In many cases, yes. Whether you can use NDIS funding with a support worker you choose depends on how your plan is managed. Self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers and are not subject to the NDIS pricing arrangements. Plan-managed participants can also use registered or unregistered providers, but the pricing arrangements apply. NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers. Because we are an NDIS-registered provider, we support self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants on Careseekers.
The short answer
If you are self-managed, you can usually choose your own support worker and use your NDIS funding with that arrangement. If you are plan-managed, you can also choose your own worker, including unregistered providers, but pricing rules apply. If you are NDIA-managed, you can still choose a worker through us because we are registered, but the support must stay within the registered-provider framework.
How this works if you are self-managed
Self-management gives you the most flexibility. The NDIA says self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers, are not subject to the pricing arrangements, and can negotiate prices directly. The NDIA also says self-managers may directly employ their own staff or use a self-employed contractor. On Careseekers, that means you can browse worker profiles, choose the person who feels right, and use your funding to pay through the platform.
How this works if you are plan-managed
If you are plan-managed, you can still choose your own support worker. The NDIA says plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers, but providers must follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits where they apply. On Careseekers, this usually means you can choose the worker you want and have invoices sent to your plan manager once the hours are approved.
How this works if you are NDIA-managed
If your plan is NDIA-managed, you can still use your NDIS funding with a worker you choose, but there is one key rule: NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers. Because we are an NDIS-registered provider, you can still use Careseekers to access workers through our platform. For agency-managed participants on Careseekers, once hours are approved, we request payment from the NDIS and then pay the support worker.
Can you really choose the worker yourself?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons people use Careseekers. Our NDIS support page explains that we support all NDIS funding types and connect participants directly with independent disability support workers, giving more flexibility, choice and control over who provides support.
Can you negotiate rates?
Yes, but the level of flexibility depends on how your funding is managed. On Careseekers, our workers are independent and set their own rates, and you can negotiate directly with them. If you are self-managed, the NDIA says you can negotiate prices directly and are not subject to the pricing arrangements. If you are plan-managed or NDIA-managed, the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits must be followed where they apply, although participants and providers can still negotiate lower prices.
What should you check before getting started?
Before you choose a worker and use your funding, it helps to be clear on:
- how your NDIS funding is managed
- what type of support you need
- whether the support category fits the arrangement you want
- whether you need a registered provider only, or the flexibility to use an unregistered provider
- how invoices will be approved and paid
The NDIA’s provider guidance makes those funding differences clear, and our payment and funding guidance helps you apply them in practice through Careseekers.
How we help on Careseekers
We make it easier to compare worker profiles, understand how your funding type affects your options, and choose support that fits your needs. Our platform supports self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants, and our pricing and payment flow allows direct negotiation with workers where the funding arrangement allows it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use NDIS funding with a worker I choose?
In many cases, yes. It depends on whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed.
Can self-managed participants use NDIS funding with a worker they choose?
Yes. Self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers and can negotiate prices directly.
Can plan-managed participants use NDIS funding with a worker they choose?
Yes. Plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers, but pricing rules apply.
Can NDIA-managed participants use NDIS funding with a worker they choose?
Yes, but only through a registered provider. Because we are an NDIS-registered provider, NDIA-managed participants can use Careseekers.
Can I negotiate rates directly with workers on Careseekers?
Yes. Our workers are independent and you can negotiate directly with them. How much flexibility you have depends on your funding type.
Ready to choose support that works for your funding?
We make it easier to compare worker profiles, understand how your NDIS funding works, and choose the support worker who feels right for you.
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