No, your NDIS funding and your plan do not change because of the new SIL rules.
The reform changes who is allowed to deliver SIL, not what you’re funded for, your eligibility, or the supports in your plan.
What’s changing is a rule for providers. From 1 July 2026, any organisation delivering SIL has to be registered with the NDIS Commission. This is a requirement for providers, not a change to your funding or supports. Let’s break down what this means in practice so you can get a clear picture of what’s actually changing.
What’s actually changing (and what isn’t)
It helps to separate what’s changing from what isn’t. What changes:
- From 1 July 2026, SIL must be delivered by a registered provider under registration group 0138.
- Providers who aren’t registered yet must apply by 1 October 2026 to keep delivering SIL.
- Independent support workers need to work under a registered SIL provider rather than on their own.
What stays the same:
- Your funding amount.
- Your NDIS plan and goals.
- Your eligibility for SIL.
- The day-to-day support you receive, assuming your provider is registered or applying.
What happens if my provider isn’t registered?
If your provider doesn’t register and doesn’t apply by 1 October 2026, they won’t be able to continue delivering SIL after the cut-off. In that situation, you would move to a registered provider. Your support coordinator and the NDIA can help with this transition so your services continue smoothly. Your funding moves with you. It isn’t lost, reduced, or reassessed because of the change.
The key idea is “move”, not “lose”. Switching providers is a well-supported process, and it’s designed to happen as smoothly as possible in the background. From your perspective, supports continue. The provider may change, but your budget and day-to-day care stay the same.
We’ve set out the steps in our guide on changing your SIL provider.
Common misconceptions about the SIL reforms
“The NDIS is cutting SIL funding”
It isn’t. This reform doesn’t reduce anyone’s funding. It sets a registration requirement for providers. The two things have been muddled together, but they’re separate.
“I have to reapply for my plan”
You don’t. There’s no need to reapply, get reassessed, or change your plan because of the registration rules. Your plan continues as it is.
“I have to find a new provider straight away”
Only if your current provider won’t register. If they’re registered or applying by 1 October 2026, you don’t need to move at all. The safe move is simply to check where your provider stands.
“Unregistered means my supports stop on 1 July”
A provider who has applied by 1 October 2026 can continue delivering SIL while their application is being assessed. Supports only stop if a provider neither registers nor applies, and even then, participants transition to another registered provider. The system is designed to avoid sudden changes or interruptions to support.
How your SIL funding works (a quick refresher)
SIL funding sits in your NDIS plan as part of your home and living supports. It helps cover the support you need with everyday tasks at home, like personal care, cooking, cleaning and overnight support. It doesn’t cover rent or groceries, which come from your own income.
SIL funding can be NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed. One thing worth knowing: unregistered providers can only support plan-managed and self-managed participants, while registered providers can support all three. After the 2026 changes, all SIL providers will need to be registered, which means this limitation no longer applies. There’s more on this in our guide to registered vs unregistered providers.
The amount of SIL funding you receive is based on your assessed support needs, not on the reform. So if your needs haven’t changed, your funding shouldn’t either. If you do notice a change during a plan review, it’s part of a separate process based on your individual circumstances and support needs. It can be helpful to ask your planner or support coordinator to explain any changes so you have a clear understanding of your plan.
What you should do to protect your supports
There isn’t much you need to do, but these few simple steps can help give you peace of mind:
- Ask your provider whether they’re registered or applying before 1 October 2026.
- If they are, you’re set.
- If they’re not, talk to your support coordinator or contact us about your options early.
You can also read our full SIL changes explainer or learn more about Supported Independent Living.
Frequently asked questions
Does my NDIS plan change because of the reforms?
No. Your plan, your funding and your eligibility all stay the same. The reform only changes which providers are allowed to deliver SIL.
What if my provider doesn’t register?
They must apply by 1 October 2026 to keep delivering. If they don’t, you move to a registered provider with help from your support coordinator and the NDIS Commission, and your funding goes with you.
Can SIL funding still be plan- or self-managed?
Yes. SIL funding can be NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed. From 2026, SIL must be delivered by a registered provider regardless of how your funding is managed.
- Tyrone Faulkner
