Understanding the ongoing costs of being an NDIS provider in Australia is essential; moreover, it helps new providers plan effectively, and consequently supports long-term compliance.
Becoming an NDIS provider opens the door to rewarding opportunities supporting participants, growing a sustainable business, and contributing to the disability sector; moreover, it allows providers to expand their impact. However, many new providers don’t realise that being approved is just the beginning; in fact, ongoing obligations continue throughout the year. To stay compliant with the NDIS Commission and maintain high-quality service delivery, providers must therefore manage a range of ongoing operational, compliance, and administrative costs; additionally, these responsibilities increase as the business grows
In this guide, we break down the essential ongoing expenses you should expect as an NDIS provider; moreover, we explain how these costs affect daily operations; additionally, we outline differences in obligations; furthermore, we highlight key compliance areas; consequently, you can plan better for long-term sustainability; therefore, you’ll understand your financial responsibilities whether you are registered or non-registered.
Compliance & Audit Costs For NDIS Provider Ongoing Expenses
Annual Audit (Registered Providers)
Registered NDIS providers have mandatory certification or verification audits; moreover, these requirements apply every audit cycle. Ongoing audit costs may include several key expenses; additionally, providers must prepare documentation; furthermore, they need to complete compliance reviews; consequently, they may incur external auditor fees; therefore, budgeting for these costs is essential.
- Mid-term audit (required for certification providers)
- Annual verification updates
- Documentation and compliance review
- External auditor fees
Typical cost range:
✔ Verification: $800 – $1,500 per year
✔ Certification: $3,000 – $10,000+ per cycle
(depends on business size, risks, number of participants, and service types)
Worker Screening & Mandatory Checks in NDIS Provider Ongoing Costs
All staff and key personnel must maintain compliance through several mandatory checks; moreover, they must update these regularly; additionally, they must follow NDIS standards; furthermore, they need to meet safety requirements; consequently, this ensures quality service delivery; ultimately, it protects participants; therefore, ongoing compliance is essential.
- NDIS Worker Screening Checks
- Working With Children Check (if relevant)
- National Police Checks
- Ongoing renewals and re-certifications
Annual cost estimate: $120–$250 per worker; moreover, this may increase with additional checks; additionally, costs vary by state; consequently, providers must budget carefully; therefore, planning ahead is important
Staff Training & Professional Development: Ongoing NDIS Compliance Costs
The NDIS expects providers to ensure all staff are competent and trained; moreover, ongoing development is essential; additionally, workers must complete mandatory modules; furthermore, regular refresher training is often required; consequently, this improves service quality; ultimately, it protects participant safety; therefore, providers must prioritise staff training.
Mandatory and ongoing training may include:
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module
- Supporting Safe & Enjoyable Meals
- Infection Control Training
- Medication training
- Incident management
- Manual handling
Estimated yearly cost: $100–$500 per worker depending on course type and provider; moreover, prices vary based on training requirements; additionally, specialised courses may increase expenses; consequently, providers must budget carefully; ultimately, investing in training improves service quality; therefore, it is an essential ongoing cost.r.
Insurance Costs Every NDIS Provider Must Budget For
All NDIS providers must hold appropriate insurance.
Common required policies:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Workers Compensation
- Cyber Insurance (recommended)
Average annual cost:
$800 – $3,500 depending on company size and services.
Software, Systems & Record-Keeping: Essential NDIS Provider Running Costs
To meet NDIS compliance and deliver efficient service, providers often use:
- CRM / Client Management Systems
- Rostering & Timesheet Software
- Incident Management Systems
- Payroll & Accounting Systems
- Secure document storage
Typical cost: $50 – $200+ per month depending on the tools you use.
Business Operating Costs For NDIS Providers
Running an NDIS business involves standard operational expenses, such as:
- Office rent or co-working space
- Website maintenance & hosting
- Marketing & advertising
- Phone & internet services
- Printing, admin supplies
- Professional fees (legal, accounting, HR)
These vary widely based on your business model.
Worker Costs & HR Management: Key Ongoing Costs for NDIS Providers
Depending on your services, staffing costs may include:
- Recruitment expenses
- Employee onboarding
- Uniforms & PPE
- Superannuation
- Payroll tax
- Ongoing HR compliance
Support worker wages:
$30 – $45/hr (non-registered)
$40 – $65/hr (registered or specialised services)
To learn more about compliance requirements, you can also explore our detailed guide on NDIS registration support available on Providers Consultant.
Incident, Risk & Safety Management in NDIS Provider Operational Costs
Providers must maintain structured systems for:
- Reportable incident management
- Continuous improvement activities
- Risk assessments
- Emergency planning
These require time, training, and sometimes external consultation.
Continuous Improvement & Policy Maintenance: Long-term NDIS Provider costs
Ongoing review and updating of:
- Policies & procedures
- Risk management plans
- Participant handbooks
- Quality systems
You may also need to engage external consultants for complex updates.
Possible yearly cost: $500 – $5,000 depending on provider size.
Registration Renewal Costs for NDIS Providers
Every 3 years, registered providers must renew their NDIS registration and undergo a full audit again.
Renewal costs include:
- Consultant assistance
- Audit fees
- Policy updates
- Staff compliance checks
- Documentation reviews
Are There Ongoing Costs for Non-Registered Providers?
Yes although lower, non-registered providers still have ongoing expenses:
- Worker screening
- Insurance
- Training
- Marketing
- Software systems
- Operational costs
They do not undergo NDIS audits, but must still meet high service standards
Conclusion
The ongoing cost of being an NDIS provider varies depending on:
- Whether you are registered or non-registered
- Service types (e.g., personal care vs. community access)
- Number of staff
- Business structure
Understanding these regular expenses helps providers plan their budgets, maintain compliance, and deliver safe, high-quality supports to participants.
For official information on audit rules and provider obligations, refer to the NDIS Commission’s guidance at ndiscommission.gov.au.