NDIS SIL Changes in 2025: What Participants Need to Know

Understanding Your Rights Under the 2025 Changes

The 2025 changes strengthen participant protections and clarify your rights. Nurse Aid Australia believes informed participants can advocate effectively for themselves.

Your Fundamental NDIS Rights

You Have the Right To:

1. Choice and Control

• Choose your registered SIL provider from available options in your area
• Request a different provider if you’re unhappy with current services
• Participate actively in decisions about your support
• Influence your roster of care and support schedule
• Access your NDIS plan and budget information anytime
• Understand how your funding being spent

2. Quality and Safety

• Receive services that meet NDIS Practice Standards
• Work with providers who employ qualified, trained staff
• Be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy
• Live in a safe, clean, well-maintained environment
• Have your privacy respected
• Be free from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation

3. Information and Communication

• Receive clear information about your plan, budget, and services
• Understand what you’re being charged and why
• Access your NDIS portal and documentation
• Receive information in formats you can understand
• Ask questions and receive timely, honest answers
• Access interpreters or communication support as needed

4. Support During Transitions

• Receive continuity of support if your provider changes
• Access Short Term Accommodation if needed during transitions
• Get help from the NDIS finding alternative providers
• Have reasonable time to adjust to changes
• Receive transition planning and coordination support

5. Complaint and Feedback Mechanisms

• Raise concerns with your provider without fear of retaliation
• Make formal complaints to the NDIS Commission
• Access independent advocacy support
• Have complaints taken seriously and addressed promptly
• Receive information about complaint processes

Provider Obligations Under 2025 Rules

Your registered SIL provider must:

Registration and Compliance:

• Maintain current NDIS Commission registration
• Meet NDIS Practice Standards across all requirements
• Submit to regular audits and compliance checks
• Report serious incidents as required by law
• Maintain appropriate insurance and safeguards
• Employ staff with proper qualifications and screening

Service Delivery:

• Deliver services as described in your service agreement
• Follow your support plan and preferences
• Bill accurately using correct support item numbers
• Provide services at or below NDIS price limits
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-participant ratios
• Ensure staff receive ongoing training and supervision

Transparency and Communication:

• Provide clear, itemized invoices
• Explain charges and support item codes when asked
• Respond to inquiries within reasonable timeframes
• Keep you informed about changes affecting your services
• Communicate openly about any challenges or issues
• Provide regular service reviews and progress updates

Respect and Rights:

• Treat you with dignity and respect at all times
• Honor your choices and preferences
• Protect your privacy and confidentiality
• Support your independence and skill development
• Respect your culture, religion, and identity
• Enable you to maintain family and community connections

Nurse Aid Australia encourages all participants to know their rights and exercise them confidently. We welcome questions and feedback, and we never retaliate against participants who raise concerns. Your voice matters, and we’re committed to addressing issues transparently and promptly.

Introduction

If you’re living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or planning to move into SIL accommodation, you’ve likely heard about significant changes taking effect in 2025. At Nurse Aid Australia, we understand that navigating NDIS updates can feel overwhelming, especially when they directly impact your daily life and support arrangements.

The year 2025 brings several important changes to NDIS SIL that will affect how you receive funding, which providers you can work with, and how you manage your therapy supports. These changes aim to improve safety, quality, and sustainability in the disability support sector, but they also require you to take specific actions to ensure your support continues smoothly.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every change in plain English, explains exactly what you need to do, and provides actionable steps to help you prepare. Whether you currently live in SIL or you’re considering this option, Nurse Aid Australia has prepared this resource to empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate 2025 with confidence.

