Compare NDIS providers and get the right questions to ask

1. Check registration status

Start by checking if the provider is NDIS-registered. The NDIS Commission public register lists all registered providers and their registration groups. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use unregistered providers for most supports, but NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers.

2. Understand your needs

Before you contact providers, be clear about what you need: the type of support, how often, where (in-home, community, online), any specialist skills required, and your budget. Your support coordinator can help you define this.

3. Ask the right questions

Use our question checklists below (based on official NDIS guidance) to interview providers. Key areas: experience, qualifications, availability, cancellation policies, invoicing, and how they'll report on your goals.

4. Compare your shortlist

Don't decide on the first provider you find. Compare at least 2-3 options. Use this tool to keep notes side-by-side and see which provider best matches your needs and preferences.

5. Review your service agreement

Once you choose a provider, you'll sign a service agreement. Check that it covers: services to be delivered, costs and payment terms, cancellation notice periods, complaints process, how to exit the agreement, and who to contact with concerns. The NDIS has minimum requirements for service agreements.

Plan Managers

• How many participants do you currently work with?
• What is your typical response time for queries?
• How often will you send me budget reports?
• Do you provide alerts when my budget is running low?
• How do you handle invoice queries or disputes?
• What are your fees, and how are they charged?
• Can I reach you outside business hours if needed?
• Do you have experience with [my support category, e.g. SIL, therapy]?
• How do you ensure my information is kept confidential?
• What happens if I want to change plan managers?

Support Coordinators

• What is your background and experience in disability support?
• How many participants are you currently coordinating for?
• How often will we meet or check in?
• How will you help me find and connect with providers?
• What is your approach to goal planning and reviewing progress?
• Do you have connections with providers in my area and for my needs?
• How will you support me if I have issues with a provider?
• What happens if you're unavailable (sick, on leave)?
• How do you communicate (phone, email, face-to-face, other)?
• Can you provide references from other participants?

Therapists (OT, Physio, Speech, Psychology)

• What are your qualifications and professional registrations (e.g., AHPRA)?
• How much experience do you have with [my condition or age group]?
• What is your approach or methodology?
• Where do sessions take place (clinic, home, online)?
• How long are sessions, and how often do you recommend them?
• How do you track and report progress toward my goals?
• Do you provide written reports for my NDIS reviews?
• What is your cancellation policy and notice period?
• How do you involve families or carers in therapy?
• What are your rates, and do they match the NDIS price guide?

Support Workers & Personal Care Providers

• Are you registered with the NDIS Commission?
• Do you have a current NDIS Worker Screening Check?
• What training and qualifications do your workers have (e.g., Certificate III, first aid)?
• Can you meet my specific support needs (e.g., manual handling, complex care)?
• What are your available hours and days?
• How much notice do you need to schedule or change shifts?
• Who will provide my support (consistent worker or a roster)?
• How do you match workers to participants?
• What is your cancellation policy for both parties?
• How do you handle complaints or incidents?
• Do you carry insurance (public liability, professional indemnity)?