The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps Australians with disabilities by enabling them to access essential services and live their lives as they choose. Being on the NDIS provider list opens more opportunities for service providers to work with people registered in the scheme. However, the question of how much it costs to join the NDIS is frequently asked by members of the community.
It covers the details of NDIS registration price, shows what costs are involved and explains what providers should keep in mind before registering.
What Does NDIS Registration Mean?
Understanding what registration is about should come first before we discuss the registration process and price. If service providers intend to work with clients in the NDIS or NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency), they are required to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Being registered demonstrates that practices adhere to key standards for safety, quality, and accountability. It requires filling out an application, passing a suitability assessment, and usually passing a third-party audit.
Do All Service Providers Have to Register with NDIS?
To supply services under the NDIS, you must be registered.
- People who receive funding from the NDIA through the NDIS
• Patients who are given high-risk or restrictive approaches
• Those who live in residences or get intensive support
Self-managed and plan-managed participants can do business without registration. Yet, being on the list of registered providers makes you more trusted and helps you reach a wider audience of people in need.
Explaining the Cost to Register with the NDIS
The cost to register for the NDIS varies from one person to another. Several factors influence how parents care for their children.
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Types of Services Available
More complex and risky services require stricter audit practices, which have a direct impact on what you pay. Providers charged with offering therapeutic help or personal care services incur higher registration costs than those who assist only with daily tasks at home.
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Audit Requirements
- This type of audit is suitable for low-risk jobs that are not very complex (e.g., cleaning and lawn mowing). They are practically always cheaper than other audits.
• When personal care, behaviour support or allied health services are involved, a certification audit is required. These audits examine everything and often result in higher costs.
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The Number of Employees in the Organization
Because audits are more complicated in larger organizations with many staff, these organizations usually pay more in registration fees.
Costs Associated With Registering With the NDIS
Here is an estimate of what the NDIS registration fee will cost:
Service Type Audit Type Estimated Range (AUD)
Low-Risk Services Verification Audit A budget of between $600 and $1,500 is typical.
Medium-High Risk Certification Audit Around $3,000 to as much as $10,000 or more
Large Organizations Certification Audit $10,000 – $20,000+
Such prices are for audit expenses alone and do not include other costs, such as application setup, staff training, or policy creation.
There Are Additional Expenses to Calculate
In addition to the audit, enrolling in the NDIS may incur a total cost that exceeds the audit fee.
- At this time, there is no application fee collected by the NDIS Commission, yet other costs (for example, fees from lawyers or consultants) may be necessary.
• Many organizations decide to hire NDIS consultants or registration support services to assist them, which can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the services provided.
• Due to compliance regulations, it often takes time to develop effective policies and procedures. Hiring experts for writing and documenting your software may be more expensive.
• Training and Preparation: Individuals leading the organization may need to learn about NDIS regulations, quality standards, and methods for handling incidents.
Is It Possible to Register Your Company by Yourself?
Although you can register on your own, many providers complain that it is pretty complicated and takes a considerable amount of time. For small businesses or individuals working alone, it can be challenging to grasp all the necessary language, documentation, and compliance requirements.
If you put in the effort and study the process yourself, you can reduce the cost of registering for the NDIS.
How to Reduce the Expenses for NDIS Registration
If you’re concerned about the registration fee, here are some ways to reduce the NDIS cost.
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Register Using a Low-Risk Plan
Try signing up for services with a low level of risk initially. You can decide to offer more services later and change your registration when needed.
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Do-It-Yourself Documentation
Utilize the guidelines provided by the NDIS Commission and prepare your documents independently, rather than hiring outside support.
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Gather a List of Auditors
Some auditors charge less than others. Check prices from more than one NDIS auditor before deciding which one to use.
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Plan Ahead
If you stay organized and ensure your application is completed correctly, you can prevent late actions and unnecessary second audits, which add to your expenses.
Registered vs Unregistered Providers: What’s Better?
People may wonder which option is better: receiving assistance from the NDIS or choosing a service that is not registered with the NDIS.
If NDIS registration is quite costly, consider whether paying the price is worth it. To explain further, let’s do this type of comparison.
| Criteria | Registered Provider | Unregistered Provider |
| Can help any NDIS client. | ✔ Yes | Not all: just self or plan management |
| The ability to see NDIS compliance details | ✔ High | ✘ Limited |
| Defined by measures of quality | ✔ Yes | ✘ Rules are not always observed |
| Obtaining funds through the NDIA | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Administrative obligations | ✔ More | ✔ Less |
If building your company for the long term is your goal, setting up proper registration can be a rewarding investment in the future.
At What Time Should You Update Your Driver’s Licence Registration?
A registration under the NDIS is valid for a period of three years. Just before the date of expiry, an audit will be necessary to recertify or reverify your status. Start the process of renewing your internet subscription early to avoid any outages. You should be aware that resigning from the NDIS incurs the same initial fee or an additional fee if the services you use have increased.
To Finalize: Is it Beneficial to go through the NDIS Registration Process?
The cost of registering for the NDIS is sometimes considered prohibitive, especially for smaller companies. Often, the benefits, such as a wider customer reach, an enhanced reputation, and compliance with national qualifications, outweigh the initial cost a business has to pay.
When you use planning, budgeting and DIY ideas, it can be easier to get involved in the NDIS. Understanding the financial aspects of NDIS registration, regardless of your situation, is one step toward being able to assist people in your area.
