Independent Support Worker: 7 Steps to Build Your Solo Practice

Across Australia, more people are choosing to work independently in the NDIS. As an independent support worker, you can offer personalised, flexible services directly to participants while building your own business and reputation.

This shift toward independence has accelerated in 2025, with high demand for skilled, reliable support workers, particularly for plan-managed and self-managed participants. While the flexibility is appealing, success also depends on meeting compliance standards, managing your business well, and understanding your professional responsibilities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to become an independent support worker or what it takes to grow your solo practice, this guide walks you through seven key steps to get started, confidently and compliantly.

Step 1: Understand What an Independent Support Worker Does

An independent support worker provides NDIS-funded supports directly to participants as a self-employed contractor or sole trader. They’re not employed by a registered NDIS provider but instead work with participants who self-manage or use plan management for their funding.

Your role may include:

• Personal care (e.g., meal preparation, hygiene, mobility).
   
• Community access and social participation.
   
• Skill development and mentoring.
   
• Assistance with transport, appointments, or daily routines.

Unlike employees, independent support workers manage their own schedules, pricing, and clients, offering flexibility and autonomy. However, they must still comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct and other relevant laws to ensure safety, quality, and participant rights.

Step 2: Meet the Core Independent Support Worker Requirements

Before you can work independently, you’ll need to meet essential NDIS worker requirements and obtain the right clearances and training. These ensure participants’ safety and demonstrate your professionalism.

Mandatory Requirements

• NDIS Worker Screening Check – Verifies your eligibility to work in the NDIS.
   
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module – Free online training that covers rights, responsibilities, and ethical practice.
   
• Working with Children Check (WWCC) – Required if you support minors.
   
• First Aid and CPR certification – To handle emergency and care situations safely.
   
• ABN (Australian Business Number) – Required for invoicing as a sole trader.
   
• Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance – Protects you and your clients if issues arise.

If you plan to provide certain high-risk or specialised services, such as behaviour support or restrictive practices, you’ll need to work with or become a registered NDIS provider, as only registered providers can deliver these supports.

Step 3: Set Up Your NDIS Sole Trader Business

Once your clearances are complete, it’s time to set up your business structure. Most independent support workers operate as sole traders under an ABN, but you can also register as a company if preferred.

Here’s what to do:

• Register your ABN and business name with the Australian Business Register (ABR).
   
• Set up a dedicated business bank account for income and expenses.
   
• Use digital accounting tools (like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks) to manage invoicing and tax.
   
• Familiarise yourself with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (2025-26) so you charge within NDIS-approved rates.
   
• Keep records for at least seven years, as required under NDIS financial management standards.

While full NDIS registration isn’t required to work with plan-managed or self-managed participants, staying up to date with NDIA reforms is essential, as registration may become mandatory for some service types in the future.

Step 4: Define Your Services and Specialisations

To stand out in a competitive sector, define what you offer clearly and professionally. Ask yourself:

• What are my strongest skills?
   
• Who are the participants I want to support?
   
• What needs can I meet best: personal care, skill development, mentoring, transport, or companionship?

List your services and link them to specific NDIS support categories (for example, “Assistance with Daily Life” or “Community Participation”). This helps participants and plan managers understand what you provide and ensures you’re billing correctly under NDIS line items.

You can also highlight any specialisations such as mental health support, complex care, or working with young people. The clearer your service offer, the easier it is for participants to choose you.

Step 5: Find and Keep Your NDIS Clients

One of the biggest questions for new independents is how to find NDIS clients. In 2025, most support workers use a mix of digital platforms and professional networks to build their client base.

Here are some practical strategies:

• Online platforms – Sites like Mable, Kynd, or Hireup connect workers with self- and plan-managed participants.
   
• NDIS community groups – Join Facebook groups, forums, and local NDIS networks.
   
• Support coordinators and plan managers – Build professional relationships for referrals.
   
• Local advertising – Flyers, Google Business listings, and local disability events.
   
• Word of mouth – Provide consistent, reliable care to encourage recommendations.

Once you find clients, focus on retention. Be punctual, maintain professional boundaries, and communicate clearly about goals and expectations. Consistency and trust are what turn one-off sessions into long-term relationships.

Step 6: Manage Your Finances and Record Keeping

As a self-employed worker, you’re responsible for managing your finances, tax, and records.

Best practices include:

• Keep accurate invoices and service notes after every shift.
   
• Track income and expenses for tax purposes.
   
• Put aside a portion of income for superannuation and GST (if applicable).
   
• Use accounting software or a registered bookkeeper familiar with NDIS billing.
   
• Store participant records securely to meet privacy and data protection requirements.
   

Financial transparency builds participant trust and keeps you compliant with NDIS expectations for accountability and documentation.

Step 7: Stay Compliant and Keep Learning

The NDIS sector is evolving, with reforms continuing into 2026 and beyond. To stay competitive and compliant:

• Keep up with NDIS updates at ndis.gov.au.
   
• Complete ongoing training on safeguarding, participant rights, and incident management.
   
• Review the NDIS Code of Conduct regularly. It applies to all workers, whether registered or not.
   
• Seek professional supervision or mentorship to grow your practice.

Remember, unregistered workers are still accountable to the NDIS Commission. The Commission investigates serious incidents, complaints, or breaches so having clear policies and professional boundaries protects both you and your clients.

Building a Sustainable Independent Practice

Becoming an independent support worker is more than just starting a business, it’s building a career of impact. By following these seven steps, you’ll create a foundation that combines flexibility, financial control, and participant trust.

As the NDIS continues to evolve, independent workers play a vital role in delivering person-centred, high-quality supports across Australia.

At Labour Care, we help independent support workers stay compliant, confident, and connected. From business setup to compliance training, our consultants can guide you every step of the way so you can focus on what you do best: supporting people to live their best lives.

Ready to start your independent support journey? Talk to Labour Care today about setting up your business, meeting NDIS requirements, and building a compliant, thriving practice.

FAQs about NDIS Independent Support Worker:

1. How do independent NDIS workers get paid?

You invoice either the plan manager or the self-managed participant directly after delivering the agreed service. Payments usually arrive within 7–14 days once invoices are approved. NDIA-managed payments are only available to registered providers.

2. Do I need an ABN to work as an independent NDIS worker?

Yes. You must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to invoice participants or plan managers for your services. This identifies you as a legitimate business or sole trader under Australian law.

3. Do independent workers need a service agreement with participants?

Yes, it’s strongly recommended. A written service agreement outlines your roles, rates, cancellation policy, and expectations, helping avoid disputes and protecting both parties.