How to start your own NDIS business | MyCareSpace

How to start your own NDIS business

Start your own business

The NDIS has now rolled out across all parts of Australia. Over 530,000 participants are receiving funds as part of their NDIS plans to spend on disability supports and services. This has created many opportunities for new and existing businesses to expand into the disability industry. We have providers ask us daily how to start their own NDIS business, so here is our summary.

Steps to start your own NDIS business

Is there demand by NDIS participants for your services or products?

To find this out, start by checking the NDIS price list (called the NDIS Support Catalogue) which contains a list of all items that can be bought using NDIS funds. This will give you a good idea of how your service/product may be included.

When you register you would need to choose the NDIS Registration Groups that apply to your business. 

The NDIS Price list also shows the registration groups that apply to each line item. Find the line item you plan on billing and you will be able to see which registration group you need to be registered for.

Our NDIS Provider Registration Guide contains a list of all the NDIS registration groups, with examples and the types of providers (the qualifications you need) that can register for each group.

These resources will help you understand which registration groups you can register for as well as whether they are 'low-risk' (only need a desktop verification audit) or 'high-risk' (attract a more complex certification audit):

 

How do I become an NDIS provider?

STEP 1. Complete the online application form

The NDIS Commission provides an online application form for providers wishing to register as NDIS Service Providers. When submitting this application, you will need to:

1. Provide information, including:

  • your organisation’s contact details
  • your corporate structure,
  • your outlets/places of operation, and
  • your key personnel.

2. Select the registration groups your organisation provides. 

This determines which NDIS Practice Standards apply to your organisation.

Support items are grouped into registration groups. Different supports have different levels of risk associated with their delivery.

Grouping supports streamlines registration for providers, so they only have to register for the registration groups relevant to their business.

Support items in each registration group have similar quality and safeguarding requirements.

The Provider Registration Guide to Suitability contains a list of all registration groups if you want to take a look before you start your application.

See our resource: Registering as an NDIS Provider - can I deliver that service?

3. Complete a self-assessment

Each provider completes an NDIS Self Assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards relevant to the supports and services your organisation delivers. You may need to upload evidence of the services you offer.

TIP

  • You don't have to submit your application all at one time
    You can save the application form, including self-assessment responses, and return to complete it at any time within 60 days.
     

  • Download this Checklist
    The NDIS published this Checklist for Registration to help guide providers.

 

REGISTER AS A PROVIDER

 

STEP 2. Select an approved quality auditor

After you submit your online application, you will receive an ‘initial scope of audit’ document by email from the NDIS Commission.

This document contains the registration requirements that apply to your organisation.

It specifies:

  1. whether you require a ‘verification’ or ‘certificationaudit and
  2. what your organisation needs to demonstrate to comply with the relevant NDIS Practice Standards

You need to now engage an approved quality auditor to undertake the audit. 

TIP

  • You can only select an NDIS apprroved auditor
    NDIS List of Approved Auditors
     

  • Compare Quotes
    You can request a quote from more than one auditor to make your decision. 
     
  • Can I change my application after it is submitted?
    Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes to the information provided. The quote(s) provided by an approved quality auditor will be based on the information which you provide.

 

FIND AN APPROVED AUDITOR

 

STEP 3. Undergo an Audit

All providers seeking registration will be required to undertake an audit against the applicable NDIS Practice Standards as part of the NDIS Commission’s registration requirements.

Under the new NDIS Commission, there will be two ways:

  • Verification audit
    A Verification is for providers delivering lower risk or less complex services. When registering through verification, NDIS Providers supply documentation against the four outcomes within the Verification Module of the NDIS Practice Standards.  
     
  • Certification audit
    A Certification Audit is Certification is for higher risk, more complex services and supports.

If you deliver a range of services and just one of them falls into a high risk registration group, you will need to undergo a certification audit. 

Although there is no cost to apply to be a registered NDIS provider, you will face the cost of the Audit.

This cost is exponential according to the type of services you offer (i.e. if you offer 'high risk' services like behaviour support, you will need to under go a Certification Audit which is more expensive than the Verification audit (desktop audit) that would apply to a gardening service.)

 

STEP 4. The NDIS Commission assesses your application and makes a decision

After assessing your application, the NDIS Commission will:

  • consider the audit outcomes and
  • conduct a suitability assessment of your organisation and key personnel

Key personnel are the individuals who hold key executive, management or operational positions in your organisation, such as Directors, Managers, Board Members, Chief Executive Officer or Chairperson. You must include all key personnel on your application

The NDIS will then make a decision and contact you to let you know if your application has been successful and the reasons why or why not.

 

STEP 5. Receive your application outcome

For successful applicants: you will receive a certificate of registration outlining the services or supports you are registered to provide, the period of registration, and any conditions you must follow to keep your registration.

For unsuccessful applicants: you may contact the NDIS Commission to request a review within three months of the decision. If your application is still unsuccessful following the review, you may seek a further review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

TIP

  • You will wait anywhere up to 12 months to get your approval (average wait time is 6 months)
    The NDIS Quality and Safeguards are slow to approve :(

  • You can still service NDIS customers while you wait
    You can service Plan Managed and Self Managed NDIS customers whilst you wait for your approval.

How to Get Help Registering as an NDIS Service Provider 

Our partners in helping Providers become NDIS registered providers are Avaana.

They can help you identify the qualifications and expertise staff need to provide your services, explain the Worker Screening process and provide risk assessment tools.

A Quality Management System is more than policies. They supply the forms and tools you need and they'll explain how to use them to stay on track for audits.

Get help with your registration today

 

How to Get the Insurance I need for my NDIS Audit?

Our partners in helping NDIS registered providers make sure they have the required insurances in place is Bizcover.

The NDIS Audit specifies that a registered NDIS service provider needs:

  • Public Liability,
  • Personal Indemnity and
  • Accident Insurance to protect them against the risks they face.

Get an instant quote online

NDIS Insurance requirements

 

What happens when I become NDIS registered? How do I market my services?

This is where MyCareSpace comes in. We provide marketing services to NDIS providers - helping them get in front of people looking for your services.

Find out more about MyCareSpace marketing services

 

Related Resources

 

NDIS THERAPY FINDER - FREE SERVICE

Our Connections Team at MyCareSpace are linked in with a range of providers offering telehealth services with availability. Let our team help you navigate the NDIS and find the right service for you.
Get started with Therapy

 

LET US FIND YOU A SKILLED SUPPORT WORKER

Let our Expert Team find you the right support worker: one that has experience with your disability and that you can rely on. It's FREE service.
Find me a support worker

 

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