NDIS Mandatory Provider Registration Explained (2026 Changes)

Key information:

• Your NDIS plan and funding stay the same regardless of whether your current provider registers. You still retain choice and control.
• If you organise your own support workers yourself (choosing, hiring and rostering them), this change doesn't apply to you.
• Support coordinators aren't affected by this SIL registration requirement.
• Providers already registered who already deliver SIL don't need to reapply. Their existing registration is simply varied to add SIL.
• This change adds a new mandatory category. It doesn't change how registration already works for other supports.

Changes are coming for some NDIS service providers as part of ongoing reform. From 1 October registration will become mandatory for Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, and for digital platform providers connecting participants with workers. If you're using a SIL provider currently, they must either be registered or have applied to register by 1 October. If they don't become registered providers, you can't use their services anymore.

What's changing on 1 October?

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has recognised that SIL and NDIS digital platforms are "higher risk" areas. By mandating registration for SIL and digital platforms, the Commission is moving to ensure these providers have a more consistent level of regulatory oversight than they did before.

All NDIS providers have to follow the rules whether they're registered or not. Registered providers go through an official approval process, and are regularly audited to prove they are:

• Meeting NDIS Practice Standards for supports delivered
• Having complaint handling processes in place
• Complying with incident reporting obligations
• Meeting worker screening requirements

What this means if you or your family use SIL supports

You don't need to take any action right now. For participants, your plan and funding will not be affected by this change in regulatory requirements. If you are currently using a SIL provider, make sure you know:

• If they are already registered or have already applied.
• If they haven't registered, will they apply before the deadline?

If they choose not to or if they're not able to complete the registration process, you will need to move to a registered provider. Your support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you find a new, suitable provider.

Related:

• Core Supports Budget: NDIS Home and Living 101
• Living Alone for the First Time: A Transition Guide for NDIS Participants

What if you have self-directed SIL arrangements?

Self-directed arrangements are usually for situations where participants can't access SIL providers. If you're managing your loved one's NDIS plan and live in a place where SIL providers aren't available or suitable, you may have an arrangement with the NDIS to ensure your child gets the support they need.

You don't need to take any action if you're in this camp. Self-directed arrangements are not included in the current mandatory registration changes. If you are relying on self-directed SIL, you can continue as normal.

What does this mean if you use an NDIS digital platform?

How you use the platform won't change, but the platforms themselves will need to be registered by the 1 October deadline. From 1 January next year, they'll also need to have checks in place to make sure workers have a current NDIS Worker Screening Check, and show any banning orders listed workers may have.

Related: 5 Cybersecurity Tips for NDIS Participants to Stay Safe Online

What does this mean for providers?

There's mixed feedback from the industry on what this means for providers long-term. In the immediate future, it will mean that certain providers must register by the deadline. All SIL providers who were delivering SIL before July 1 must register by October 1 and follow new SIL-specific Practice Standards. Providers can continue delivering supports while the application is being assessed.

If you're already an NDIS registered provider for SIL, you don't have to redo your registration. It will simply be updated to include SIL.

What happens next?

In a broader sense, smaller providers have brought up concerns about what will happen if more mandatory registration is to come. For these providers, the cost of becoming a registered provider and continuing with audits may be unsustainable long-term.

At this stage, we don't know much about how wide the net will be cast for mandatory registration in future. This current change is the result of extensive consultation to create stronger safeguards, increased transparency and clear accountability for SIL and platform providers; ideally, extensive consultation would continue into future decision-making.

Related: What the ACCC's 2026 NDIS Report Means for Plan Managed Participants

NDSP keeps you informed about NDIS changes

As a plan management provider, we're not impacted by this change - we're already registered. However, we know that many of our clients and their families are keen to know what's happening and why. While the full picture of NDIS change is still developing, NDSP remains committed to providing the information we have in ways everyone can understand. For more information about all things NDIS, try our free online participant toolbox or our NDIS blog.

If you have questions about your plan, or are looking to switch plan management providers, why not reach out to our friendly team today - we'd love to hear from you!