If you're arranging support in Perth, you'll quickly find there are three main ways to do it: work directly with an independent support worker, book one through an online platform like Mable, Hireup or Support Network, or go through an agency. None is "best" for everyone — the right choice depends on what matters most to you. Here's an honest comparison.
The three options, briefly
An independent support worker
A single, self-employed person you arrange support with directly. You deal with the same familiar person, agree the details between you, and there's no organisation or platform in the middle.
An online platform (like Mable, Hireup or Support Network)
Platforms such as Mable, Hireup and Support Network are websites that let you browse independent workers, message them, and book and pay online, with insurance and payments handled through the platform. The workers are independent; the platform provides the marketplace and admin, and charges a service fee for it. Importantly, you choose, vet and manage the worker yourself — the platform is the go-between, not the person who actually supports you.
An agency or provider
An organisation that employs support workers and assigns whoever is available for each shift. The agency handles rostering, cover and admin.
How they compare on what matters
Consistency
Seeing the same person builds trust and means you don't re-explain your routine each visit. An independent worker is the same person every time. On a platform you choose your worker, but if they're unavailable you're back to browsing. Agencies often rotate staff.
Cost
An independent arrangement has no agency margin and no platform fee, so it's often the most cost-effective. Platforms add a service fee (around 8% at the time of writing — check current terms) on top of the worker's rate. Agencies usually cost the most per hour. (More detail in our guide to support worker costs.)
Choice and convenience
This is where platforms shine: lots of profiles to browse, reviews, and everything handled online. If you like self-serving and comparing options, that's a real strength. Working with an independent worker is less "browse-and-click" and more a personal conversation.
Admin, insurance and payments
Platforms and agencies build in insurance, payments and paperwork. With an independent worker you'll want to confirm they carry their own insurance and have the right checks — a reasonable thing to ask, and easily done.
Relationship
Many people simply want a reliable, familiar person who genuinely knows them. That's the natural strength of an independent worker — and harder to replicate through a marketplace or a rotating agency roster.
So which is right for you?
A platform like Mable, Hireup or Support Network suits people who want to browse lots of options online, manage everything themselves, and don't mind switching workers. An agency suits those needing many hours, complex support, or round-the-clock cover one person can't provide. An independent support worker suits people who value consistency, a genuine relationship and value for money — the same trusted person, without the fees in between.
Plenty of families also mix and match. And if you're an NDIS participant who is self- or plan-managed, you're free to choose an independent worker directly — you're not limited to agencies or any one platform.
This is a general, good-faith comparison to help you decide, not a criticism of any provider — platforms and agencies genuinely suit many people. Always check current fees, terms and insurance for whichever option you consider.
Key takeaways
- Independent, platform (like Mable) and agency are the three main ways to arrange support.
- Independent workers offer the most consistency and usually the best value (no fees or margins).
- Platforms like Mable offer choice and convenience, with a service fee on top of the worker's rate.
- Self- and plan-managed NDIS participants can choose an independent worker directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an independent support worker better than Mable?
Neither is universally better — it depends on your priorities. A platform like Mable is great if you want to browse and manage everything online. An independent worker is usually better for consistency, a genuine relationship, and value, since there's no platform fee on top of the rate.
Does Mable charge a fee?
Yes. On Mable the worker sets their own rate, and the platform adds a service fee for the person receiving support (around 8% at the time of writing — check Mable's current terms). With a directly-arranged independent worker there's no platform fee.
Can I find an independent support worker without using a platform?
Absolutely. You can arrange support directly with an independent worker in Perth — just confirm their experience, insurance and relevant checks. Feel free to get in touch for a no-pressure chat.
Is there an alternative to platforms like Mable, Hireup or Support Network?
Yes — the simplest alternative is to work with an independent support worker directly, with no platform in between and no service fee on top of the rate. If you'd rather deal with one familiar, local person than browse and manage a marketplace of strangers, a directly-arranged independent worker is exactly that alternative. You still get an experienced, independent worker — just without the sign-up, the fees or the rotating faces.
Which option is cheapest?
Usually an independent worker, because there's no agency margin and no platform service fee — more of what you pay goes to the actual support. Costs still depend on the type of support and when it's needed.
Related articles
Explore the support: Private & Independent Support — or find support in your part of Perth.
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