Unregistered NDIS providers
Many of the independent Mentors in the Menotred By Mentor Group are classified as unregistered NDIS Provider.
Who can engage an unregistered NDIS provider?
NDIS participants whose plan is self-managed or plan managed can use unregistered NDIS providers in most circumstances.
A ‘self-managed plan’ is where an NDIS participant or their plan nominee engages NDIS supports and services themselves. A ‘plan managed plan’ is where an NDIS participant engages a registered NDIS provider to provide plan management services.
NDIS participant whose plan is self-managed or plan managed must only use registered NDIS providers for the following supports or services:
- specialist disability accommodation
- supports or services during which there is or is likely to be a need to use a regulated restrictive practice
- specialist behaviour supports that involve undertaking behaviour support assessment of the participant or developing a behaviour support plan for the participant.
Unregistered provider obligations
NDIS Code of Conduct
All registered and unregistered NDIS providers and their workers are required to comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct. There are guidelines available to help both NDIS providers and workers understand their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Self-managed participants and registered plan managers can make unregistered providers and their workers aware of their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Complaints management
Unregistered providers must be able to effectively manage complaints that may concern the quality and safety of supports and services being provided.
The NDIS Commission can support people to make a complaint directly to a registered or unregistered NDIS provider. You can also complain to us, preferably after you have tried to resolve the complaint directly with the provider. If a complaint raises a compliance issue, we have powers to take action.
Anyone who is the subject of a complaint has the right to fair treatment. This includes informing a person about a complaint and providing them with a reasonable opportunity to respond to any allegations and proposed action.
Worker screening
Self-managed NDIS participants can individually decide if they require workers of unregistered NDIS providers who provide supports and services to them to undertake an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
Capacity Building Supports
Mentored By is also able to match clients with accredited independent Soical Workers. Social Workers focus on maintaining and enhancing quality of life in a range of settings to facilitate empowerment and assist people with disability, their families and communities. Our work includes all levels of management and program design, individual planning, counselling, coordination and case management, as well as policy development, research and advocacy.
need support now?
If you are on the NDIS and in need of a Mentor or Social Worker, Mentored By has got you covered. Simply search through our ever growing list of Mentors to find the right match for you, or you can get in touch and we'll walk you through the process.
If you would like to find out if your plan is eligible to receive funding for a Mentor, please contact your NDIS planner.
If you would like more information on how we can help you, contact us here.
Can my NDIS plan pay for mentoring?
It depends on the support you need and the funding in your plan. Calling a service “mentoring” does not automatically make it an NDIS-funded support.
NDIS funding is for eligible disability-related supports. The proposed support must fit your plan and the rules for using its funding. A shared hobby can help you connect with a mentor, but that does not mean the hobby, equipment or everyday activity costs are funded.
Before agreeing to support, check the proposed activities and costs with your my NDIS contact, plan manager or support coordinator. Read the NDIA’s reasonable and necessary criteria and guide to using your funding.
Does my provider need to be registered?
- NDIA-managed funding: you must use a registered NDIS provider for those supports.
- Self-managed or plan-managed funding: you can usually choose registered or unregistered providers, but some supports have separate registration requirements.
Specialist behaviour support, specialist disability accommodation and other specified services have additional rules. Mandatory registration changes for supported independent living and NDIS digital platforms began in July 2026, with transition arrangements.
Check the provider and the specific support before you begin. A profile on this website is not proof of NDIS registration. See the NDIA’s guide to choosing a provider and the Commission’s current registration requirements and transition pathways.
Checks, skills and safe support
The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to registered and unregistered NDIS providers and their workers. It covers rights, privacy, competent support and acting on safety concerns.
NDIS worker screening requirements depend on the provider and role. Registered providers must identify risk-assessed roles and meet the relevant screening requirements. For unregistered providers, the Commission recommends worker screening; self-managed and plan-managed participants can require a clearance. Read the Commission’s guidance for registered providers and unregistered providers.
Child-related work also has separate requirements. For work in South Australia, check who needs a Working with Children Check. The required checks, qualifications and insurance should be confirmed for the support being offered before it starts.
Talk through the support you want
Tell us what you enjoy, the support you are looking for and what matters in a mentor. We can discuss the people in our mentor group and the next step.
Before support starts, agree on the activities, goals, price, payment arrangements and how to change or end the arrangement. The NDIA explains what to discuss in its guide to working with a new provider.
If you have a concern
If you feel comfortable, you can raise a concern with your provider. You can also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission about the quality or safety of NDIS supports. You do not need to raise it with us first. Report an issue or make a complaint to the Commission.
Information checked against official guidance on 10 October 2026. Follow the linked guidance for current rules.