For independent workers
Cleaners, carers, gardeners, drivers, plumbers, electricians. You do the real work. Here's how to spend less time on paperwork and get paid the first time.
Getting approved by a provider
When an older person self-manages their care, they can choose you even if you don't work for their provider. The provider still has to approve the arrangement and make sure the rules are met, so they'll ask you for a few things before they pay you. Have these ready and it goes quickly.
Each provider has its own forms. If they send you one, use it. If they say something is required, it's fair to ask whether that's a government rule or their own policy.
- Your ABN
- Active, and in your name or your business name.
- Screening
- A police certificate no older than three years, or an NDIS Worker Screening clearance.
- Insurance
- Usually public liability. Some providers ask for a new certificate every year.
- What you'll do and for how much
- The services, the days, roughly how long, and your hourly rate, agreed with the client.
- Bank details
- So they can pay you. Often on a supplier form of their own.
The journey of an invoice
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Do the work
The visit, as agreed with the client and approved by the provider.
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Write the invoice
One line per visit, the official service type, your ABN and bank details.
Where it gets stuck: Vague wording, travel on its own line, maths that doesn't add up
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Send it to the provider
To the address they gave you, weekly is best. Keep a copy and the date.
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The provider checks it
Against your registration, the care plan and the agreed hours.
Where it gets stuck: Not registered yet, insurance expired, more time than agreed
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You're paid
Usually by bank transfer, when it's all set up correctly.
Where it gets stuck: The client's budget has run out for the quarter
Use free AI to run your worker business
Turn your week into an invoice, check it before you send it, and chase late payments politely, using free tools like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude. Our free kit has the prompts, templates and privacy tips.
Tools that save you time
- Invoice checker Fill in your invoice and it checks the ABN, the maths and the wording providers reject. Then print a clean copy. For workers. Free, and nothing you type leaves your device.
- Claims tracker What's been sent, approved, rejected or paid, how many days it's been, and a polite follow-up email ready to go. For everyone. Free, and nothing you type leaves your device.
About your rate
Your hourly rate has to cover your insurance, your car, your phone, your tax and the days you don't work. That's fine, and it's normal. What matters to the client is that the rate is agreed in writing before you start, and that the provider has approved it.
Build travel to and from the client into your rate. Many providers won't pay it as a separate line. Driving the client somewhere is different and can be billed as transport.
The CarePlan app
Colin built the CarePlan app to turn a regular weekly schedule into tidy weekly invoices for the workers he organises care with. It isn't open for sign-ups. If you work with one of Colin's clients, he can set yours up.
Guides for workers
- Invoices that get paid the first time For cleaners, gardeners, support workers and tradies invoicing a Support at Home provider. What to put on the invoice, and the small things that get it sent back.
- How to get approved as an independent worker with a Support at Home provider For cleaners, gardeners, support workers and tradies. What a provider will ask for before it pays you, how to register, and how to avoid platform fees.
- When an invoice is rejected or a payment is late A calm, step-by-step way to get a stuck invoice or claim moving, and where to go if the provider won't fix it.
- How to spot a scam before it costs you A fake sale nearly cost me about US$1,100. What gave it away, the signs to look for, and exactly what to do if you've been caught.
- Use free AI to run your worker business A free kit for independent cleaners, gardeners and support workers. Copy and paste prompts that turn your week into invoices, chase late payments politely and keep your records straight.