Mandatory Supported Independent Living Registration Starts 2026

The Australian Government has announced an important change to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that will affect Supported Independent Living (SIL). From 1 July 2026, all providers delivering Supported Independent Living must register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).

This change aims to improve safety, quality and consistency across Supported Independent Living services. It also makes it easier for people with disability and their families to choose a provider they can trust.

If you use Lifely’s Supported Independent Living services, your supports will not change because Lifely is, and always has been, a registered NDIS provider

Read the official announcement by the Australian Government.

Support worker helping a male Supported Independent Living resident shave his beard safely, showing trusted, registered Supported Independent Living supports ahead of mandatory NDIS registration in July 2026.

What is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) helps people with disability live as independently as possible, usually in a shared home.

Supported Independent Living provides daily support in a person’s home. This may include:

• Help with personal care, such as showering and dressing
• Support with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning and laundry
• Help to build daily living skills
• Supervision or support to stay safe at home

Supported Independent Living focuses on support, not housing. Providers do not own the home. This protects choice and control over where and how a person lives.

Learn more about Supported Independent Living by visiting the NDIS website.

What does mandatory Supported Independent Living registration mean?

Mandatory registration means every provider delivering Supported Independent Living must meet clear national quality and safety standards.

Registered Supported Independent Living providers must:

• Meet approved Supported Independent Living practice standards
• Complete independent audits
• Pass suitability and governance checks
• Follow incident reporting and complaints rules
• Ensure workers meet screening and training requirements

Providers who do not meet these standards will not be able to deliver Supported Independent Living under the NDIS.

Why is Supported Independent Living registration becoming mandatory?

The government considers Supported Independent Living a higher-risk support because it involves:

• Daily personal care
• Shared living environments
• Close and ongoing relationships between participants and workers

Mandatory registration aims to raise standards, improve safety and protect people living in Supported Independent Living.

The change responds to recommendations from:

• The NDIS Review
• The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission)
• The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce

Exterior of the Services Australia office, reflecting the Australian Government’s role in making Supported Independent Living registration compulsory to strengthen safety, quality and accountability under the NDIS.

New Supported Independent Living practice standards

The government will introduce new Supported Independent Living practice standards alongside mandatory registration.

These standards are expected to focus on:

• Safety and quality in shared homes
• Stronger training and supervision for workers
• Better audit and monitoring processes
• Clear expectations for daily supports

Some details are still being finalised. The NDIS Commission will provide more guidance in early 2026.

Reassurance for people living in Lifely Supported Independent Living

If you live in Lifely Supported Independent Living, your supports will continue without interruption.

Lifely is a registered NDIS provider and already meets quality and safeguard requirements.

This change does not affect your:

• Home
• Support workers
• Daily routines
• Support arrangements

We will communicate clearly and early. We will always put your choice, safety and wellbeing first.

What this means if you use an unregistered Supported Independent Living provider

If you receive Supported Independent Living from an unregistered provider, now is the time to ask questions.

Some unregistered providers may choose to leave the Supported Independent Living sector instead of registering. Others may not meet the required standards and may have to stop operating.

If you feel unsure about your provider’s plans, consider moving to a reputable, registered Supported Independent Living provider sooner rather than later. Planning early can help avoid disruption.

Questions to ask your Supported Independent Living provider

You may want to ask:

• Are you registered with the NDIS Commission?
• If not, do you plan to register before 1 July 2026?
• Are you preparing for the new Supported Independent Living practice standards?
• Will my supports change because of this announcement?
• What happens if you do not become registered?
• How will you keep me informed?
• Can you help me plan a safe transition if needed?

A quality Supported Independent Living provider should answer these questions clearly and openly.

Supported Independent Living with Lifely

Lifely delivers Supported Independent Living across:

• Regional Victoria
• Melbourne’s outer west
• Border communities in New South Wales and South Australia

We currently provide Supported Independent Living in:

• Bendigo
• Ballarat
• Mildura
• Kerang

We can also take on new Supported Independent Living participants in towns, cities and suburbs across our region, subject to individual needs, matching and housing options.

In many cases, we can:

• Provide Supported Independent Living in your existing home
• Work alongside housing providers and developers
• Help connect participants with suitable housing where available

We focus on long-term stability, careful matching and supports that help people feel safe, included and at home.

Learn more about Lifely’s Supported Independent Living services.

Refer yourself or a participant to Lifely’s Supported Independent Living services.

Two professionals meeting to discuss a Supported Independent Living transition, reflecting Lifely’s support for unregistered SIL providers planning to exit while protecting participants, staff and continuity of care.

Lifely’s approach to Supported Independent Living

Lifely is a registered NDIS provider with more than 40 years of experience supporting people with disability and their families.

We believe Supported Independent Living should:

• Feel safe and stable
• Respect choice and independence
• Support people to live a good everyday life

If you want to talk to Lifely about Supported Independent Living, contact our team today to ask questions, explore your options, and see how we can support you.

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