If you live in supported independent living (SIL) accommodation, or if you are a family member or support coordinator working with someone who does, an important change took effect on 1 July 2026 that you need to know about.

From 1 July 2026, all providers delivering supported independent living supports are now required to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is a significant shift in how the sector is regulated — and it is designed to protect you.

What Is SIL?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding that pays for the support you need to live as independently as possible, usually in shared accommodation with other NDIS participants. SIL supports can include help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, personal care, and medication — provided by support workers in your home.

SIL is one of the largest and most important components of the NDIS, with tens of thousands of Australians relying on it every day.

What Changed on 1 July 2026?

Currently, some SIL providers may operate as unregistered providers. This means they are not subject to the same level of oversight, auditing, and quality standards as registered providers. From 1 July 2026, this is no longer permitted. Every organisation delivering SIL supports must be registered with the NDIS Commission, with existing providers required to apply by 1 October 2026.

The same requirement also applies to NDIS digital platform providers — the apps and websites that match participants with support workers.

This change was announced by the Minister for the NDIS in December 2025 as part of a broader push to improve quality and safety in the disability sector.

Why Was This Change Made?

The decision to require mandatory SIL registration reflects concerns raised by participants, families, and advocates about inconsistent quality and safety in supported accommodation. Registration with the NDIS Commission means a provider must:

• Meet the NDIS Practice Standards for the supports they deliver
• Undergo regular audits by an approved quality auditor
• Have complaint handling processes in place
• Meet worker screening requirements for all staff
• Comply with incident reporting obligations

The requirement now has strong legal backing. In April 2026, Parliament passed the NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Act, which makes it a criminal offence to deliver supports that require registration — including SIL — without being registered, carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. This gives the NDIS Commission real power to act against providers who ignore the rules.

In short, registration is your assurance that the provider supporting you at home has been independently assessed against national standards.

What Does This Mean for You as a Participant?

If your current SIL provider is already registered

Great news — nothing changes for you right now. Your supports will continue as normal. You can check whether your provider is registered by searching the NDIS provider register at ndis.gov.au.

If your current SIL provider is unregistered

The registration requirement is now in force. However, the NDIS Commission has put transitional arrangements in place: providers who were already delivering SIL before 1 July 2026 must lodge their registration application by 1 October 2026, and they can continue delivering your supports while their application is being assessed. New providers entering the market cannot deliver SIL until their registration is approved.

TIP: Ask your provider directly whether they are registered or have applied for registration. If they have done neither, it is time to start exploring your options.

What If My Provider Cannot Get Registered?

If your current SIL provider has not applied for registration by 1 October 2026, or is unable to achieve registration, you will need to transition to a registered provider. While this can feel daunting, your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator can help you find a registered provider that suits your needs, values, and living arrangements.

It is important to start planning early if you have any concerns about your provider’s registration status. Moving SIL arrangements takes time, and the sooner you begin exploring options, the smoother the transition will be.

Help at Hand Support Services Is a Registered NDIS Provider

Help at Hand Support Services is fully registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. We deliver a range of supports including personal care, community participation, and complex care. Our team upholds the highest standards of practice, and participant safety is at the heart of everything we do.

If you are concerned about the registration status of your current SIL provider and would like to discuss your options, we are here to help.