Frequently asked questions

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program that funds supports and services for people with a permanent and significant disability. It covers around 600,000 Australians and is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Unlike previous systems where funding went to service providers, the NDIS gives funding directly to participants — giving you choice and control over who provides your supports and how your plan is managed.

To be eligible you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be under 65 years old when you first apply
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities

You can apply through the NDIS website or by calling 1800 800 110. Your GP or specialist can help you gather the evidence needed for your access request.

Core supports help with everyday activities — support workers, transport, consumables, and community participation. You generally have flexibility to move funding between core support categories.

Capacity building supports help you build independence and skills — therapy (OT, speech, psychology), support coordination, plan management, and employment support. This funding is usually category-specific.

Capital supports fund higher-cost items — assistive technology, equipment, home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). These are one-off or periodic purchases.

Agency-managed: The NDIA manages your funding and pays providers directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers.

Plan-managed: A plan manager handles invoices and payments on your behalf. You can use both registered and unregistered providers, giving you more choice. The plan management fee is funded separately and doesn’t come out of your other supports.

Self-managed: You manage your own funding — paying providers, keeping records, and claiming reimbursements. Maximum flexibility but more admin work.

Many participants choose plan management as the best balance of flexibility and convenience. Find plan managers near you →

You have several options:

• ProviderScout — browse providers across all 80 NDIS service districts with Google ratings and contact details. Start searching →
• NDIS Provider Finder — the official NDIS tool for finding registered providers by location
• Your LAC or support coordinator — they know which local providers have capacity and can recommend based on your needs
• Other participants — Facebook groups and peer support networks are great for honest recommendations

Registered providers have been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They’ve passed quality audits, carry insurance, and can work with all participants regardless of plan management type.

Unregistered providers haven’t gone through this registration process but can still deliver supports to plan-managed or self-managed participants. They must still follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.

Being registered doesn’t automatically mean higher quality — many excellent sole traders and small providers choose not to register due to the cost and complexity of the process. Check reviews and ask for references regardless of registration status.

Yes — you can change providers at any time. You don’t need approval from the NDIA. Simply give your current provider reasonable notice as outlined in your service agreement (usually 2–4 weeks), then start using your new provider.

If you’re unhappy with a provider, you also have the right to make a complaint through the NDIS Commission.

Before committing to a provider, ask:

• Do you have current availability? (Wait times vary hugely, especially for allied health)
• Have you worked with people with my disability type before?
• What are your cancellation and no-show policies?
• Can we do a trial period before I sign a long-term agreement?
• What are your rates compared to the NDIS price limits? (Check current rates →)
• Are you NDIS registered?

The NDIS sets maximum price limits that registered providers can charge. For a standard support worker in 2025–26:

• Weekday daytime: $70.23/hr
• Evening: $77.25/hr
• Saturday: $98.32/hr
• Sunday: $126.41/hr
• Public holiday: $154.51/hr

These are maximums — providers can charge less. Unregistered providers and platforms like Hireup or Mable often offer lower rates. See all current NDIS rates →

National therapy rates for 2025–26 (maximum per hour):

• Psychology: $232.99/hr
• Behaviour support: $234.83/hr
• Occupational therapy: $193.99/hr
• Speech pathology: $193.99/hr
• Physiotherapy: $183.99/hr
• Exercise physiology: $166.99/hr

These rates were nationally standardised from July 2025 — no more state-based differences. Travel is charged at 50% of the hourly rate, capped at 30 minutes (60 in remote areas). Full price guide →

Plan management is funded as a separate line item in your NDIS plan — it doesn’t reduce your other funding. The 2025–26 rates are:

• Monthly fee: $104.45
• Per claim processed: $34.82
• Setup fee: Discontinued (removed from July 2025)

If your plan doesn’t currently include plan management funding, you can request it at your next plan review. Find plan managers →

Support coordination helps you understand and implement your NDIS plan. A support coordinator connects you with the right providers, helps you build skills to manage your own supports over time, and assists with navigating the NDIS system.

There are three levels:

• Level 1 — Support Connection ($80.06/hr): Helps you connect with mainstream and community services
• Level 2 — Coordination of Supports ($100.14/hr): More hands-on support implementing your plan, finding providers, and building your capacity
• Level 3 — Specialist ($132.83/hr): For complex situations requiring specialist expertise, such as navigating multiple service systems

Find support coordinators →

They do completely different jobs:

Support coordinator: Helps you find and connect with providers, build your capacity, and get the most out of your plan. They’re focused on your goals and services.

Plan manager: Handles the money side — paying invoices, processing claims, tracking your budget. They don’t help you find providers or work on goals.

Many participants have both. You can also have one without the other, or manage both yourself.

Yes — ProviderScout is completely free for NDIS participants and their families. You can search providers, compare ratings, view pricing information, and contact providers directly without signing up or paying anything.

Provider listings are sourced from Google Business profiles and cross-referenced with the NDIS registered provider list. Ratings and reviews come from Google. Aggregate statistics (provider counts by district, participant numbers) come from the NDIS quarterly data published by the NDIA.

We refresh provider data quarterly to keep listings current. If you notice incorrect information, let us know.

If you’re already listed, you can claim your listing to update your details, add a description, and start receiving enquiries directly.

If you’re not listed yet, claiming a listing will add you to the directory. It’s free — you only pay if you choose to upgrade to a paid plan for extra visibility. Learn more about provider plans →