NDIS Providers Guide 2025: Registered vs Unregistered Explained

NDIS Providers Guide 2025

An NDIS Provider is an individual or organisation that delivers services to participants under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS gives Australians with significant disabilities the support and funding they need to achieve greater independence, well-being, and participation in their communities.

Every participant has a unique plan that outlines their goals, supports, and allocated funding. An NDIS Provider plays a crucial role in helping participants achieve these goals by delivering essential services.

NDIS Providers in 2025: Current Data

As of 30 June 2025, there are 269,432 active NDIS Providers across Australia (NDIS National Dashboard).

The majority of NDIS Providers remain unregistered, though reforms and compliance changes are encouraging more providers to seek official registration. This creates a more competitive landscape where participants increasingly seek registered providers for trust, security, and quality of services.

Types of NDIS Providers

There are two main categories: Registered NDIS Providers and Unregistered NDIS Providers. The key difference lies in approval by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Registered NDIS Provider

  • Approved by the NDIA after meeting strict quality, compliance, and safeguarding standards.
  • Can work with all participants, including NDIA-managed plans.
  • Enjoys higher credibility and stronger participant trust.
  • Access to NDIS portal, ensuring faster payments.
  • Easier access to financing due to comprehensive compliance documentation.

Unregistered NDIS Provider

  • Not approved by the NDIA, but can still deliver services to self-managed and plan-managed participants.
  • Lower startup costs and simpler entry into the market.
  • Greater flexibility in pricing and service delivery.
  • Limited scalability, as they cannot serve NDIA-managed participants.
  • May face trust and reputation challenges compared to registered providers.

Benefits and Challenges of Being a Registered NDIS Provider

Advantages:

  • Access to all participant types.
  • Strong reputation and participant trust.
  • Streamlined payments through the NDIS portal.
  • Potential for business growth and scalability.

Challenges:

  • High compliance costs.
  • Significant paperwork and auditing.
  • Ongoing legal and regulatory obligations.

Benefits and Challenges of Being an Unregistered NDIS Provider

Advantages:

  • Faster and cheaper startup.
  • Direct engagement with participants.
  • Flexibility in pricing and service delivery.

Challenges:

  • No access to NDIA-managed participants.
  • Weaker credibility and market visibility.
  • Increased risk of client loss if participants’ funding management changes.

NDIS Provider Reforms in 2025

The NDIS Commission has introduced several changes affecting providers:

  1. Mandatory Registration for high-risk services such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Support Coordination.
  2. Funding Oversight – the NDIA can now move participants from self- or plan-managed funding to NDIA-managed in cases of misuse, restricting access to unregistered providers.
  3. Pricing & Invoicing Compliance – all NDIS Providers must follow new invoicing rules and align pricing with updated NDIS guidelines.
  4. Advertising Standards – providers cannot use misleading marketing that exploits the NDIS brand.

These reforms push providers—especially unregistered ones—to adopt higher compliance standards or consider registration.

Should You Become a Registered NDIS Provider?

Whether you should register depends on your goals:

  • If you want to scale your business and access all participant types, registration is essential.
  • If you prefer a smaller, flexible practice with lower overheads, remaining unregistered may suit your model.

Either way, every NDIS Provider should maintain professional standards, clear service agreements, and robust documentation to build participant trust.

Conclusion: The Role of an NDIS Provider in 2025

The latest data shows there are 269,432 active NDIS Providers as of June 2025. While many remain unregistered, the NDIS landscape is shifting toward stronger compliance, transparency, and accountability. Whether registered or unregistered, every NDIS Provider must focus on delivering high-quality support, building trust, and staying updated with reforms.

To simplify operations, reduce administration, and stay compliant, many providers turn to platforms like Accessible STA. Accessible STA offers tools for scheduling, invoicing, fund tracking, and documentation tailored to the needs of NDIS Providers. Whether you are new to the sector or expanding your services, Accessible STA can help you streamline processes and focus on what matters most—delivering quality care to participants.