Choosing a supported independent living provider involves understanding how your support would work, what it would cost and how arrangements could change. The NDIS recommends meeting potential providers before starting and discussing supports, prices and agreements. NDIS: How to find and choose a provider
If you are comparing providers in Victoria or South Australia, consider taking the following questions to each meeting. Ask for explanations in a format that suits you, and involve a trusted person if you wish.
1. Understand the difference between support and housing
Supported independent living, or SIL, funds assistance or supervision with daily tasks for people who need support throughout the day and night. Depending on assessed needs and arrangements, support workers may be shared or provide individual assistance. SIL funding does not cover rent or groceries. (ndis.gov.au)
Specialist disability accommodation, or SDA, is different: it concerns housing for eligible people with very high support needs, rather than support-worker assistance. Some participants receive both SIL and SDA funding. (ndis.gov.au)
Questions to ask include:
Am I discussing support services, housing, or both?
Who would provide the support, and who would provide the housing?
Which costs would come from my NDIS funding, and which would I pay personally?
2. Check registration and any applicable transition arrangements
Mandatory registration changes for SIL providers began on 1 July 2026, with transition arrangements for existing providers. The relevant pathway depends on the provider’s circumstances; an application should not be treated as registration approval. The Commission provides separate guidance for different provider situations. (ndiscommission.gov.au)
Ask:
Are you currently registered to deliver SIL?
How can I check your registration and its scope?
If you rely on transition arrangements, which pathway applies?
What evidence can you provide of your current status?
Do not assume that all providers have the same transition arrangements. If the explanation is unclear, seek clarification from the NDIS Commission before making a decision.
3. Ask what everyday support would look like
Rather than relying on broad descriptions, ask the provider to explain the proposed support in practical terms.
For example:
What assistance would I receive in the morning, evening and overnight?
Which support would be individual, and which would be shared?
How would my routines and communication preferences be considered?
What happens when a usual worker is unavailable?
How would changes to my needs or preferences be discussed?
How would I be involved in decisions about people supporting me?
These are questions to explore-not assurances that a particular arrangement will be available or funded.
4. Ask for clear, accessible written arrangements
A service agreement records what you and a provider agree about your NDIS supports. It is separate from your NDIS plan and any tenancy agreement. NDIA guidance identifies supports, delivery arrangements, prices, payment, responsibilities and handling disagreements as important agreement content. (ndis.gov.au)
The Commission’s SIL quality indicators also address supporting participants to have written service agreements covering matters such as changes to support needs and concerns about their home. (ndiscommission.gov.au)
Before agreeing, ask for an explanation of:
The supports included and their prices.
How and when payment would be claimed.
Any cancellation charges, notice periods or exit terms.
Costs you would need to pay personally.
How changes, disagreements and complaints would be handled.
Request time to read the documents and seek independent advice about anything you do not understand.
5. Keep housing and support responsibilities clear
The Commission’s SIL standard addresses separating housing and support arrangements. Where one provider supplies both SIL assistance and tenancy, its quality indicators specify separate service and tenancy agreements and support for participants to understand that distinction. (ndiscommission.gov.au)
Ask:
Who is responsible for the property and tenancy?
Which agreement covers housing, and which covers support?
What process would apply if I wanted to change support providers?
What notice periods and responsibilities would apply?
Where could I obtain independent tenancy advice?
Do not assume that every home where SIL is delivered has the same housing arrangements. Seek advice about the particular property and agreement rather than relying on a general article.
6. Understand privacy and how to raise concerns
Ask the provider:
What personal information do you collect, and why?
Who can access it, and when might it be shared?
How do I raise a privacy concern or make a complaint?
Can someone help me communicate my concerns?
The NDIS Commission accepts concerns about the safety or quality of NDIS providers and workers. You may speak with the provider first if you feel comfortable, but you can also contact the Commission directly. Questions about NDIS funding amounts and NDIA decisions should be directed to the NDIA. (ndiscommission.gov.au)
Take time to compare your options
Consider using the same questions with each potential provider and keeping a record of their answers. The NDIS provider finder can help you locate registered providers, and a support coordinator or your NDIS contact may assist with finding providers. (ndis.gov.au)
Before deciding, identify what remains unclear and ask for further information. Focus on the proposed arrangements and supporting evidence rather than general promises.
This article provides general information, not individual legal, tenancy or NDIS funding advice. Requirements and guidance may change. Check current official information and seek advice relevant to your circumstances.