Quick Summary: Key Changes at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, here’s what you need to know right now:

📅 Critical Dates to Remember

May 19, 2025:

• New plans now release funding quarterly instead of yearly
• Home & Living supports receive monthly funding releases

July 1, 2025:

• All SIL providers must hold NDIS Commission registration
• Unregistered providers can no longer deliver SIL services legally
• 3.95% price increase takes effect for disability support worker services
• Therapy supports must come from Capacity Building budget only

October 1, 2025:

• Old support item numbers no longer work
• The NDIS will reject claims using outdated codes

💰 What Changes for Your Budget

• You’ll receive your funding in quarterly installments (every three months)
• Your Home & Living supports arrive monthly for better cash flow
• You gain more control over budgeting with smaller, frequent releases
• Unused funds automatically roll over within your plan year

✅ Actions You Must Take

1. Verify your provider holds current NDIS registration – Check the Commission website today
2. Review your plan – Confirm you’re using updated support item numbers
3. Check your Capacity Building budget – Ensure it covers all your therapy needs
4. Schedule a meeting with your support coordinator – Discuss how these changes affect your specific situation

Understanding Mandatory Provider Registration: Your New Safety Net

The most significant change arriving July 1, 2025, impacts who can provide your SIL supports. From this date forward, the NDIS requires all SIL providers to hold registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

What This Change Means in Practice

Before July 1, 2025: Both registered and unregistered providers could deliver SIL services under the NDIS. Participants using plan-managed or self-managed funding could work with any provider they chose, regardless of registration status.

After July 1, 2025: Only providers with active NDIS Commission registration can legally deliver SIL support. The NDIS will not pay claims from unregistered providers. This requirement applies to all participants, regardless of how they manage their funding.

Why Nurse Aid Australia Supports This Change

At Nurse Aid Australia, we’ve always maintained full NDIS registration because we believe it protects you. Here’s why this requirement benefits SIL participants:

• Enhanced Safety and Quality
• Regular Accountability
• Clear Complaint Pathways
• Better Staff Training

What You Need to Do Right Now

Step 1: Check Your Provider’s Registration Status

Visit the NDIS Commission website at www.ndiscommission.gov.au and search the provider register. You’ll need your provider’s business name or ABN (Australian Business Number). Look for:

• Active registration status (not expired or suspended)
• Registration expiry date
• Registration number you can verify

You can also ask your provider directly: “Can you provide me with your NDIS registration number and expiry date?” Legitimate providers will answer this question immediately and provide documentation.

Step 2: If Your Provider Isn’t Registered

Contact your support coordinator within 24 hours. Unregistered providers cannot continue delivering SIL services after July 1, 2025, so you need to plan your transition immediately.

Your options include:

• Waiting for registration: Some providers are completing registration now. Ask for their timeline and written confirmation of their application status.
• Finding a new provider: Your support coordinator can help you identify registered alternatives like Nurse Aid Australia that serve your area.
• Temporary accommodation: If necessary, access Short Term Accommodation (STA) while you arrange your long-term SIL placement with a registered provider.

Step 3: What to Ask Your Current Provider

Schedule a conversation with your provider and ask these essential questions:

1. Are you currently registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?
2. What’s your NDIS registration number?
3. When does your registration expire?
4. If you’re not registered, what’s your plan to achieve registration before July 1, 2025?
5. How will you demonstrate compliance with NDIS Practice Standards?

Take notes during this conversation and follow up in writing. If your provider seems evasive or uncertain about their registration status, this raises serious concerns about their professionalism and commitment to quality.

The New Quarterly Funding Model: Better Budget Control

Starting May 19, 2025, the NDIS changed how it releases funding to participants with new or reassessed plans. Instead of providing your entire annual budget at once, the NDIS now releases funding quarterly (every three months).

How the New System Works

Your Total Plan Budget Stays the Same

This is crucial to understand: quarterly funding doesn’t reduce your overall plan amount. If the NDIS approved $120,000 for your annual plan, you still receive $120,000—just in four $30,000 installments rather than one lump sum.

Funding Release Schedule

• Core Supports and Capacity Building: Released quarterly (every 3 months)
• Home & Living Supports: Released monthly for better cash flow
• Capital Supports: May follow different schedules for large purchases

Your My NDIS portal shows your release schedule clearly. You can track when funding arrives and how much remains in each category.

