety or quality of a provider, contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544. If you think there is fraud or a scam, call the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717. Read more about your rights.

Trial, review and change if you need to

You can start small, with a few shifts, and add more once you feel comfortable. Ask for a check-in after the first few weeks.

You can change providers at any time. Check the notice period in your service agreement first. Our guide on how to change NDIS provider explains the steps. If you have support coordination in your plan, your support coordinator can help you compare options.

If you are considering Heart for Care

Heart for Care is a registered NDIS provider. You can check this on the NDIS Provider Register under Heart for Care Disability Services Pty Ltd. You are welcome to ask us any question on this page.

New participants complete an intake form and sign a written service agreement before support starts. We also complete a risk assessment and a support plan with you, and we match workers to your needs and preferences. Call 1800 148 857, email admin@heartforcare.com.au, send a referral or contact us. You can also give feedback at any time.