This is one of the most common questions we are hearing from participants and families right now.
And it is a fair one to ask. The July 2026 deadline is real, and if your current SIL provider is not registered with the NDIS Commission, it does have genuine consequences for your supports.
A-Okay Care is already a registered NDIS provider operating to the NDIS Practice Standards. We have put this guide together to help you understand what is happening, what it means for you personally, and what your next steps could be.
What Is the July 2026 Registration Deadline?
From 1 July 2026, every provider delivering Supported Independent Living supports in Australia must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
This is a significant shift. Up until now, SIL has been one of the few high-intensity NDIS supports that unregistered providers could deliver, provided participants were self-managing or plan-managing their funding.
That changes completely from July 2026. Now, according to the SIL provider registration 2026 changes, all SIL providers need to be officially registered. This means they must pass quality checks and follow strict safety rules. These updates ensure every person gets the safe, high-quality care they deserve.
Why Does Registration Matter for Participants?
Registration is not just paperwork. It is a real set of protections that make a practical difference to how you are supported.
When a SIL provider is registered with the NDIS Commission, they are required to:
- Meet the NDIS Practice Standards for Supported Independent Living, which cover quality of care, incident management, and how complaints are handled
- Pass an independent audit conducted by an approved quality auditor
- Ensure all support workers hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check before entering your home
- Be held accountable to the NDIS Commission if standards are not met
An unregistered SIL provider has not been through this process. That does not automatically mean they provide poor support. But it does mean there is less formal oversight protecting you.
What Actually Happens If Your Provider Is Not Registered by 1 July 2026?
If your current SIL provider is not registered by 1 July 2026, they will not be able to legally deliver your SIL supports or claim NDIS funding for them after that date.
Your funding does not disappear. Your NDIS plan, your SIL budget, and your eligibility remain exactly the same. What changes is who can access that funding to provide your supports.
The NDIS Commission has signalled a transition period to help avoid sudden disruptions for participants. But the transition period is not a free pass. Providers who have not commenced the registration process or who have no intention of registering will not be able to continue delivering SIL supports.If that describes your current provider, the most important thing you can do is start the conversation now
What Should You Do If Your Current Provider Is Not Registered?
First, take a breath. There are clear steps you can take, and none of them need to happen overnight.
- Check your provider’s current registration status using the NDIS Provider Finder or the NDIS Commission’s Provider Register
- Ask your provider directly: “Are you currently registered with the NDIS Commission, and if not, are you working toward it?” A provider committed to your safety will have a clear, honest answer
- Talk to your support coordinator. They can help you understand your provider’s timeline, explore registered alternatives in your area, and guide a transition if one becomes necessary
- If you do not have a support coordinator, contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for guidance
- Start exploring registered providers early. Having options gives you time to choose well, rather than being rushed into a decision
Switching providers can feel like a big step. But finding the right support is worth it.
How to Check If a SIL Provider Is Registered
Checking registration takes less than five minutes and gives you a clear, factual answer.
Option 1: NDIS Provider Finder
Go to ndis.gov.au and search for the NDIS Provider Finder. Enter your provider’s name or ABN to see their current registration status, the supports they are registered to deliver, and their registration expiry date.
Option 2: NDIS Commission Provider Register
Visit ndiscommission.gov.au/provider-registration/find-registered-provider. Search by provider name to confirm active registration or check for any suspended or revoked registrations.
Option 3: Ask directly
Every registered provider can supply their NDIS registration number and a copy of their registration certificate. If they cannot provide this immediately, that is worth noting.
Can You Switch SIL Providers Before the Deadline?
Yes. And doing it early is almost always better than waiting.
Your NDIS funding follows you, not your provider. If you decide to transition to a different registered NDIS SIL provider before July 2026, your SIL budget moves with you. Your plan does not need to be reviewed or reapproved for this to happen.
A few things to keep in mind when switching SIL providers:
- Check your current service agreement for any required notice period. Most SIL agreements include a 28-day notice period, though this varies
- Your support coordinator can manage the transition process and ensure there is no gap in your supports
- If you are in Southeast Melbourne, the Frankston area, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Berwick, or surrounding suburbs, there are registered providers already operating in your area
- Starting the conversation three to four months before the deadline gives you the best chance of a smooth, unhurried transition
How A-Okay Care Can Help
A-Okay Care is a registered NDIS provider delivering Supported Independent Living, Short Term Accommodation, Medium Term Accommodation, Specialist Disability Accommodation, and Individualised Living Options across Melbourne.
We are family-led, and we have built our service around the kind of support we would want for someone we love. That means open communication, consistency, and genuine care.
We support participants across Southeast Melbourne, including Hampton Park, Dandenong, Endeavour Hills, Noble Park, Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Lyndhurst, Narre Warren, Berwick, Pakenham, Frankston and Officer. We also support people in Melbourne’s west, including Melton, Melton South, Harkness, Bacchus Marsh, Werribee, Truganina, Tarneit and Wyndham Vale..
If you are currently with an unregistered SIL provider NDIS and are not sure what to do next about the July 2026 deadline, we are happy to have a no-pressure conversation with you.
Call us on 0428 302 553 or visit our contact page
→ View our services | → Start a referral
We are here to help you feel confident and supported and to help you make the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my SIL provider required to be registered by July 2026?
Yes. From 1 July 2026, every provider delivering Supported Independent Living supports in Australia must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This applies to all SIL providers, including those who have previously operated as unregistered providers under plan-managed or self-managed NDIS plans.
What is the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is the independent national body responsible for regulating NDIS providers, handling complaints, and monitoring compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. All registered NDIS providers in Australia are accountable to the Commission
Can I still receive SIL supports if my provider is not registered?
Not from 1 July 2026. After that date, an unregistered SIL provider will not be able to legally deliver SIL supports or claim NDIS funding for them. You will need to be with a registered NDIS provider to continue accessing your SIL supports. Your support coordinator can help you find and transition to one.
How much notice do I need to give to switch SIL providers?
This depends on the terms of your current service agreement. Most SIL service agreements include a 28-day notice period, though some may be shorter or longer. Check your agreement and speak to your support coordinator about the transition process.
What is the difference between a registered and unregistered NDIS provider?
A registered NDIS provider has been assessed by the NDIS Commission, meets the NDIS Practice Standards, has passed an independent audit, and ensures all staff hold current NDIS Worker Screening Checks. An unregistered provider has not gone through this process. From 1 July 2026, unregistered providers can no longer deliver SIL supports, regardless of how a participant manages their funding.
