Introduction

What Your NDIS Provider Should Never Do With Your Plan

Your NDIS plan is yours.

As a participant, you have full choice and control over how your funding is used—and that means your provider has rules to follow. While most providers do the right thing, there are unfortunately cases where providers overstep, whether intentionally or unknowingly.

In this blog, we’re shining a light on the red flags you should never ignore. If your provider is doing any of the following, it might be time to speak up—or walk away.

We’ll explore:

• What NDIS providers must not do
• Real examples of misconduct
• Your rights as a participant
• What to do if something feels off
• How Assist Providers can support safe, ethical NDIS practice

🚫 What Your Provider Should NEVER Do With Your Plan

1. Claim Without Your Consent

Your provider should never claim NDIS funds for a service you didn’t agree to or didn’t receive.

🔴 Red flags:

• You didn’t attend the session, but it was billed
• Services were charged that were never delivered
• You were charged a cancellation fee without clear policy

💡 You have the right to ask for itemised invoices at any time.

2. Lock You Into Long Contracts Without Flexibility

NDIS plans run for 12 months (usually). Providers must not pressure you into year-long agreements, especially if:

• You’re trialling their service
• You’ve expressed uncertainty
• You’ve asked for short-term support

You always have the right to:

✅ Change providers

✅ Review or end agreements (with notice)

3. Manage Your Budget Without Permission

Your provider is not your plan manager (unless formally engaged as one).

They should not:

• Make decisions about how your budget is spent
• Redirect funding from one category to another
• Tell you how to use your plan without your input

Your money = your say.

4. Discourage You From Changing Providers

If a provider tries to:

• Guilt you into staying
• Withhold records
• Delay exit processes
• That’s a red flag. Providers should support your right to choose—even if that means choosing someone else.

5. Access or Share Your Plan Without Consent

Your NDIS plan is personal.

Your provider:

• Must not share your plan or details with others without permission
• Must not request your full plan unless it’s necessary and you agree
• Must keep all participant information confidential

6. Provide Services Outside Their Scope or Registration

Your provider must only deliver services they’re qualified or registered to provide.

They should never:

• Offer therapy without the right accreditation
• Charge NDIS rates for informal support
• Claim under line items they don’t understand

This is not only unethical—it puts your plan (and theirs) at risk of NDIA audit.

📄 Real Example: The “Silent Claims”

Leila discovered her provider had claimed 12 weeks of group supports—that she never attended. When questioned, they said “it’s part of the contract.”

❌ Not true.

NDIS rules state claims must reflect actual service delivery. Silent or unauthorised claiming is a serious breach.

Leila reported the provider to the NDIS Commission and recovered her funds with help from her plan manager.

🛡️ Your Rights as a Participant

✅ You have the right to:

• See how your funding is spent
• End services that aren’t working
• Report unethical conduct
• Be treated with dignity and honesty
• Control who sees your information

🧭 You are never “locked in” to any one provider.

🚨 What to Do If Something Feels Off

1. Ask for clarification in writing
2. Review your invoices or portal claims
3. Speak with your support coordinator or plan manager
4. Contact the NDIS Commission (1800 035 544 or www.ndiscommission.gov.au)

🧰 How Assist Providers Can Help

✅ Service agreement templates that protect participants

✅ Plan review coaching that ensures transparency

✅ Support coordination that checks compliance

✅ Mediation support if you need to transition away from a provider

✅ Training for providers on ethical service delivery

Whether you’re a participant or a provider—doing the right thing matters.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Your NDIS plan is about you—not your provider’s business model.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek support.

You deserve honesty, respect, and transparency. And if your provider can’t offer that? You’re allowed to walk away.

Need help reviewing your provider agreements or invoices? Assist Providers can help you stay protected.