NDIS Registration 2025: Support Coordinator Survival Guide (Timeline + Costs) — Updated May 2025

If you're searching for "NDIS support coordinator registration requirements" or "how to register as an NDIS support coordinator," this guide is for you.

Important update: Starting July 2025, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is introducing mandatory registration for Support Coordinators (SCs). This means all support coordinators will need to be registered NDIS providers with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This change has created a buzz of excitement and anxiety among support coordinators and local area coordinators (LACs) alike.

In this article, we'll break down exactly what's happening, why it's happening, who it affects, and how you can navigate the new registration requirements. We'll also walk you through the support coordinator registration pathway (step-by-step), explain the NDIS Commission audit process, discuss timelines and costs, and point you to help and resources.

By the end, you should feel more confident about meeting the July 2025 registration deadline for support coordinators – and be ready to take action. If you're a Support Coordinator worried about compliance or a Local Area Coordinator looking to guide others, read on. With the right preparation (and some handy tools like SupportSorted), you can successfully transition to the new system. 😊

What Is Mandatory Registration for Support Coordinators?

In a nutshell, mandatory registration means that all support coordinators must be officially registered with the NDIS Commission in order to provide support coordination services under the NDIS. Currently, not all support coordinators are required to be registered – for example, if a participant's plan is plan-managed or self-managed, they have been allowed to use unregistered providers for support coordination. However, that's changing.

The Australian government announced in late 2024 that it would compulsorily require registration for support coordination providers, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, and certain "platform providers". In other words, the decision has been made that these types of providers must come under the NDIS Commission's oversight. The focus now is on how to implement this smoothly.

For Support Coordinators (SCs), this is a significant shift. It means that by the set date, every person or organisation delivering support coordination will need to go through the NDIS provider registration process (if they haven't already). Being a registered provider involves meeting the NDIS Practice Standards and undergoing a quality audit, among other things – which we'll detail soon.

Why mention Local Area Coordinators (LACs)? While LACs are employed through NDIS partner organisations (and are not required to register the way providers are), this change is highly relevant to them too. LACs often help participants understand their plans and connect to services. They need to know that after July 2025, any support coordination service a participant uses must be from a registered provider. LACs may play a role in informing participants of these changes and helping them find registered support coordinators when the time comes.

So, if you're an LAC, being aware of the new rules will help you guide participants and answer their questions confidently.

Why Is This Change Happening?

It's natural to wonder why the government is making registration mandatory for support coordinators now. There are a few important reasons, based on findings and feedback from the NDIS sector:

Improving Quality and Safeguards

Support coordinators play a crucial role in participants' lives – coordinating services, ensuring participants get the most out of their plans, and advocating for their needs. A recent NDIS Commission inquiry found that while good support coordination empowers participants, there have been "widespread issues" with how some support coordination was delivered. These issues include conflicts of interest, instances of poor integrity, and even coercion in some cases. For example, there have been concerns about support coordinators steering participants toward services that the coordinator (or their associates) provide, rather than truly independent advice. By requiring all SCs to be registered, the NDIS Commission can enforce standards that address these problems.

Consistency and Accountability

As it stands, unregistered support coordinators are not under direct oversight of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They don't undergo regular audits or have the same reporting obligations as registered providers. Making registration mandatory means all support coordinators will be accountable to the NDIS Commission – subject to the NDIS Code of Conduct, complaint mechanisms, audits, and compliance actions if necessary. This is intended to create a more consistent level of quality and safety across the board, so participants can trust that any support coordinator (no matter how they find them) meets the core standards of the scheme.

Learnings from SIL Providers and Others

Support coordination isn't the only area being targeted. Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers (who deliver home and living supports) are also moving to mandatory registration. Investigations, including the Disability Royal Commission, highlighted that having unregistered providers in high-support settings could lead to abuse or neglect. SIL participants often have large plan budgets, which unfortunately can attract opportunistic providers. Similar logic is being applied to support coordination – while not a "high-intensity" support in the traditional sense, it is a critical support. The government appears to be aiming for greater oversight of any services that significantly impact participant wellbeing or involve managing large portions of participants' funding.

