When Do Unregistered NDIS Providers Have to Register? SIL Registration Deadline Explained
Unregistered NDIS providers delivering Supported Independent Living (SIL) services must commence the transition to registration from 1st July 2026. This is a hard deadline set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. From this date, unregistered providers not transitioning to registration will not be able to deliver SIL supports to NDIS participants.
Platform providers must also commence the transition to mandatory registration from 1 July 2026.
This deadline is part of the broader NDIS reforms following the 2023 NDIS Review, which introduces a new graduated risk-proportionate registration model with four tiers. SIL providers fall under Tier 1 (Advanced Registration), meaning they face the most comprehensive audit and certification requirements.
Providers who fail to commence the registration process from 1 July 2026 will need to cease SIL service delivery until they become a registered provider.
More information and guidance on transition arrangements will be provided by the NDIS Commission in early 2026. There will be a considered transition period to:
- prepare for mandatory registration
- ensure continuity of support to participants.
What Is the New Proposed Graduated Risk-Proportionate Registration Model?
The NDIS is considering replacing its current registration system with a graduated risk-proportionate model featuring four distinct tiers. This new framework categorises providers based on the level of risk associated with their services.
The Four Tiers of NDIS Provider Registration
Tier 1: Advanced Registration (Highest Risk) Required for providers delivering high-risk supports including SIL, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), and behaviour support involving restrictive practices. These providers face the most rigorous audit and compliance requirements.
Tier 2: General Registration Applies to providers delivering supports with moderate risk levels. Includes services requiring professional qualifications or ongoing participant relationships.
Tier 3: Basic Registration Designed for lower-risk services with simplified compliance requirements. Suitable for providers delivering straightforward supports without complex participant needs.
Tier 4: Enrolled Providers (Lowest Risk) A streamlined pathway for providers delivering minimal-risk supports. Features reduced administrative burden while maintaining essential safeguards.
SIL providers fall under Tier 1: Advanced Registration, meaning they face the most comprehensive audit and certification requirements.
Why Waiting Until June 2026 Is a Mistake
Many providers are taking a "wait and see" approach to the new registration requirements. This is a high-risk strategy that could force providers to cease operations, especially now that the NDIS Commission has released the 1 July 2026 transition date.
The Audit Bottleneck Problem
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has a limited number of approved auditors. As the 1 July 2026 approaches, thousands of SIL providers will be competing for audit appointments simultaneously.
What this means in practice:
- Audit waiting times will extend from weeks to potentially months
- Auditors will be oversubscribed from early 2026 onwards
- Providers who apply in Q2 2026 will need to wait for the NDIS Commission to make a determination on their application
- Without certification, providers must stop delivering SIL services once the transition period finishes
The Financial Impact of Missing the Deadline
Providers who cannot deliver SIL services after the transition period face:
- Complete loss of SIL revenue until registration is approved
- Potential participant transfers to registered competitors
- Damage to provider reputation and participant relationships
- Staff retention challenges during the service gap
When Should SIL Providers Start the Registration Process?
Now! Providers delivering SIL services should begin the registration process as soon as possible, delaying this process could impact service delivery to NDIS participants. Providers should follow the steps below for mandatory registration:
- Registration application
- Gap analysis against the registration requirements
- Policy and procedure development or updates
- Staff training and competency documentation
- Initial audit scheduling and preparation
- Addressing any non-conformances identified during audit
- Final certification and registration approval
Providers who begin this process in early 2026 position themselves well ahead of the anticipated audit bottleneck.
What Happens to Existing Registered Providers?
At this stage there is no impact to existing registered providers. The NDIS Commission is currently reviewing the NDIS Practice Standards for SIL providers, once the amended Practice Standards are released there will be a requirement to ensure systems meet the updated requirements. The NDIS Commission will provide further updates and guidance as this information becomes available.
Next Steps for SIL Providers
- Assess your current position. Review your existing policies, procedures, and compliance documentation registration requirements.
- Engage with the process early. Contact approved auditors now to understand availability and secure preferred audit dates.
- Seek specialist guidance. Work with NDIS consultants who understand the new registration framework and can help you prepare efficiently.
- Do not assume extensions. Plan your registration timeline assuming 1 July 2026 is immovable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 1 July 2026 deadline likely to be extended?
There is no indication the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will extend the deadline. The 1 July 2026 date has been confirmed as a hard deadline following the legislative changes from the NDIS Review. Providers should plan on the assumption this deadline is final.
Can providers continue delivering SIL while their registration is pending?
Yes. There will be a transition period from 1 July 2026 for unregistered SIL providers to become registered. The NDIS Commission has yet to announce the transitional requirements including cut off dates for SIL registration. Once the transitional period has ended, unregistered SIL providers must cease service delivery to all NDIS participants.
What if a provider only delivers a small amount of SIL?
The registration requirement applies to all providers delivering SIL services, regardless of volume. There is no minimum threshold. Any provider offering SIL supports must be registered.
How long does the registration and audit process take?
Under normal circumstances, the full registration process (including audit) takes approximately three to six months. However, as the deadline approaches, this timeline is expected to extend significantly due to auditor availability constraints and the influx of unregistered providers seeking registration.