Why the NDIS Made This Change

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) implemented quarterly funding to address several challenges participants faced:

• Reduced Budget Pressure
• Better Financial Management
• More Responsive to Change
• Reduced Provider Risk

What This Means for Your Daily Life in SIL

Your Day-to-Day Support Doesn’t Change

Nurse Aid Australia wants to reassure you: quarterly funding doesn’t interrupt your daily support. Your support workers will continue providing the same assistance with personal care, meals, community access, and overnight support. You won’t experience gaps in service between funding releases.

Your Provider Manages Cash Flow

Registered providers like Nurse Aid Australia understand the quarterly funding system and plan accordingly. We ensure staff are paid, rosters are filled, and support continues seamlessly regardless of when funding arrives. You don’t need to worry about provider cash flow issues.

You’ll Have More Budget Conversations

Expect more frequent check-ins with your support coordinator about budget tracking. Instead of annual reviews, you might discuss spending patterns quarterly. These conversations help you:

• Identify if you’re underspending or overspending
• Adjust support levels if needs change
• Plan for upcoming expenses in the next quarter
• Ensure you’re maximizing your plan’s value

Why This Matters for SIL Participants

Many people living in SIL receive regular therapy services as part of their support package. For example:

Common Therapy Needs in SIL:

• Occupational Therapy: Helps you develop daily living skills, use assistive technology, and adapt your environment
• Physiotherapy: Maintains mobility, prevents secondary complications, manages pain
• Speech Pathology: Supports communication, swallowing safety, and assistive communication devices
• Psychology: Addresses mental health, behavior support, and emotional wellbeing

If you receive any of these therapies, you must ensure your Capacity Building budget contains adequate funding.

What You Need to Do Now

Step 1: List Your Current Therapies

Create a comprehensive list of all therapy services you currently receive or plan to receive:

Example:

• Occupational Therapy: Weekly sessions, $193.99 per hour, approximately 50 sessions per year
• Physiotherapy: Fortnightly sessions, $193.99 per hour, approximately 26 sessions per year
• Psychology: Monthly sessions, $214.41 per hour, approximately 12 sessions per year

Round up to allow for occasional extra sessions or rate increases.

Step 3: Check Your Current Plan

Log into your My NDIS portal and review your plan budget:

1. Navigate to your current plan
2. Find “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living”
3. Note the total funding allocated to this category
4. Compare this amount to your calculated therapy costs

Step 4: Identify Gaps and Take Action

If your Capacity Building budget is less than your therapy costs, you have a funding shortfall that you must address before your therapy claims are rejected.

If You Need More Capacity Building Funding:

Request an Early Plan Review: Contact your NDIS planner or LAC and explain that your current Capacity Building budget is insufficient for your therapy needs under the new rules effective July 1, 2025.

Provide Supporting Documentation:

• Current therapy schedule and frequency
• Reports from your therapists explaining why ongoing therapy is reasonable and necessary
• Quotes or invoices showing therapy costs
• Evidence of how therapy supports your goals

Request Budget Reallocation:

If your overall plan amount is adequate but funding is allocated incorrectly, request the NDIS move funding from other categories into Capacity Building.

Explain the July 1 Rule Change:

Make clear that you could previously claim some therapy from Core but this is no longer permitted after July 1, 2025.

Working with Nurse Aid Australia

At Nurse Aid Australia, our support coordination team helps you navigate these therapy funding changes. We can:

Review Your Current Situation:

• Analyze your therapy needs and costs
• Check your current plan budget allocation
• Identify funding gaps before they cause problems

Coordinate with Your Therapists:

• Communicate with your OT, physio, and other therapists
• Ensure everyone understands the new funding rules
• Develop coordinated support plans that maximize your funding

Advocate for Plan Reviews:

• Prepare compelling documentation for plan reviews
• Attend plan meetings with you
• Advocate for adequate Capacity Building funding
• Explain to planners why your therapy needs are reasonable and necessary

Monitor Your Budget:

• Track your Capacity Building spending throughout the year
• Alert you if you’re approaching your budget limit
• Plan timing of therapy sessions to maximize available funding
• Coordinate with quarterly funding releases

Contact Nurse Aid Australia’s support coordination team if you’re concerned about therapy funding or need help requesting a plan review.