Strengthening the NDIS Overall

The move toward mandatory registration was also recommended as part of broader NDIS reforms. An official NDIS Review suggested a more "risk-proportionate" model of regulation. The government has chosen to start by reeling in these particular provider types under the existing system. The belief is that this will raise the bar of professionalism and trust in the NDIS. When all support coordinators are registered, participants (and other stakeholders like LACs) will know that minimum standards are met everywhere – things like proper qualifications/experience, adherence to participant rights, privacy protections, and no unscrupulous practices.

In short, mandatory registration is happening to protect participants and improve service quality. The decision is made; now it's about preparing for it.

Keep in mind: Not everyone agrees with this approach. Some worry it could reduce participant choice or create barriers for small providers. However, unless there's a major change of heart at the political level, registration for support coordinators is coming. The focus now is on making the transition as smooth as possible for both participants and providers.

Who Does It Affect?

Let's clarify exactly who needs to pay attention to this new requirement:

All Support Coordinators (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

Whether you provide Level 2 Support Coordination (Coordination of Supports) or you're a Specialist Support Coordinator (Level 3) working with participants with complex needs, you will need to be registered. There have historically been two registration groups for these services – 0106 (Support Coordination for level 1 & 2) and 0132 (Specialist Support Coordination level 3). The NDIS Commission has proposed to merge these into one group (likely using 0132 for all). But the bottom line is: if you deliver any kind of support coordination under NDIS funding, you'll fall under mandatory registration.

Unregistered Support Coordination Providers

If you or your organisation currently provide support coordination without being an NDIS registered provider, this change squarely affects you. Perhaps you only worked with self-managed participants, or you operate in a niche region through word-of-mouth. Up until now, that was okay. But by the deadline, you will need to initiate registration or cease providing support coordination services. The transition plan (detailed below) will give you some time to apply and get audited, but you must take action if you want to continue past the transition period.

Registered NDIS Providers not Registered for Support Coordination

Maybe you run a therapy clinic or a service provider that is a registered NDIS provider for other support types, but you added support coordination as a service for some clients without formally including it in your registration. Under the new rules, that won't fly. You'll need to apply for a "variation" to add support coordination to your registration. Essentially, you must meet the standards for support coordination and likely undergo an audit covering the support coordination module to have it officially on your registration certificate. The NDIS Commission's proposal indicates that existing registered providers will be given a process to incorporate support coordination into their scope (so you won't have to start from scratch, but you will be assessed for the new area of service).

Already Registered Support Coordination Providers

If you're among the support coordinators who already went through NDIS registration (great job!), you're actually ahead of the game. You won't need to scramble to apply because you're already compliant. Do note a couple of things:

• If you are currently registered under the old group 0106 (Levels 1 & 2 only), the Commission plans to automatically transition you to the combined group (likely 0132). This might happen via a Commission-initiated update to your registration. Practically, you may not notice much difference except a code change on paper.
• If you have the 0132 specialist registration already, no further action is required on your part (aside from continuing to maintain your compliance as usual). Mandatory registration doesn't change how you operate – it just means now everyone has to do what you've already done.

That said, keep an eye on renewal dates. If your registration is up for renewal around 2025/2026, you'll still need to go through your normal renewal audit. Being "already registered" isn't a permanent state – registration must be renewed every 3 years (or whatever period the Commission granted). So ensure you continue to meet standards and are ready for your next audit when the time comes.

Local Area Coordinators (LACs)

While LACs don't register as providers, this change affects how you might support participants. For instance, currently if a participant asks, "Can my cousin who is really knowledgeable be my support coordinator even though she's not registered?" up until 2025 the answer might be yes (if the plan is self-managed). Post-July 2025, the answer will be no – all support coordinators must be registered. As an LAC, you'll need to help participants understand this and possibly assist them in finding registered support coordinators.

You might also need to be prepared if some existing support coordinators in your community decide not to register and exit the market – participants working with those coordinators may turn to you for help finding new support coordination services. Essentially, LACs will want to ensure that no participant falls through the cracks during this transition.

Participants and Their Families

It's worth noting how this affects NDIS participants. After the transition period, participants (even those who self-manage or plan-manage their funds) will only be able to use registered support coordinators. This could mean some participants will have to change support coordinators if their current one doesn't become registered.

