Getting Paid under the NDIS: A Guide for Core Support Providers

Published at 28-05-2025 10:01:35

Tags: #ForProviders

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has opened doors for small businesses in gardening, cleaning, home maintenance and other core supports. While the NDIS brings exciting opportunities, it also comes with specific rules and guidelines that business owners should follow to get paid smoothly. This guide breaks down what services the NDIS will fund, how to invoice correctly, and tips to avoid delays in payment.

What Services Does the NDIS Fund?

The NDIS funds services considered “reasonable and necessary” and directly related to a person’s disability. This means each participant's plan may include unique support services. However, here’s a general guide on what’s typically covered:

• Funded Tasks: Services like vacuuming, lawn mowing, or cleaning are often funded if the participant cannot perform these tasks due to their disability.
• Non-Funded Tasks: Specialist jobs that are not directly tied to the participant's disability—like electrical wiring or major plumbing repairs—are generally not covered.

Learn more about the reasonable and necessary criteria here: Understanding ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria in the NDIS

How to Invoice NDIS Customers

To ensure smooth payment, follow these invoicing requirements:

1. Hourly Rate and Hours Worked: NDIS uses an hourly-rate system. Your invoice should list the total hours worked and the hourly rate, rather than a single job price.

2. Additional Costs: Any incidental costs (such as transport, cleaning chemicals, or lawn care materials) should be built into your hourly rate rather than itemized separately.

3. NDIS Price Cap: If working with Agency or Plan Managed participants, you’ll need to comply with the NDIS price guide. Here are two relevant rates:

• House and/or Yard Maintenance: $48.28 per hour
• House Cleaning and Other Household Activities: $49.16 per hour

Note: Self-Managed participants aren’t limited by the NDIS price cap and may pay rates outside these amounts.

4. Invoice Details: A valid invoice must include:

• Your business name and ABN
• A unique invoice number
• The participant’s full legal name
• Both the date of the job and the invoice issuance date
• Breakdown of hours worked at the hourly rate
• Total amount (with GST if applicable but within the maximum rate)

5. Invoice Template: You may choose to use a clear and professional invoice template. Avoid handwritten invoices; if you must handwrite, ensure it’s legible and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Download the Provider Invoice Template here.

Top Tips for Getting Paid Without Stress

• Include All Required Details: Ensure your invoice has all necessary details for quick processing.
• Discuss Potential Extra Costs: If the job might exceed the participant’s funding, discuss this with the client beforehand.
• Establish a Service Agreement: A service agreement can help clarify expectations and payment details upfront, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.

For Plan Managed participants, check with the Plan Manager about expected payment timelines. In most cases, invoices are paid within 7-8 business days. Many Plan Managers also offer an online dashboard, allowing you to track the status of your payments easily.