If you’re passionate about supporting people with disability and want to run your own business, becoming an NDIS sole trader can be a rewarding and flexible career path. Whether you want to offer personal care, household supports or community access, this guide walks you through exactly how to become a registered (or unregistered) NDIS sole trader in Australia.
Being a sole trader service provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides individuals with the chance to offer customised support services to Participants in a government funded scheme; while enjoying the convenience of self-employment. This is a great option for individuals who are keen on contributing to the improvement of people with disabilities, promoting independence in service provision and business management. However, being a sole trader provider demands sufficient knowledge of the NDIS system, compliance, and business operations.
This guide discusses the important steps and considerations to become an NDIS sole trader.
What is a Sole Trader NDIS Provider ?
An NDIS sole trader is a person who runs their own individual sole trader business to supply services to NDIS Participants. They can decide to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or remain unregistered, depending on the services they provide and the Participants they want to work with.
Generally, sole traders work without any employees. Common supports offered by sole traders include:
- Assistance with daily personal activities
- Community access and social participation
- Transport
- Cleaning or gardening
- Skill development or mentoring
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Why Become a Sole Trader NDIS Provider?
Sole traders are in charge of all components of their business, that is, compliance, delivery of services, invoicing, and taxation. This model is ideal for those who prefer direct contact with clients and want complete control over their working practices.
Although it can be challenging running your own show, becoming a sole trader NDIS provider presents a number of benefits:
- Independence: You maintain full control over your business operations and service provision.
- Direct Client Relationships: By working independently you can develop close personal relationships with clients, leading to improved service quality and client satisfaction.
- Flexibility: You can decide on the services you want to offer and adapt them to suit your capabilities and interests.
- Cost Effectiveness: Being a sole trader tends to mean lower overheads than working as a larger organisation.
NDIS Registration for Sole Traders
Although NDIS Provider Registration is not mandated for every type of NDIS service, Registering can open up more opportunities for clients through increased credibility.
Registration entails:
- Application Submission: Submit the online application via the NDIS Commission portal, outlining your business structure, services, and compliance activities.
- Self-Assessment: Assess your business against the relevant NDIS Practice Standards.
- Audit: Undergo audit. The audit type (verification or certification) is based on the level of service complexity.
- Commission Review: The NDIS Commission examines the audit result and your application to establish eligibility for registration.
Registration shows your commitment to quality and safety standards, helping build trust with participants, their families, and other stakeholders.
Setting Up Your NDIS Sole Trader Business
Establishing your sole trader NDIS business involves several key considerations.
- ABN: Register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) online through the Australian Business Register, or with the help of your accountant.
- Insurance: Purchase necessary insurances, including public liability, professional indemnity, and personal accident cover.
- Compliance Checks: Complete a National Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, and a Working with Children Check.
- Service Agreements: Establish sound service agreements that clearly set out the terms and conditions of your services.
- Invoicing System: Establish a good invoicing system for handling payments from clients or plan managers. Accounting software can manage these tasks.
- Record Management: Invest in software to keep proper records of services delivered, expenses, and client communications for compliance and taxation purposes. Client Management system software can help.
These initial steps are essential for running a compliant and professional NDIS sole trader business.
Understanding NDIS Pricing and Payments for Sole Traders
NDIS pricing for Registered Providers is regulated by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits that determine the maximum price of different supports. Unregistered Providers should use the Pricing Arrangements as a guide for setting their prices.
- Pricing Compliance: Make sure your service fees are reasonably set.
- Invoicing: Ensure invoices must contain your ABN, description of the service, number of hours worked, rate paid, and total.
- Payment Processing: Depending on your Registration status, payments are either made directly via invoice, or through the myplace portal for NDIS Registered Providers.
Staying up to date on pricing changes and keeping billing practices transparent are imperative to financial viability and client trust.
Legal and Compliance Requirements for Sole Traders
Being a sole trader comes with various legal considerations, in addition to NDIS-specific considerations.
- Taxation: Ensure to meet tax reporting requirements. If your turnover is above the threshold, you should register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Privacy: Ensure you are compliant with privacy and confidentiality by protecting client information.
- Work Health and Safety (WHS): Implement safe work practices to protect yourself and your clients from harm.
- Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of services, incidents, and communications to demonstrate compliance and adherence to best practice.
Understanding and fulfilling these obligations is critical to operating legally and ethically within the NDIS framework.
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Insurance Requirements for NDIS Sole Traders
Appropriate insurance coverage is essential for protecting both your business and the participants you support. As a sole trader delivering NDIS services, you’re personally liable for any claims made against your work, so the right insurance is a must.
- Public Liability Insurance is crucial to cover you if a participant or third party is injured, or if property is damaged during the delivery of your services. For example, if a participant slips and falls while you’re supporting them in the community, public liability insurance helps cover legal and compensation costs.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you if a participant or their family claims your advice or support services caused them harm or financial loss. This is particularly important for sole traders offering support coordination, mentoring, or therapeutic services.
- Personal Accident Insurance is also highly recommended. As a sole trader, if you’re injured or fall ill and can’t work, this type of insurance can provide income protection while you recover.
Having the right combination of insurances not only meets basic compliance expectations but also gives you confidence to run your business knowing you’re protected. Many sole traders bundle these insurances through NDIS-focused brokers or business platforms that understand provider risks.
Conclusion
Becoming an NDIS sole trader is a rewarding journey that combines the freedom of running your own business with the chance to make a real impact in the lives of people with disability. While it comes with responsibilities and legal requirements, staying informed, meeting compliance standards, and delivering high-quality support can lead to a successful and meaningful career within the NDIS.
FAQs
1. Do I have to be registered with the NDIS to be an NDIS sole trader?
Not necessarily. Registration is required if you work with agency-managed Participants and provide certain supports such as the delivery of specialist behaviour support services, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Plan Management.
2. Can I determine my own prices as an NDIS sole trader?
If you are unregistered, you are allowed to determine your own prices. If you are NDIS Registered you cannot charge higher than the maximum rates set in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
3. What kind of insurance do I need as an NDIS sole trader?
You need public liability, professional indemnity, and personal accident insurances to ensure your personal and business risks are covered during service delivery.
4. How long will it take to register as an NDIS Sole Trader?
Registration generally takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of your Application and the risks involved in Registration. The Commission may also have a backlog to consider, which can cause unforeseen delays.
