For a long time, some Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers – particularly those working only with plan-managed or self-managed participants – could operate without holding full NDIS registration. That gap is now closed. As part of the NDIS Commission's registration reforms, SIL providers and NDIS digital platform providers are now required to register and meet a dedicated set of Practice Standards.
If you're a participant, family member, or Support Coordinator choosing a SIL provider, this guide explains what changed on 1 July 2026, what the new Practice Standards actually require, and how to check a provider's registration status.
What Changed on 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, all SIL providers and NDIS digital platform providers must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Key details:
- New registration groups: SIL providers register under group 0138 (Assistance with Supported Independent Living); digital platform providers register under group 0137.
- Grace period for applications: Providers who lodge a registration application by 1 October 2026 can continue operating while their application is assessed. Providers who haven't applied by then must stop delivering SIL.
- It's now an offence to deliver unregistered: Delivering SIL without registration on or after 1 July 2026 is an offence under the NDIS Act.
- Support coordination is unaffected: Mandatory registration for support coordination services remains paused and is not part of this change.
What the SIL Practice Standards Require
Registration isn't just a formality – it means a provider has been independently assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards, including a new SIL-specific supplementary module. In practice, that covers:
1 Independent Audits
Registered SIL providers are subject to independent audits against the NDIS Practice Standards, verifying that safeguards are actually in place – not just documented.
2 Worker Screening
Everyone delivering SIL supports must meet NDIS worker screening requirements, giving participants and families confidence in who is supporting them at home.
3 Suitability Assessments
Providers must demonstrate they're suitable to deliver SIL safely, including governance, risk management, and how they respond when something goes wrong.
4 Incident & Complaints Reporting
Registered providers must report reportable incidents and complaints to the NDIS Commission, creating a formal accountability trail that unregistered arrangements didn't have.
Key Dates
- 1 Jul 2026 Mandatory registration for SIL and NDIS digital platform providers takes effect. Delivering SIL unregistered from this date is an offence.
- 1 Oct 2026 Deadline for providers to have lodged a registration application in order to keep operating while it's assessed. Providers who haven't applied by this date must stop delivering SIL.
What This Means If You're Choosing a SIL Provider
Registration doesn't replace the personal fit that matters in a shared living arrangement – location, compatibility with housemates, and the provider's approach to support still matter enormously. But it does now give you a baseline assurance of screening, auditing, and accountability that wasn't previously guaranteed for every SIL arrangement.
Where INREACH Stands
- INREACH Supports is a registered NDIS provider (Provider Number 4050014375)
- We deliver SIL, high intensity daily personal activities, community access across Ipswich, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast
- We support the intent of these reforms – independent auditing, worker screening, and formal incident reporting raise the standard of care across the sector
Why This Reform Matters
For participants and families, mandatory registration means:
- Every worker delivering your SIL supports has met NDIS screening requirements
- Your provider has been independently audited against the NDIS Practice Standards
- Incidents and complaints have a formal reporting pathway to the NDIS Commission
- A more consistent standard of safety and quality across SIL arrangements nationally
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this affect all SIL providers, or only certain arrangements?
It applies broadly across SIL providers, including those who previously relied on delivering only to plan-managed or self-managed participants to avoid registration. From 1 July 2026, that exemption no longer applies to SIL.
What happens if my current SIL provider isn't registered yet?
Providers who lodge a registration application by 1 October 2026 can continue delivering SIL while it's assessed. If a provider hasn't applied by that date, it's worth asking them directly about their registration status and timeline.
Does mandatory registration also apply to Support Coordinators?
No. Mandatory registration for support coordination services remains paused and wasn't part of this 1 July 2026 change – this reform is specific to SIL and NDIS digital platform providers.
How can I check if a SIL provider is registered?
You can ask the provider directly for their registration details, or check the NDIS Commission's public provider information. Your Support Coordinator can also help verify a provider's registration status as part of choosing supports.
Questions about our registration or SIL services?
Our team can talk you through our SIL services, current vacancies, and how these NDIS reforms affect your choice of provider.