Yes, NDIS participants can change their Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider. If your current provider is not meeting your needs, you may be able to move to a different provider that better supports your goals, preferences and living arrangements.
Before making any changes, it is important to understand how your SIL supports are funded, what agreements are in place, and how a transition may affect your support arrangements.
Can I Choose My SIL Provider?
The NDIS is based on the principles of choice and control.
This means participants generally have the right to choose the providers who deliver their NDIS-funded supports.
If you receive SIL funding, you may be able to choose a provider that best meets your needs, provided they can deliver the supports included in your NDIS plan.
The available options may depend on your living arrangements and how your supports are currently organised.
Why Do Participants Change SIL Providers?
Participants may consider changing SIL providers for a range of reasons.
Common examples include:
- Wanting more choice and control
- Concerns about service quality
- Communication issues
- Changes in support needs
- Staff turnover
- Changes to living arrangements
- Seeking a different support model
- Provider registration changes
Every participant's circumstances are different.
Can I Change Providers if I Live in Shared Accommodation?
Possibly.
Changing providers can sometimes be more complex when participants live in shared arrangements because support services may be connected to the home or the broader support model.
Before making any decisions, it is important to understand:
- How supports are delivered in the home
- Whether other participants are involved
- Existing service agreements
- Any impacts on living arrangements
Participants may wish to discuss their options with their provider, support coordinator, or the NDIA.
What Should I Check Before Changing Providers?
Before changing SIL providers, consider:
Your Service Agreement
Review any service agreements you have with your current provider.
This may help you understand:
- Notice periods
- Transition requirements
- Responsibilities during the change process
Your NDIS Plan
Check:
- Whether SIL funding is included in your plan
- The supports that have been approved
- Any relevant funding arrangements
Your Support Needs
Think about:
- What is working well
- What is not working well
- What you want from a new provider
- Any specific support requirements
How Do I Change SIL Providers?
The process will vary depending on your circumstances.
In general, participants may:
- Review their current arrangements.
- Discuss concerns with their existing provider if appropriate.
- Explore alternative providers.
- Confirm that the new provider can deliver the required supports.
- Arrange a transition plan.
- End existing service agreements in accordance with agreed terms.
The most appropriate process will depend on the participant's living arrangements and support needs.
Will Changing Providers Affect My SIL Funding?
Not automatically.
Changing providers does not usually change the SIL funding already approved in your NDIS plan.
However, the new provider must be able to deliver supports in line with your approved funding and support arrangements.
If your support needs have changed significantly, it may be appropriate to discuss your circumstances with the NDIA.
Can I Keep My Existing Support Workers?
This depends on the circumstances.
Many participants value continuity of care and want to continue working with support workers they know and trust.
Whether existing support workers can continue supporting you will depend on:
- Your support arrangements
- Employment or contracting arrangements
- Provider requirements
- The transition process
Participants should discuss these questions directly with the relevant providers.
What If My SIL Provider Is Not Registered?
Recent NDIS reforms have introduced registration requirements for SIL providers.
If your provider is not registered or has not met the relevant registration requirements, you may need to explore alternative arrangements to ensure supports continue without disruption.
If you are concerned about your provider's registration status, speak with them directly and seek advice about your available options.
What Happens During a Transition?
A well-planned transition can help reduce disruption.
Depending on the circumstances, a transition may involve:
- Sharing support information
- Updating service agreements
- Introducing new support workers
- Reviewing support routines
- Coordinating handover arrangements
The goal is to maintain continuity of support while moving to a new provider.
What If I Need Help Changing Providers?
If you need assistance, consider speaking with:
- Your support coordinator
- Your NDIS planner
- An advocate
- The NDIA
- Your current provider
They may be able to help you understand your options and plan a transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my SIL provider?
Yes. Participants generally have the right to choose the providers who deliver their NDIS-funded supports.
Will I lose my SIL funding if I change providers?
Changing providers does not usually affect SIL funding that has already been approved in your NDIS plan.
Do I need a new NDIS plan to change SIL providers?
Not necessarily. The need for a plan change depends on your individual circumstances and support arrangements.
Can I change SIL providers if I live in shared accommodation?
Possibly. Shared living arrangements can make provider changes more complex, so it is important to understand how supports are organised.
Can I keep my support workers when changing providers?
This depends on the support arrangements and the circumstances of the transition.
What should I do if my SIL provider is not registered?
Speak with your provider about their registration status and discuss alternative options if necessary.
Read: What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: How Is Supported Independent Living (SIL) Assessed?
Read: Supported Independent Living (SIL) Registration Changes Explained
Read: What Evidence Do I Need for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
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