The NDIS Commission and NDIA will likely send communications to participants about this, but support coordinators and LACs on the ground should be ready to reassure participants. The intent is not to take away choice, but to ensure better quality. In fact, one benefit is that once all support coordinators are registered, participants whose plans are NDIA-managed (Agency-managed) will have more choice – historically, NDIA-managed participants could only use registered providers, which limited their selection of support coordinators. In the future, since all SCs will be registered, every participant has access to the full pool of support coordinators.

Timeline & Key Dates to Remember

Mark your calendars – here's the timeline for the mandatory registration rollout (as of current information):

• October 2024 – March 2025: Planning and Consultation Phase. The NDIS Commission began consulting with the sector in late 2024, releasing discussion papers and gathering feedback through early 2025.
• June 2025: Guidance Release. The NDIS Commission has committed to publishing a summary report of the consultation findings by June 2025. This report will likely confirm the exact rules and timelines for the transition.
• 🚩 1 July 2025: Transition to Mandatory Registration Begins. This is the big date to remember. The policy will take effect no earlier than 1 July 2025 – meaning July 1 is the earliest start, and it could be that date or shortly after. On (or from) this date, the clock starts ticking for unregistered support coordinators to begin the registration process.
• July – October 2025: 3-Month Window to Apply. Unregistered support coordination providers will have three months from the transition start date to submit their registration application (likely until the end of September 2025).
• 2025 – 2026: Complete the Audit within 12 Months. Once you've applied, you have 12 months from your application date to undergo and complete the required NDIS Commission audit. During this period, you can continue delivering support coordination as a bridging measure.
• By Late 2026: All support coordinators should be fully registered. If any stragglers haven't completed the process by then, they risk penalties or being unable to operate.

Possible adjustments: the wording "no earlier than 1 July 2025" leaves a tiny bit of wiggle room. Also, there is a federal election expected by mid-May 2025, which could theoretically impact the schedule. However, given bipartisan interest in stronger NDIS safeguards, it's unlikely the plan would be scrapped – at most, dates could shift slightly. As of now, prepare as if July 2025 is the start.

Support Coordinator Registration Pathway: 5 Key Steps

If you're a support coordinator who needs to register, you're probably wondering "How do I actually do this?" Let's demystify the registration pathway into clear steps. It might look daunting, but taken step-by-step, it's absolutely doable. Here's how to become a registered NDIS support coordinator:

Step 1: Learn the Requirements and Prepare

Before jumping into forms and audits, take some time to understand what's required of a registered support coordinator. The NDIS Commission has a set of NDIS Practice Standards – think of these as the quality benchmarks you must meet. Key areas include: participant rights and choice, privacy and confidentiality, governance and risk management, incident management, complaints handling, and provision of supports.

As a support coordinator, you'll at least need to meet the Core Module of these standards (which covers those fundamental areas). If you plan to offer Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3), there are Supplementary Module requirements specific to that (e.g. having expertise in complex case management). Start by reviewing the standards relevant to support coordination on the NDIS Commission's website. At this stage, just get familiar with the topics you'll need to address in your policies and processes.

Step 2: Submit Your Registration Application

The first official step is to submit an application to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is done online via the NDIS Commission Provider Application Portal. If you're brand new to the system, you'll create an account as an "unregistered provider" and then start a new registration application.

In the application, you'll provide basic details about your business (ABN, contact info, etc.), what registration groups you are applying for (in this case, support coordination – the system will likely list it as registration group 0132 or similar), and some initial self-assessment information.

As soon as you submit the application, a few things happen:

• The system will generate an initial scope of audit document for you. This tells you whether you need a verification or certification audit, and outlines which parts of the practice standards you'll be audited against. For support coordination, you should expect a Certification Audit.
• You'll receive instructions to proceed with the next steps of engaging an auditor.

Make sure you submit your application within the required timeframe (likely within 3 months of July 2025). The application itself isn't too time-consuming if you have your details ready. Remember, you don't have to have every policy perfected at this point – the heavy lifting comes during the audit.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation and Systems

Now that your application is in, it's time to get all your ducks in a row for the audit. This preparation phase is arguably the most important part of the registration journey.

