The NDIS is nothing but a game-changer for people who are disabled and also for people who want to provide services to such disabled people. But what is the NDIS?
The NDIS gives money to individuals with disabilities who qualify so they may spend more time with family and friends, be more independent, learn new skills, get a job, or volunteer in their community. This makes their lives better.
The NDIS also helps people with disabilities find services in their area. This contains links to doctors, community groups, sports clubs, support groups, libraries, and schools, as well as information about what help each state and territory government offers.
The NDIS currently helps more than 500,000 Australians with disabilities get the help and services they need. But if you want to provide services to these people, you need to be a service provider, but how do you do that? In this article, we will give you key steps that you must keep in mind on how do you become an NDIS provider.
Are You Eligible to Become an NDIS Provider?
But first, you need to understand how do you become an NDIS provider and whether you’re eligible in the first place. Not everyone can become an NDIS provider, as you must meet specific standards to qualify for NDIS Provider registration. These requirements are designed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance. To proceed, you need to meet the following criteria:
- NDIS Providers must have suitable qualifications and/or meet experience requirements that match the disability support services they want to supply.
- The NDIS Provider and their Key Personnel (such as Directors and Managers) must meet certain requirements that have already been set. This criterion includes questions about whether the Applicant firm or Key Personnel have ever been convicted of an indictable offence, gone bankrupt, or been disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act 2001.
Types of NDIS Providers
Now, there are many types of NDIS Providers for different categories. But mainly, it can be categorised into two types:
| Registered NDIS Providers | Unregistered NDIS Providers | |
| What it means | Approved and regulated by the NDIS Commission | Not registered with the NDIS Commission |
| Who they can work with | All NDIS participants (NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed) | Only plan-managed and self-managed participants |
| Checks & approvals | Must pass suitability checks and independent audits | No formal audits or suitability checks |
| Ongoing requirements | Must meet NDIS Practice Standards and stay compliant | Fewer rules and ongoing requirements |
| Visibility | Listed on the NDIS Provider Finder | Not listed on the Provider Finder |
| Getting paid | Faster payments through the NDIS Provider Portal | Payments handled privately or via plan managers |
| Business trust | Seen as more credible and trustworthy | Trust needs to be built over time |
| Services you can offer | Can provide a wider range of NDIS supports | Limited to supports that don’t require registration |
| Setup effort | More paperwork, time, and upfront cost | Quick and simple to start |
| Pricing | Usually follows NDIS pricing limits | More flexibility with pricing |
| Best for | Providers wanting long-term growth and access to more clients | Providers testing the NDIS space or offering limited services |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Registered NDIS Provider
Now, let’s start with the step-by-step process of becoming an NDIS provider.
Step 1: Create a PRODA Account
Firstly, you need to create an account. PRODA is Provider Digital Access, which allows you to verify your identity online with the Australian government.
Step 2: Access the NDIS Commission Application Portal
Once you have created an account, use that to log in to the NDIS Commission portal, where you select “become an NDIS provider” and open the NDIS Commission Application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Business Information
Now, you need to enter some details like:
- ABN and business structure
- Registered and postal addresses
- Key personnel information
- Shareholders or trust deeds
Make sure all the information you enter is correct.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
The online application form needs to be completed within a 60-day deadline. Make sure the details you enter are correct:
- Organisational details
- Suitability declarations
- Experience in disability services
- Registration groups
- Self-assessment against NDIS Practice Standards
Step 5: Select NDIS Registration Groups
There are 36 NDIS groups; make sure you pick the one most appropriate to you and enter that accordingly.
Step 6: Complete Self-Assessment Requirements
Make sure you complete all self-assessments, and they have perfect alignment with NDIS Practice Standards. You need to give accurate, tailored responses to make sure you have the best possible application.
Step 7: Add Outlets and Service Details
Enter the location from where you operate, i.e the outlets, as that’s how the customers find you.
Step 8: Submit Declarations and Lodge the Application
Once all of that is done and dusted, submit the declarations like:
- Criminal history
- Bankruptcy
- Legal compliance
Be completely transparent and submit the Application.
Step 9: Receive Scope of Audit and Begin Audit Preparation
Once all of the above is said and done, there will be an audit. Make sure you select an approved quality auditor, and get the appropriate audit among these two:
- Verification audit
- Certification audit
Conclusion
The NDIS Provider journey isn’t simple; the registration and compliance take a lot of time. If you want to ensure there are no errors, the best course of action is to work with an NDIS Consultant who would guide you on how do you become an NDIS provider.