What "NDIA-managed" means
Every NDIS participant chooses how their plan funding is managed. That choice decides who can be paid and how:
| How the plan is managed | Who pays the provider | Can an unregistered clinic be paid? |
|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | The participant pays you, then claims from their plan | Yes |
| Plan-managed | A plan manager pays your invoice | Yes, within NDIS price limits |
| NDIA-managed (agency-managed) | The NDIA pays the provider directly through the provider portal | No, only registered providers |
NDIA-managed participants are a small share of all participants, around 6% according to NDIA quarterly reporting. But they hold a large share of plan funding and often have more complex needs: people in supported accommodation, under guardianship, or in regional and remote areas. Many therapy services can't see them, so they're often under-served.
"Where do I send the invoice?" Nowhere, if you're unregistered
This is one of the most common questions unregistered clinics ask. For NDIA-managed funding there's no invoice address, because the NDIA doesn't pay invoices from unregistered providers. A registered provider lodges a payment request through the NDIS provider portal.
- The participant can't pay you and claim it back. That only works for self-managed funding.
- A plan manager can't pay you. NDIA-managed funding doesn't go through a plan manager.
- Sending an invoice to the NDIA by email won't get you paid.
Your three options
1. Register your clinic with the NDIS Commission
You can apply to become a registered NDIS provider. For therapy supports this means an audit against the NDIS Practice Standards by an approved quality auditor, plus ongoing obligations: policies, incident and complaints management, worker screening, record keeping, and audits again at renewal. It's the right path for some larger clinics, but for many small practices the time and cost isn't worth it for a handful of participants.
2. Refer the participant on
You can refer them to a registered provider. In many areas, especially regional towns, there may be a long wait, and you lose a client you could have helped.
3. Deliver the therapy as a subcontractor of a registered provider
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission allows a registered provider to deliver supports through subcontracted entities and workers. The registered provider bills the NDIA and stays accountable for the supports. In practice:
- Your clinic signs a subcontractor agreement with the registered provider.
- Your practitioners meet the requirements: current AHPRA or professional registration, NDIS Worker Screening, insurance, and the NDIS Code of Conduct.
- The participant signs a service agreement with the registered provider that names your clinic and therapist, so the arrangement is transparent.
- You treat as usual and send your invoice to the registered provider.
- The registered provider claims from the NDIA and pays you, less its fee.
Checklist before you start
- Current AHPRA registration, or membership of the relevant professional body, for each practitioner
- NDIS Worker Screening clearance, or an application underway, for each practitioner
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- A signed subcontractor agreement with the registered provider
- A signed participant service agreement before the first session
- Invoices sent promptly. From 1 December 2026, NDIS claims must generally be lodged within 90 days of the support.
See NDIA-managed participants without registering yourself
Active Help is a registered NDIS provider (No. 4050027031). Your clinic delivers therapy as our subcontractor. We prepare the agreements, claim from the NDIA and pay you in twice-weekly pay runs. There are no setup, audit or exit fees.
Join as a clinic →Frequently asked questions
Can an unregistered provider invoice an NDIA-managed participant?
No. Supports for NDIA-managed participants must be claimed from the NDIA by a registered NDIS provider. An unregistered clinic can't claim them directly, and the participant can't pay and claim back.
Where do NDIA-managed invoices go?
There's no address to send them to. The registered provider lodges a payment request through the NDIS provider portal. If you're unregistered, the claim has to be made by a registered provider you're subcontracted to.
Can an unregistered clinic work under a registered provider?
Yes. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission allows a registered provider to deliver supports through subcontracted entities and workers. The registered provider bills for the supports and stays accountable for them.
Do I need my own NDIS Worker Screening?
Each practitioner delivering supports under a registered provider needs NDIS Worker Screening. If your team doesn't have it yet, the registered provider can usually help arrange the application.
Sources: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, About registration · NDIA, Pricing arrangements. General information only, not legal advice. Always check the current NDIS rules.