Are SIL Providers Required to Register in 2026? What You Need to Know

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From 1 July 2026, all Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers must begin the NDIS Commission registration transition. This change brings previously unregistered SIL providers (including those working with plan-managed or self-managed participants) into a mandatory registration, audit and compliance regime.

 

What’s Changing
SIL is being treated as a high‑risk support and will require mandatory registration under the NDIS Commission’s graduated, risk‑proportionate model. Registration will include certified audits, ongoing surveillance, worker screening, and full oversight by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
 

Required Practice Standards and Modules
Registered SIL providers must meet the Core Module plus any supplementary modules that apply. Common modules for SIL include:

  • Core Module: participant rights, governance and operational management, service agreements, safe support environments, incident and complaints management, workforce screening and training, information management, and medication/mealtime supports where relevant.
  • High Intensity Daily Personal Activities Module: assessment, person‑centred delivery of high‑intensity personal care, monitoring and review, incident/risk processes, and suitably trained and supervised staff.
  • Implementing Behaviour Support Plans Module: correct use of approved behaviour support plans, reduction of restrictive practices, trauma‑informed, rights‑based approaches, documentation and review, and worker competence in implementing plans.

 

 

SIL‑Specific Expectations
Additional requirements reflect shared living arrangements and group settings: compatibility and matching assessments, supporting participant choice and control, individualised supports within group homes, vacancy and occupancy management, and promoting independent living skills.

 

From Unregistered to Registered — What It Means
Under the current system, unregistered SIL providers operate without NDIS Commission oversight, Practice Standards or compulsory audits. From 1 July 2026, that changes: providers must demonstrate compliance, pass certification audits, and submit to ongoing surveillance. Worker screening will be mandatory for all staff. Your Steps, Roadmap & Timeline

 

Independent Audits — What To Expect
An approved auditor will conduct a certification audit covering policies, records, staff interviews and participant feedback. Ongoing surveillance audits follow certification. Audit costs and remediation are the provider’s responsibility. Your Steps, Roadmap & Timeline

 

 

Immediate Steps for Unregistered SIL Providers
Start now to meet the 1 July 2026 transition:
1. Update or develop policies and procedures covering Practice Standards (service agreements, incident and complaints handling, HR, WHS, privacy, record keeping).
2. Implement systems and train staff: incident reporting, internal audits, quality improvement and staff competency checks.
3. Engage an approved auditor early—bookings will fill quickly and audit lead times can be several weeks to months.
4. Submit your registration application and complete certification. Allow time for audit non‑conformances and Commission processing.

 

Practical Notes on Timing and Costs
Registration typically takes 6–12+ months. Major costs include the certification audit, policy and training development, and any remediation needed after audit findings. Your Steps, Roadmap & Timeline

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can unregistered providers keep operating while an application is in process? Transitional arrangements are yet to be finalised by the NDIS Commission. Providers should not assume indefinite operation without registration and should begin the process immediately.
  • How much does registration cost? Costs vary by organisation size and complexity; audits are usually the largest single expense. Get quotes from approved auditors.
  • What if you fail an audit? Auditors issue minor or major non‑conformances. Minor issues are typically resolved with documentation changes; major non‑conformances require more extensive remediation and possibly a follow‑up audit.

 

 

 

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