If you or someone you support receives Supported Independent Living (SIL) through the NDIS, 2026 has brought important changes to how SIL services are delivered and regulated.

From 1 July 2026, new SIL claiming and registration requirements came into effect. Providers delivering SIL must be registered or progressing through the registration process, with existing unregistered providers required to apply by 1 October 2026 if they want to continue delivering SIL.

For participants and families, these changes may raise practical questions: Does my SIL funding change? Do I need to change providers? What should I ask my current provider? And what does the new registration requirement actually mean?

This guide explains the key 2026 NDIS SIL changes in straightforward terms and outlines some practical steps participants and families can take.

What Is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living, commonly known as SIL, is NDIS funding that helps people with disability receive support from workers in their home.

According to the NDIS, SIL can provide support or supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support workers may assist with everyday activities such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, shopping, developing routines and building independent living skills.

SIL is designed around the person’s support needs and goals. It does not pay for ordinary living expenses such as rent, groceries or other day-to-day costs.

If you are new to SIL, RVP Care Services also provides a detailed guide explaining what SIL includes.

What Changed for SIL in 2026?

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of mandatory registration for providers delivering SIL.

From 1 July 2026, providers delivering SIL and NDIS digital platform services have been required to be registered or, in the case of existing providers, to have applied for registration within the transition period. Existing unregistered SIL providers must apply by 1 October 2026 if they want to continue providing SIL.

The NDIS says the change is intended to strengthen quality and safety requirements for SIL services.

For participants, this means it is worthwhile understanding the registration status of the provider currently supporting you.

Does the New SIL Registration Requirement Change Your NDIS Plan?

For participants already receiving SIL, the registration changes do not automatically mean your NDIS funding or plan will change.

The NDIS states that participants using SIL do not need to make changes simply because of the new provider registration requirements. If a provider registers, participants can continue receiving support through that provider.

However, if your current provider does not register or does not meet the new requirements, you may need to consider another registered SIL provider.

This is why participants and families should start having conversations with their provider rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

What Should You Ask Your SIL Provider?

If you currently receive SIL, consider asking your provider a few straightforward questions.

1. Are you registered to provide SIL?

Ask whether the organisation is currently registered with the NDIS to deliver Supported Independent Living.

2. If you are not registered, have you applied?

Existing providers transitioning to the new system need to apply within the required timeframe if they intend to continue providing SIL after 1 October 2026.

3. Will my current supports continue?

Ask how the changes may affect your current support arrangements, routines and service agreement.

4. Will I need to do anything?

A good provider should be able to explain what, if anything, you need to do and help you understand your options.

5. Who can help me if I have questions?

Participants may have a support coordinator or another person who can help them understand their options and compare providers.

The NDIS also explains that support coordinators can help participants find providers where support coordination is included in their plan.

Has SIL Funding Changed?

The 2026 changes do not mean that every participant automatically receives more or less SIL funding.

SIL funding continues to be based on the person’s disability support needs and the supports required to help them live as independently as possible.

The NDIS has also introduced changes to the way SIL providers claim payments.

For supports delivered from 1 July 2026, the new SIL support item code is 0138, replacing the previous claiming arrangement for relevant SIL supports.

These are primarily provider and payment-system changes. Participants should still discuss their individual funding and support arrangements with their provider, support coordinator or NDIS contact.

For a broader explanation of SIL funding and home and living supports, see RVP Care Services’ guide to NDIS SIL funding and Home & Living supports.

What Do the Changes Mean for People Looking for SIL?

If you are considering SIL for the first time, the changes make it even more important to look beyond simply finding an available room.

When comparing SIL options, consider:

• Whether the provider is registered or progressing through the required registration process.
• Whether the support model matches your individual needs.
• How support workers assist with everyday activities.
• How your independence and personal goals are supported.
• How communication with families and nominees is managed.
• What the living environment is like.
• How the provider handles changes in support needs.
• Whether the service agreement clearly explains the supports being provided.

You can also read RVP’s participant-focused guide, What Happens During Your First Week in a SIL Home?, to understand some of the practical considerations when moving into a SIL environment.

SIL Is About More Than Having Support at Home

A good SIL arrangement should not simply be about having someone available to assist with daily tasks.

For many participants, the broader goal is to develop skills, confidence and greater independence while receiving the level of assistance they need.

Support may include developing everyday routines, preparing meals, managing household tasks, participating in the community and working towards personal goals.

RVP Care Services has also explored how NDIS support workers can help participants build independence in everyday life.

The right support should be personalised rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

What About the Broader NDIS Changes?

The SIL registration changes are part of a much wider period of NDIS reform.

New NDIS laws passed in August 2026 are expected to introduce changes over time to areas including how people access the scheme, how plans are created, how funding is used, how providers deliver supports and how NDIS prices are set.

The NDIS has stated that these reforms will be introduced gradually rather than all at once.

For participants, this means it is important to rely on current official information rather than older articles or social media posts that may no longer reflect the latest requirements.

The official NDIS changes and reforms information is a useful place to check for updates.

What Should Participants and Families Do Before 1 October?

If you currently receive SIL, there is no need to panic. A few practical steps can help you stay informed.

1. Talk to your current provider.

Ask about their registration status and whether they have applied if required.

2. Review your current support arrangements.

Make sure your existing supports continue to meet your needs and goals.

3. Speak with your support coordinator if you have one.

They may be able to help you understand your options and identify alternative providers if necessary.

4. Check official NDIS information.

NDIS requirements can change, so use current government information when making decisions.

5. Start early if you need to consider another provider.

If a provider cannot continue delivering SIL, finding and transitioning to another provider may take time. Starting the conversation early can give you more opportunity to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my SIL provider because of the 2026 changes?

Not necessarily. If your current provider is registered or successfully progressing through the required registration process, you may be able to continue receiving SIL from them. The NDIS says participants do not need to make changes simply because of the registration transition.

Does SIL pay my rent and groceries?

No. SIL funding is for support workers who assist participants with daily living and independence. It does not cover ordinary living expenses such as rent or groceries.

Can SIL support be provided to someone living alone?

SIL is generally designed around people with high support needs who require significant support in their home. The NDIS notes that other Home & Living options may be more suitable in some circumstances, depending on a person’s needs and circumstances.

Where can I learn more about SIL?

The NDIS provides current information about Supported Independent Living, including what SIL is, who it is for and how it works.

How RVP Care Services Can Help

Understanding NDIS changes can feel complicated, particularly when you are already managing support arrangements, daily routines and personal goals.

At RVP Care Services, our approach to Supported Independent Living focuses on providing personalised assistance while supporting participants to build independence, confidence and everyday living skills.

If you are exploring SIL or want to understand your options, you can learn more about Supported Independent Living with RVP Care Services.

If you are already receiving SIL, it can also be helpful to discuss your current arrangements with your provider and ask questions about how the 2026 changes may affect you.

Final Takeaway

The 2026 NDIS SIL changes are important, but participants do not need to navigate them alone.

The most important step is to stay informed. Check your provider’s registration status, understand your current supports, ask questions and use current NDIS information when making decisions.

As the broader NDIS reforms continue to be introduced, keeping communication open with your provider, support coordinator and relevant NDIS contacts can help you make informed choices about your support and living arrangements.