What Different Living Situations Need to Know

The 2025 changes affect participants differently depending on their current circumstances. Nurse Aid Australia has prepared specific guidance for various situations.

If You Currently Live in SIL

Your Situation: You’re already settled in SIL accommodation with established routines, familiar support workers, and existing provider relationships.

Your Priorities:

1. Ensure continuity – Verify your provider’s registration so your support doesn’t get interrupted
2. Maintain quality – Monitor that the changes don’t negatively impact your service quality
3. Optimize your budget – Adapt to quarterly funding for better financial management

What Should Stay the Same:

• Your daily routine and schedule
• Your support workers (if your provider remains registered)
• Your accommodation and housemates
• The type and frequency of support you receive
• Your rights to choice and control
• Your ability to pursue your NDIS goals

What Might Change:

• Administrative processes (invoicing, reporting)
• How often you discuss budget with your support coordinator
• Slightly different paperwork or documentation requirements
• More formal quality monitoring from your provider
• Better transparency about pricing and charges

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Provider mentions they might not continue operating
• Sudden decrease in service quality after July 1, 2025
• Staff turnover increases dramatically
• Provider can’t confirm their registration status
• Claims start being rejected without explanation
• Provider asks you to pay extra fees not in your service agreement

If you notice these warning signs, contact Nurse Aid Australia immediately. We can help you transition to reliable, registered SIL support if needed.

Success Strategy: Stay proactive but don’t panic. Most quality providers have adapted to these changes smoothly. Focus on maintaining open communication with your provider and support coordinator. Regular check-ins help catch small issues before they become major problems.

If You’re Planning to Move Into SIL

Your Situation: You’ve decided that SIL is the right option for your needs, and you’re in the planning or application phase.

Your Advantages:

• You’re entering the system with all 2025 changes already in effect
• You’ll start with quarterly funding from day one (easier to manage from the beginning)
• All available providers are registered (safer options, no unregistered providers to accidentally choose)
• Pricing is current and includes recent increases
• Clear support item numbers eliminate confusion

Your SIL Application Checklist:

1. During Your NDIS Plan Meeting:

•  Clearly explain why you need SIL support
•  Describe your current living situation and its challenges
•  Explain what daily tasks you need assistance with
•  Discuss your support needs overnight
•  Provide evidence from doctors, therapists, or current support workers
•  Explain how SIL supports your NDIS goals
•  Request adequate funding at 2025 rates
•  Ensure your Capacity Building budget covers all therapy needs

2. When Choosing a Provider:

• Only consider registered providers (verify registration for each provider you research)
• Request information about their experience with SIL
•  Ask about their approach to person-centered support
•  Tour available accommodations in person
•  Meet potential housemates if living in shared arrangement
•  Discuss your preferences, routines, and requirements
•  Ask about staff qualifications and training
•  Request references from current SIL participants (with their permission)
• Review their service agreement carefully before signing
• Confirm pricing matches NDIS price limits

3. Financial Planning for SIL:

Starting in SIL requires understanding your budget from day one:

• Understand your quarterly funding release schedule
• Know your monthly Home & Living support allocation
• Calculate your weekly support costs
• Ensure your plan budget is sufficient for your Roster of Care
• Discuss invoicing processes with your provider
• Set up your My NDIS portal access
• Arrange support coordination to help manage your budget
• Plan for your first three months carefully (settling-in period)

Nurse Aid Australia’s Support for New SIL Participants:

When you choose Nurse Aid Australia for your SIL support, we provide:

• Comprehensive pre-move assessment and planning
• Gradual transition support tailored to your needs
• Orientation to your new home and routines
• Introduction to your support team
• Regular check-ins during your first three months
• Responsive adjustment of support based on your feedback
• Connection to community resources and activities
• Ongoing support coordination to manage your budget and goals

Contact us to discuss your SIL journey and how we can support you from planning through to settled, independent living.