You'll need to create or update your service policies, procedures, and supporting documents to align with the NDIS Practice Standards. For a support coordinator, the key documents typically include:

• Client Service Agreement
• Privacy Policy
• Complaints Policy & Procedure
• Incident Management System
• Risk Management Plan
• Governance & Operational Management docs
• Qualifications & Experience evidence
• NDIS Worker Screening clearances

This list isn't exhaustive, but covers the big-ticket items. You might consider using templates or guides to help draft these documents – many are available from consulting companies or provider hubs. Just remember: if you use templates, tailor them to reflect your actual business practice. Auditors can tell if you're just copying text that you don't follow in real life.

Step 4: Undergo the NDIS Commission Audit

This is the step that tends to cause the most nerves: the quality audit. But fear not – if you've done your homework in Step 3, the audit is just about demonstrating what you've prepared.

Engage an Approved Auditor: You must hire an independent Approved Quality Auditor from the NDIS list. Send your initial scope document to a few auditors to get quotes – audit costs can vary, so it pays to shop around.

Stage 1 – Documentation Review: The auditor reviews your documentation off-site and highlights any gaps.

Stage 2 – On-site or Virtual Assessment: Interviews with you (and staff, if any), participant file checks, and possible participant interviews.

Outcome of Audit: You'll address any non-conformities, after which the auditor will recommend you for registration.

Step 5: NDIS Commission Review & Outcome

The Commission reviews the auditor's report and your suitability assessment. Assuming all is well, you'll receive your Certificate of Registration (usually valid for 3 years). 🎉

Step 6: Maintain Your Registration & Compliance

Registration isn't a one-off event. Keep following your policies, record incidents and complaints, keep participant info secure, and start preparing 6 months before your renewal audit.

What to Expect from the NDIS Commission Audit (and How to Ace It)

One of the biggest worries providers have is about the audit. Let's dive deeper into how the audit works specifically for support coordinators and share tips to ease your mind.

Audit Type – Verification vs Certification

The NDIS Commission classifies provider types by risk to determine audit rigour. Support coordination is expected to require a certification audit. Know that this involves both document review and interviews.

Auditor's Perspective

Auditors want to see evidence you meet each practice standard. Evidence can be a document, an observed practice, or answers in an interview. Be transparent – auditors are generally supportive when they see you're participant-focused and open to improvement.

Involving Participants

Auditors may ask to speak with one or two participants you support (with their consent). Choose participants you have a good rapport with and brief them on the purpose of the call.

Common Audit Pitfalls (and Solutions)

• Conflict of Interest: Have clear policies and disclosures.
• Service Agreements: Ensure every client file has a signed agreement.
• Incident / Complaint Records: Maintain a register even if incidents are rare.
• Continuous Improvement: Show you act on feedback (e.g., peer reviews).

Attitude During Audit

Stay calm, be honest, and treat findings as learning opportunities. Most providers pass with only minor tweaks needed afterwards.

Costs & Budget Considerations for Registration

One of the biggest anxieties for small providers is "How much is this going to cost?" Let's break it down.

NDIS Commission Application Fee

The Commission charges an application fee only for larger providers above a revenue threshold. Many sole or small support coordinators will be exempt.

Audit Costs

Audit fees depend on size and scope. A small solo SC might pay roughly $1,500 – $3,000 for the initial certification audit. Medium organisations could see $3,000 – $6,000+.

Preparation Costs

• Consultants or registration support services (optional)
• Policy templates or compliance software
• Your own time (don't underestimate this!)

Ongoing Costs

Remember there's a renewal audit every 3 years, plus costs like Worker Screening and insurance. Registration costs can't be passed directly to participants – think of it as an investment in your business's legitimacy.

Financial Assistance?

There's currently no dedicated grant for NDIS registration costs, but check local business grants or team-up with peers to share resources. Start setting aside funds now – saving $300 a month for 10 months covers a $3k audit.

Budget tip: Once registered, many SCs find they can serve NDIA-managed participants and grow their business, offsetting the upfront outlay. Plus, once you've built your compliance systems, maintaining them is easier and you can focus more on service delivery.