Many NDIS participants receiving Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding want to know whether they can continue working with independent support workers. The answer depends on how SIL supports are arranged and delivered.
From 1 July 2026, providers delivering SIL supports must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or be transitioning to registration under the relevant arrangements. This means SIL supports must be delivered through a compliant provider arrangement.
However, that does not necessarily mean participants must stop working with support workers they already know and trust.
What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS Home and Living support that helps people with disability who need significant support with daily tasks at home.
SIL funding helps pay for support workers who provide assistance with activities such as:
- Personal care
- Daily routines
- Household tasks
- Developing independent living skills
- Support at home
The NDIS assesses each participant individually to determine what supports are reasonable and necessary.
What Is an Independent Support Worker?
An independent support worker is generally a self-employed support worker who provides disability support services directly to participants rather than working as an employee of a disability support provider.
Independent support workers manage their own business activities and working arrangements.
Many participants choose independent support workers because they value:
- Choice and control
- Consistency
- Flexibility
- Long-term support relationships
Do SIL Support Workers Have to Be Employees of a Provider?
Not necessarily.
NDIS rules focus on how SIL supports are delivered and whether provider requirements are met.
Whether a support worker is self-employed or employed will depend on the support arrangement being used.
Participants should seek advice about their specific circumstances and support arrangements.
Can I Continue Working With Support Workers I Already Know?
Many participants are concerned about continuity of care.
They may have spent years building trusted relationships with support workers who understand their needs, communication style, routines and goals.
Whether existing support workers can continue supporting a participant depends on the support arrangement and how SIL supports are delivered.
Participants should discuss available options with their provider.
Why Are People Asking This Question Now?
Recent NDIS reforms introduced mandatory registration requirements for providers delivering SIL supports.
These changes have created understandable questions about:
- Existing support teams
- Independent support workers
- Provider registration requirements
- Continuity of support
Many participants want reassurance that regulatory changes do not automatically mean they must change the people who support them.
What Does the NDIS Focus On?
The NDIS focuses on ensuring supports are delivered safely and appropriately within the relevant regulatory framework.
When considering SIL arrangements, important considerations may include:
- Participant safety
- Quality of supports
- Compliance with provider requirements
- Participant choice and control
- Continuity of care
The most appropriate arrangement will depend on the participant's circumstances.
Can Participants Still Have Choice and Control?
Yes.
Choice and control remain important principles of the NDIS.
Participants should be involved in decisions about:
- Who supports them
- How supports are delivered
- Their goals and preferences
- Their Home and Living arrangements
The options available will vary depending on the support model and individual circumstances.
How Does Careseekers Support Participants Receiving SIL Funding?
Careseekers is a registered NDIS provider for Supported Independent Living (SIL).
This means participants can receive SIL supports through a provider that meets current NDIS registration requirements while continuing to work with independent, self-employed support workers.
Many participants value this approach because it allows them to:
- Choose the support workers who best fit their needs and preferences
- Maintain long-term support relationships
- Continue working with trusted support workers
- Exercise greater choice and control over their supports
- Receive supports through a registered SIL provider
As SIL registration requirements change across the disability sector, many participants are looking for ways to maintain continuity of care without requiring their support workers to become employees of a traditional provider.
What If I Am Unsure About My Current Arrangement?
If you are unsure how SIL registration requirements affect your support team, consider speaking with:
- Your SIL provider
- Your support coordinator
- Your NDIS planner
- The NDIA
They can help explain how the requirements apply to your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can independent support workers be involved in SIL supports?
In some arrangements, participants may continue working with independent support workers while receiving SIL supports through a compliant provider arrangement.
Do SIL support workers need to be employees?
Not necessarily. The appropriate arrangement depends on how SIL supports are delivered and whether provider requirements are met.
Can I keep my existing support workers?
Possibly. Many participants are able to explore options that support continuity of care and maintain existing support relationships.
Do the SIL registration changes mean I need new support workers?
Not automatically. The impact depends on your current arrangements and how supports are delivered.
What matters most under the new SIL requirements?
The key requirement is that SIL supports are delivered through arrangements that meet current NDIS registration requirements.
Can I choose who supports me?
Choice and control remain important NDIS principles, and participants should be involved in decisions about their supports wherever possible.
Read: What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: Supported Independent Living (SIL) Registration Changes Explained
Read: Am I Eligible for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: How Do I Apply for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.