If Your Provider Isn’t Registered

Your Situation: You’ve checked the NDIS Commission register and discovered your current SIL provider either isn’t registered or their registration has expired.

Immediate Timeline: This is urgent. After July 1, 2025, unregistered providers cannot legally deliver SIL services. The NDIS will not pay claims from unregistered providers.

Your Rights:

• You have the right to continuity of support during any transition
• The NDIS must help you find alternative registered providers
• Your provider should support your transition, not create obstacles
• You’re entitled to Short Term Accommodation (STA) if needed during transition
• You can access support coordination to help manage this change

Nurse Aid Australia’s Transition Support:

If you need to transition to a new SIL provider, Nurse Aid Australia specializes in smooth, participant-centered transitions:

Our Transition Process:

1. Initial Assessment: We meet with you to understand your current support, preferences, and concerns
2. Comprehensive Handover: We communicate with your outgoing provider to understand your routines, preferences, and what works well
3. Personalized Matching: We match you with support workers whose skills and personalities suit your needs
4. Gradual Introduction: Where possible, we introduce new support workers gradually rather than changing everything at once
5. Intensive Early Support: We provide extra coordination and check-ins during your first weeks
6. Responsive Adjustment: We actively seek your feedback and make adjustments quickly
7. Ongoing Partnership: We maintain high-touch support throughout your time with us

We understand that transitioning providers isn’t just a logistical change—it’s a significant life disruption. Our team prioritizes your emotional wellbeing alongside practical support needs.

Contact Nurse Aid Australia at [1300 413 663] to discuss your situation. We offer free consultations to explore whether we’re the right fit for your needs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Nurse AID Australia, we’re here to support you in turning your NDIS goals into real-world outcomes. Whether you’re looking to join community activities, improve your social confidence, or access tailored support services—we’re just a click away.

Have questions? Contact our friendly team to discuss how we can help you or your loved ones thrive through the NDIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Will registration make my SIL more expensive?”

No. Registration costs are operational business expenses that providers must absorb. The NDIS sets price limits that account for providers’ operational costs, including registration fees. You won’t see direct charges for registration on your invoices.

Q: How do I check if my SIL provider is registered?

A: Visit www.ndiscommission.gov.au and search the provider register using your provider’s business name or ABN. You should see their registration status, number, and expiry date. You can also ask your provider directly for their registration number and verify it on the Commission website.

Q: What happens if my provider’s registration expires?

A: Providers must maintain current registration. If a provider’s registration expires, they cannot legally deliver SIL services until they renew. If you notice your provider’s registration is expired or about to expire, ask them immediately about their renewal status. If they don’t renew, you’ll need to transition to another provider.

Q: Can I still use an unregistered provider if I’m self-managed?

A: Not for SIL services. The mandatory registration requirement for SIL providers applies to all participants regardless of plan management type. Even self-managed participants must use registered providers for SIL. The NDIS will not pay claims for SIL services delivered by unregistered providers after July 1, 2025.

Q: Will provider registration make my SIL more expensive?

A: No. Registration costs are operational expenses that providers absorb as part of doing business. The NDIS price limits account for reasonable operational costs. You won’t see separate charges for registration on your invoices, and your plan funding should not decrease due to registration requirements.

Q: What does NDIS registration actually guarantee?

A: Registration confirms that a provider meets baseline NDIS Quality and Practice Standards, undergoes regular audits, maintains appropriate insurance, employs properly screened staff, and submits to Commission oversight. While registration doesn’t guarantee perfect service, it provides accountability mechanisms and protections that unregistered providers don’t offer.

