SIL Is Changing: What the New NDIS Rules Mean (2026)

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If you or a loved one uses Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports, you may have heard that some NDIS rules are changing from 1 July 2026. While there’s been a lot of discussion about what these changes mean, the good news is that for most participants, very little will change day to day, and in many cases the quality of support should improve.

Here’s the short version before we get into the detail: SIL providers must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and comply with the audited practice standards. Unregistered providers have until 1 October 2026 to submit their registration.

What’s changing on 1 July 2026?

Right now, SIL can be delivered by a registered provider or an unregistered one. That’s coming to an end.

From 1 July 2026, all providers delivering Supported Independent Living must be registered with the NDIS Commission under a new registration class called group 0138, Assistance with Supported Independent Living.

A few key dates and facts:

1 July 2026: SIL registration becomes mandatory. New registration group 0138 takes effect.
1 October 2026: providers who aren’t registered yet must have lodged an application by this date to keep delivering SIL while it’s processed.
Independent support workers can still work in SIL, but after 1 July 2026 they need to do so under a registered SIL provider rather than on their own.

Why is the NDIS introducing these rules?

SIL was designed for people who need support at home, sometimes around the clock and in shared housing, or in high risk environments. That’s exactly the setting where good oversight matters most.

The goal is to make sure participants receive safe, high-quality support wherever they live. A registered SIL provider has to pass an independent audit, screen its workers, and meet a new set of SIL-specific Practice Standards. Participants and families will also have access to a clear, independent complaints process if they ever need it. The focus is ultimately on participant safety, quality support and overall participant choice and control.

Many people who receive SIL rely on their support team every day. Because support plays such an important role in people’s everyday lives, these changes are designed to strengthen the quality and safety of SIL services. They also create a more consistent approach to how SIL is delivered across Australia.
There’s also a practical reason these changes are being introduced gradually. Registering providers, introducing the new Practice Standards and allowing time for applications all take time, which is why the changes are being phased in throughout 2026. If a provider submits their registration application by 1 October 2026, they can continue delivering SIL while their application is being assessed, helping ensure participants continue receiving uninterrupted support.

What the new rules mean for participants and families

Here’s the part most participants and families want to know: These new rules only affect who can deliver SIL, not your funding or your eligibility.

What if my provider isn’t registered?

If your provider decides not to register and doesn’t apply before 1 October 2026, they won’t be able to continue delivering SIL supports. If that happens, you’ll need to transition to a registered provider. You won’t be expected to navigate the process on your own. Your support coordinator, the NDIS and good providers will work with you to help make the transition as smooth as possible, with the aim of avoiding any disruption to your supports. If you’d like to understand the process in more detail, we’ve also put together a guide on how to change your SIL provider.

How registered providers like What Ability are preparing

As an NDIS registered provider, What Ability is already meeting the requirements involved in delivering SIL. Our audits, worker screening and standards are already part of how we run SIL across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth. If you’re with us, your supports carry on as normal.

If you’re not sure where your own provider stands, we’re happy to talk it through with no pressure. You can book a discovery call with our team here.

What you should do now

You don’t need to do much, but there are a few simple things you can do for peace of mind:

Ask your provider: “Are you registered with the NDIS Commission for SIL, or applying before 1 October 2026?” They should be able to let you know where they are in the process.
Check their registration: You can look up provider registration through the NDIS Commission if you’d like to confirm it yourself.
Reach out if you’re unsure: If you have questions about your provider’s registration or what these changes mean for you, speak with your support coordinator or get in touch with our team.

Change can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Learn more about Supported Independent Living and what it covers, or reach out to our team either via our website or call 1300 358 714 if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

When do the new 2026 SIL requirements start?
Registration becomes mandatory on 1 July 2026. Providers who aren’t registered by then must lodge an application by 1 October 2026 to keep delivering SIL while it’s assessed.

Do I have to change providers?
To continue receiving SIL supports, your provider must have NDIS registration. Unregistered providers currently providing SIL supports have until 1 October 2026 to apply.

What is registration group 0138?
It’s the new NDIS registration class, “Assistance with Supported Independent Living”, that covers SIL delivery from 1 July 2026. Providers register under this group to be allowed to deliver SIL.