If you’re a builder, tradie, or contractor in Australia and want to work with NDIS participants, becoming an NDIS registered provider can open new opportunities.

You can become an NDIS registered provider under the approved registration groups:

• Home Modification
• Household Tasks

But how does the process work, and what do you need to know before applying?

Why Become an NDIS Registered Provider?

While it’s not mandatory for all projects, registration can make your services more attractive to participants and their OTs.

Becoming an NDIS registered provider allows you to:

• Work directly with NDIS participants on home modifications.
• Receive direct payments from NDIS, reducing out-of-pocket costs for clients.
• Build credibility and trust with clients seeking safe and compliant modifications.
• Expand your business in the growing accessible housing and home modification sector.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, you need to ensure your business meets the basic eligibility requirements:

• You are a legally registered business in Australia.
• You hold the appropriate licenses and insurances for your trade (builders, electricians, plumbers, etc.).
• You have a good compliance and safety record.
• You provide services that align with NDIS-funded support, such as home modifications, ramps, bathroom modifications, or accessibility solutions.

Step 2: Understand NDIS Quality and Safeguards Requirements

Even if you’re a builder or tradie, you may need to document compliance and safety measures to satisfy NDIS auditing requirements.

NDIS registered providers must comply with NDIS Practice Standards and Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements, including:

• Demonstrating safe and effective service delivery.
• Implementing risk management and workplace safety practices.
• Following incident management and complaints procedures.
• Maintaining staff training and qualifications, especially for health-related tasks.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Create an NDIS myplace for providers account
   
   • This is the portal where your business will manage applications and updates.
2. Complete the NDIS registration application
   
   • Provide business details, services offered, insurance, and safety documentation.
3. Pay the application fee (varies depending on business type).
4. Provide evidence of compliance with NDIS practice standards.

Step 4: Undergo Audit

Once your application is submitted, an NDIS-approved auditing body will review your business. The audit focuses on:

• Compliance with NDIS Practice Standards
• Safety and risk management systems
• Policies for client support, incident reporting, and complaints handling

After a successful audit, you’ll be officially NDIS registered and can start providing funded services to participants.

Step 5: Maintain Your Registration

Registration isn’t a one-time event. To stay active, providers must:

• Submit annual declarations and updates to NDIS.
• Continue meeting quality and safety standards.
• Be prepared for periodic audits or spot checks.

Keep training and qualifications up to date, particularly if you employ staff.

Key Tips for Builders and Tradies

• Start small: Focus on one type of modification service before expanding.
• Collaborate with OTs and other professionals for referrals.
• Use the NDIS provider portal to manage participants and claims efficiently.
• Consider joining a professional directory, like MODAccess, to reach more NDIS participants.

Becoming an NDIS registered provider may seem daunting, but it’s a worthwhile step for builders and tradies wanting to enter the accessible home modification market. Registration gives you credibility, streamlines funding, and allows you to work with a growing base of NDIS participants across Australia.

Ready to grow your business and support Australians with home modifications? Consider starting your NDIS registration process today: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/provider-registration/apply-registration