How to Become a Support at Home Associated Provider (and Why It's the Best First Step)
Registering as a Support at Home provider is a big step. You don't have to take it first.
Many community care organisations start by working as an associated provider: delivering services for a registered provider, without registering themselves. You learn how Support at Home works, with someone else carrying the registration. Then you decide whether to register.
Here's how to become an associated provider, and what to agree before you start.
Why start as an associated provider?
- There's no registration to complete. Associated providers don't have to be registered providers.
- You learn by doing. You see how claiming, oversight and the paperwork work in real life.
- You build a relationship with a registered provider who knows your work.
- You keep your options open. You can stay as you are, or register later if it suits.
The Commission doesn't describe this as a pathway to registration, and we're not claiming it counts towards one. The benefit is practical: lower risk and real experience.
How to become one
1. Check that you deliver a funded service. The Aged Care Rules list the funded aged care services. If you deliver one for a registered provider, under an agreement, you're an associated provider. See what is an associated provider.
2. Find a registered provider. Start with the organisations you already work with, and the ones that deliver in your area. Ask what services they'd like help delivering. An older person can also choose you under a self-management arrangement with their registered provider. You're still an associated provider, and the registered provider still has to be satisfied you meet the requirements.
3. Agree the arrangement. There's no registration or application for you. The agreement is between you and the registered provider. The registered provider tells the Commission about its associated providers when it registers and renews. If you deliver services in Category 4, 5 or 6, it must also report changes to the arrangement within 14 days. So expect to be asked for your business name, ABN, address and a contact person.
4. Get ready to be overseen. Registered providers must oversee the services you deliver, so expect to show them your records.
What to agree upfront
Put these in writing before you start:
- Which services you'll deliver, and where
- Prices and the invoice format, and when you'll be paid
- Worker screening and training: your workers are aged care workers of the registered provider, so what evidence will they want?
- Incidents, risks and complaints: how and how quickly you'll tell them
- The Commission: the registered provider should make clear that you may need to engage with the Commission
- How the arrangement changes or ends
When to think about registering
Staying an associated provider is a good long-term choice for many organisations. You might consider registering if you want your own service agreements with older people, and to claim directly.
Registration has its own requirements, and they depend on the categories you register in. The Commission's registration pages explain them. Treat it as a separate decision, made once you know the work.
How Comm.care helps
Comm.care gives you your own account for invoices and quality records, so you can work for a registered provider without sharing a system. If you later register, the same account carries over.
This article is general information, not legal or compliance advice. Always confirm your obligations with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and your registered provider.