I’m with a SIL provider. What are my next steps?
Maybe your provider has told you they’re not registering for the 2026 rules. Maybe you’ve had a feeling for a while that the fit isn’t quite right. Either way, changing your SIL provider can feel like a big step when it involves your home and your day-to-day support. The good news is it’s a familiar process, and with the right planning you can make the move without losing support along the way. Here’s how to change your NDIS SIL provider, step by step.
Before we get into the how, one important reassurance about the why: you have choice and control under the NDIS, and that includes who supports you in your home. You’re free to explore other options at any time, and a good provider will respect that. With the right preparation, making a change is often much more straightforward than people expect.
First, check if your provider is registering
Before you do anything, find out where your current provider actually stands.
Ask them directly: “Are you registered with the NDIS Commission for SIL, or applying before 1 October 2026?” If they’re registered or applying, you may not need to move at all. If they’ve said they won’t register, that’s your signal to start thinking about next steps, calmly and with time on your side. You can also check provider registration through the NDIS Commission yourself.
It’s also worth taking a moment to think about your experience so far. The registration changes are one reason people look at switching, but not the only one. If support hasn’t felt consistent, communication hasn’t been clear, or the fit just doesn’t feel right, those are all valid reasons to explore other options. The reform simply makes this a natural time to reflect. Whatever the reason, the steps below stay the same.
The 6 steps to switch SIL providers (without a gap)
If you do need to move, here’s the full sequence. The order matters, because it’s what keeps your support continuous.
1. Review your service agreement
Start by checking your current service agreement for the notice period. This is often between 7 and 30 days, though SIL agreements can vary. Knowing this upfront helps you understand your timeline and plan the change properly.
2. Involve your support coordinator early
If you have a support coordinator, bring them in at the beginning. They can help review agreements, compare registered providers, and manage parts of the process so you’re not doing it alone. This is exactly the kind of situation they’re there to support. If you don’t have a coordinator, your new provider can usually help guide you through the steps.
3. Check the new provider is registered
Before committing, confirm your chosen provider is registered with the NDIS Commission for SIL. From 2026, this will be a requirement for all SIL providers, so it’s an important box to tick early.
4. Notify your current provider, and your LAC or NDIA planner
Give your current provider notice in writing, following your service agreement. For SIL, you’ll also need to let your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner know, not just the provider. This step is sometimes missed, so it’s worth making sure it’s done properly.
5. Coordinate timing so there’s no gap
This is the most important part of a smooth transition. Try to align your new provider’s start date with your current provider’s end date so there’s no break in support. In most cases, it works best to confirm the new start date first, then give notice so the timing lines up. If there’s a short overlap where both teams are involved, that can actually help make the handover smoother, as routines and preferences are shared directly.
6. Transfer documentation and funding details
Make sure your support information moves across to your new provider. Your funding stays the same, it simply follows you. Key documents like support plans, medication information, behaviour support plans and daily routines should be shared so your new team can step in with confidence. A good provider will actively request these as part of the transition.
A quick tip: Keep copies of your key documents during the move. If anything takes time to transfer between providers, having your own set means your new team can keep supporting you without delay.
Will my funding or plan change when I switch?
No. Switching providers doesn’t change your NDIS funding, your plan or your eligibility. You’re changing who delivers your support, not what you’re funded to receive. Your budget moves with you to the new provider. If the reason you’re switching is the 2026 rules, our funding explainer goes into more detail.
How long does it take?
It depends mostly on your notice period and how quickly your new provider can get everything set up. If your notice period is around 30 days and your new provider is ready to start, a few weeks is a realistic timeframe.
The key is to run steps in parallel where possible, rather than doing everything one after the other. For example, you can meet with a new provider and review their agreement while your current notice period is still running.
If the reason you’re moving is the 2026 registration changes, it can help to give yourself a little more time. Starting early means you can make decisions at your own pace and avoid any last-minute pressure as deadlines approach.
How What Ability makes switching easy
We manage transitions regularly, so we understand where things can get complicated and how to help make the process easier. As an NDIS registered provider supporting participants across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth, we can help coordinate timing with your current provider, support with paperwork, and make sure your support continues smoothly.
If you’d like help, call us on 1300 358 714 or reach out to our SIL team and we can talk it through with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose support during the switch?
No, as long as you overlap the new provider’s start date with your current provider’s end date. Plan the timing and there’s no gap.
Who do I have to tell?
Notify your current provider in writing, in line with your service agreement. For SIL, also tell your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner.
Can my support coordinator handle the switch?
Yes. A support coordinator can review your agreement, compare registered options and manage most of the transition for you.
- Tyrone Faulkner
