Introduction

Short answer? Yes.

Under the NDIS, you have full choice and control over how, where, and with whom you use your funding—even if that means using multiple providers for the same support type.

But while it’s allowed (and often recommended!), using more than one provider does require:

• Clear communication
• Strong agreements
• Smart budget management

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• When it makes sense to use multiple providers
• What to watch out for
• How to manage it all smoothly
• How Assist Providers can support you along the way

🧠 Why Would Someone Use Multiple Providers?

There are plenty of reasons participants choose to spread their supports:

• More choice: You may prefer one provider for weekdays, another for weekends
• Specialised services: One provider may offer support workers, another does behaviour therapy
• Better availability: One provider may be full or have limited hours
• Personal fit: You might connect better with different staff for different tasks
• Back-up plans: Having more than one provider gives flexibility if things change unexpectedly

For example: Jane uses Provider A for weekday personal care, Provider B for community access on weekends, and Provider C for her speech therapy.

✅ What the NDIS Allows

The NDIS allows participants to:

• Use as many providers as they wish
• Mix and match services under each budget category
• Switch providers at any time
• Engage both registered and unregistered providers (if self or plan-managed)

There are no official limits on the number of providers you can engage.

📄 Important Things to Consider

1. Service Agreements Are Key

Each provider should have a written Service Agreement outlining:

• The services being delivered
• Dates/times of service
• Rates and cancellation terms
• How you’ll communicate

Keep a copy of each agreement—and update it when changes occur.

2. Avoid Overlap or Double Charging

If multiple providers deliver similar supports (e.g. two doing support work), make sure:

• Hours are clearly separated
• Timesheets are accurate
• You’re not double-booked or billed

This avoids billing errors—and potential NDIA audits.

3. Monitor Your Budget

If you’re using multiple providers, it’s easy to accidentally over-commit your funds.

Use:

• Monthly budget check-ins
• Plan manager portals
• Spreadsheets or apps to track usage

Tip: Ask your plan manager to notify you if spending is off track.

4. Inform Your Support Coordinator (If You Have One)

If you’re plan or NDIA managed and using support coordination, your coordinator should:

• Help you coordinate provider schedules
• Flag gaps or duplication
• Assist in setting up new supports

🛑 Common Mistakes When Using Multiple Providers

🚫 Not telling each provider about the others

🚫 Overlapping bookings or supports

🚫 Inconsistent support (e.g. different therapy strategies)

🚫 Forgetting to monitor spending across all providers

🚫 No clear communication or central contact

🧰 How Assist Providers Can Help

✅ Help participants (and families) manage multiple providers smoothly

✅ Templates for multi-provider service agreements

✅ Staff training on NDIA-compliant rostering

✅ Oversight to avoid duplication or misuse of funds

✅ Support coordination that simplifies everything

Whether you’re a provider managing several teams or a participant juggling multiple services, we make sure it runs smoothly—and stays compliant.

🧭 Case Study: Samuel, 17, Complex Needs

Samuel uses:

• One provider for behaviour therapy
• A second for support work
• A third for assistive tech and OT

His family was struggling to keep everyone on the same page—until they engaged Assist Providers. We:

• Helped clarify roles and goals for each provider
• Created a weekly shared schedule
• Reviewed service agreements for overlap
• Set up monthly reviews with all involved teams

The result? Consistent care, no budget surprises, and no confusion.

🏁 Final Thoughts

You absolutely can—and often should—use your NDIS funding across multiple providers. It gives you more control, more options, and more chances to find the right fit.

The key is to stay organised, communicate clearly, and monitor your budget carefully.

Need help managing multiple providers or reviewing service agreements? Assist Providers is ready to help.