NDIS SIL Changes 2026: New Rules Explained

The rules for Supported Independent Living (SIL) have changed. 

Since 1 July 2026, SIL providers have had new registration and claiming rules. There was also an important deadline on 1 October 2026. 

If you receive SIL, here's the main thing to know: 

Your SIL funding does not automatically change because of the new provider rules. 

The changes are mainly about who can provide SIL and how they get paid. 

What is Supported Independent Living? 

Supported Independent Living is NDIS funding for support workers who help you live in your home. SIL is generally for people who need a lot of support at home. 

It can help with daily tasks and building skills to live more independently. SIL does not pay for rent, groceries or other everyday living costs. 

Learn more in the NDIS guide to Supported Independent Living. 

What changed on 1 July 2026? 

From 1 July 2026, new claiming rules began for SIL. Providers must use a new support item for SIL delivered from this date: 

0138: Assistance with Supported Independent Living 

For SIL delivered before 1 July 2026, providers continue to use the old claim code, 0115. There are also new rules about SIL provider registration. 

Read the NDIS guidance on SIL claims and payment changes. 

What changed on 1 October 2026? 

SIL providers who were not registered but were already delivering SIL needed to apply for registration by 1 October 2026. Providers who applied on time can keep claiming while their application is assessed. 

An unregistered provider who did not apply by the deadline can only claim for SIL delivered up to 30 September 2026. 

From 1 October, plan managers must reject SIL invoices from providers who are neither registered nor have applied to register. 

You can read the NDIS rules for SIL provider registration and claims. 

Does my SIL funding change? 

No, not just because these rules changed. 

The NDIS says your plan and SIL funding will not automatically change because of the new registration rules. 

But if your SIL provider has not registered or applied, you may need to find a registered provider. The NDIS can help you understand your options. 

If you organise or employ your own support workers, the NDIS says this registration change does not mean you need to change those arrangements. 

Find out more in the NDIS information about SIL and provider registration. 

Why does this matter if I'm plan-managed? 

If you're plan-managed, your plan manager must check that SIL invoices meet the new rules. 

Two things matter: 

• Whether your SIL provider is registered or has applied. 
• When the support was delivered. 

Think of it as a new check before an invoice can be paid. Even if the support was delivered, the provider must meet the claiming rules. 

For example, a provider who applied on time may still be able to claim while waiting for approval. 

But a provider who missed the deadline may not be able to claim for SIL delivered from 1 October 2026. 

Read the NDIS SIL payment guidance. 

Has the SIL guidance changed too? 

Yes. The NDIS updated its SIL operational guideline on 1 October 2026. 

It now gives more information about: 

• What is not classed as SIL. 
• When one-to-one, 24-hour support may be considered. 
• The new provider registration rules. 

This can help you understand SIL decisions. 

Read the NDIS announcement about the updated SIL guideline. 

What should I do? 

If you receive SIL: 

1. Check your provider's registration. Ask if they are registered or applied before the deadline. 
2. Don't assume your funding has changed. Your SIL budget does not automatically change under these rules. 
3. Ask about rejected invoices. The reason may be linked to provider registration. 
4. Speak with your support coordinator or NDIS contact if you need to change providers. 
5. Talk to your plan manager if you have questions about SIL payments.