Q: Will I receive less money overall with quarterly funding?

A: No. Quarterly funding doesn’t change your total annual plan budget—it only changes when and how frequently you receive it. If your annual plan totals $120,000, you’ll receive approximately $30,000 every three months instead of $120,000 once per year. Your total remains $120,000.

Q: What happens if I don’t use all my funding in one quarter?

A: Unused funding automatically rolls over to your next quarter within the same plan year. You won’t lose money. This rollover gives you flexibility to save for larger purchases or accommodate varying support needs across different quarters.

Q: Can I access extra funding if I need more support in one quarter?

: Not automatically. Your quarterly release is fixed based on your annual plan divided by four (or twelve for monthly releases). If you need additional funding due to changed circumstances, you must request an early plan review and provide evidence of why your needs have increased. The NDIS may approve additional funding if the increase is reasonable and necessary.

Q: How do I know when my quarterly funding will be released?

A: Check your My NDIS portal under your plan details. The system shows your funding release schedule with specific dates for each quarter. Set calendar reminders one week before each release date so you can verify the funding arrives on time.

Q: What if my quarterly funding doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date?

A: Contact the NDIS immediately on 1800 800 110. Also inform your support coordinator and providers. Most funding releases are automated and should occur on schedule. If there’s a delay, the NDIS can investigate and expedite the release. Keep documentation of your scheduled release date and when you reported the issue.

Q: Does quarterly funding affect how my provider delivers services?

A: It shouldn’t. Quality providers like Nurse Aid Australia manage cash flow to ensure uninterrupted service regardless of when funding releases occur. You should not experience gaps or changes in service quality due to quarterly funding. If your provider suggests reducing services until funding arrives, this indicates financial management problems that you should discuss with your support coordinator.

Q: What if claims keep getting rejected after October 1, 2025?

A: Repeated claim rejections after October 1 indicate your provider hasn’t successfully updated to new support item numbers. This represents a serious systems problem. Contact your support coordinator immediately and consider whether this provider has the administrative competence to serve you reliably.

Q: Can incorrect coding affect my budget?

A: Yes. If a provider uses the wrong support item number, the claim might be charged to the wrong budget category or at the wrong price limit. Regular review of your portal helps you catch coding errors before they deplete your budget incorrectly.

Q: Who’s responsible if coding errors cause me to run out of funding?

A: Provider coding errors are the provider’s responsibility. If incorrect coding causes you to exhaust your budget prematurely, document the errors thoroughly and request a plan review. Explain that provider mistakes (not increased support needs) caused the budget shortfall. The NDIS may adjust your plan if you can demonstrate the errors.

Q: I’ve been claiming OT from Core Supports for years. Why did this change?

A: The NDIS implemented this change to improve budget clarity and ensure therapy supports are properly tracked under Capacity Building where they belong conceptually. Therapy aims to build your capacity and skills, which aligns with Capacity Building rather than Core Supports (which cover daily assistance).

Q: What if my plan doesn’t have enough Capacity Building funding for my therapies?

A: Request an early plan review. Provide documentation including:

• List of therapies you need and why they’re necessary
• Frequency of sessions
• Cost calculations
• Reports from therapists supporting ongoing therapy
• Evidence of how therapy relates to your NDIS goals

The NDIS should adjust your plan to accommodate reasonable and necessary therapy supports.

Q: What happens if I run out of Capacity Building funding before my plan ends?

A: Request an early plan review explaining why your therapy needs exceeded your budget. Provide evidence from your therapists about why additional sessions were necessary and couldn’t have been anticipated. The NDIS may add funding if you demonstrate the additional therapy was reasonable and necessary.

Q: Do behavior support practitioners count as “therapy”?

A: Yes. Behavior support assessment, planning, and intervention typically come from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. However, the implementation of behavior support strategies by your regular support workers comes from Core Supports. Clarify with your behavior support practitioner which budget category covers their specific services.