Can I Change SIL Providers? What Happens If Things Aren’t Working?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) should feel safe, supportive and right for your lifestyle. The goal is for you to feel comfortable in your home, confident in your routines and supported by a team who understands your needs.

But sometimes, things simply don’t feel like the right fit anymore. When that happens, it’s completely normal to wonder:

• Can I change SIL providers?
• Will it affect my funding?
• Is the process complicated?
• Do I have to move?

The good news is, yes, you can change SIL providers, and the process is often much more straightforward than people expect.

You can change your Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider at any time under the NDIS. Your funding stays the same, and the process is often straightforward. Depending on your tenancy, you may or may not need to move. With the right planning and support, changing providers can be a positive step toward a better fit.

You Have the Right to Change Providers

Under the NDIS, you have full choice and control over who delivers your supports. If your current SIL arrangement isn’t working – whether it’s the home, the support model, the routines, or the team – you are entitled to explore other options.

People change SIL providers for many reasons, including:

• feeling unheard or unsupported
• a mismatch with housemates
• frequent staff changes
• concerns about safety or comfort
• needing a different routine, support style or environment
• wanting a provider who aligns more closely with their values or goals

Sometimes nothing is “wrong,” but you simply feel ready for a new environment. All these reasons are valid.

What Happens to My SIL Funding?

Your SIL funding stays exactly the same, because it belongs to you, not the provider.

Changing providers does not cancel or reduce your funding. Your new provider simply completes a replacement Quote and Roster of Care so the NDIS knows who is delivering your supports.

There is no funding penalty for changing SIL providers.

Will I Have to Move to a New House?

This depends on your current living arrangement.

If your SIL provider also manages the home (as most do), then changing providers usually means moving to a new house with your new provider. If you live in your own home, a private rental or another independent tenancy, you can change SIL providers without moving.

If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, your Support Coordinator can help explain your tenancy arrangement.

How Do I End My Current SIL Agreement?

Every SIL Service Agreement includes a notice period – usually between 14 and 28 days. Ending the agreement is normally as simple as sending written notice with your intended final date. If you prefer, your Support Coordinator can handle this communication for you.

What Does the Transition Process Look Like?

Although individual situations vary, changing SIL providers generally follows a calm and structured process.

1. Exploring your options – you meet with a new provider to talk about your needs, routines, preferred housemates, and what hasn’t been working. This is a relaxed conversation designed to help you explore whether the new provider is a good fit.
2. Finding the right home and support model – you may visit potential homes, meet housemates and get to know the team.
3. The new provider prepares your SIL documents – a new Quote and Roster of Care is created based on your needs.
4. You provide notice to your current provider – this can be done by you or your Support Coordinator.
5. Your move is planned and supported – the goal is a smooth transition with no disruption to your support.
6. You start with your new provider – supports begin in your new home or existing home, depending on your situation.

Most transitions happen smoothly when everyone communicates clearly and respectfully.

How For Care Supports Participants Who Want to Change Providers

For Care has supported many participants through the process of transitioning into our care, and we understand the emotional and practical challenges that come with moving homes or changing teams. Our approach is gentle, structured and centred entirely around your comfort and preferences.

We take time to understand:

• what hasn’t been working for you
• what kind of home environment helps you feel at ease
• what routines or support styles you prefer
• the goals you want to work towards
• the type of people you enjoy living with

We then work together with you and your Support Coordinator to plan a move that feels calm, supported and well-timed. Our aim is to ensure that your new home and support team help you feel settled, secure and confident.

When Should I Consider Changing Providers?

There’s no single “right” moment to move on, but you may be ready if you consistently feel:

• uncomfortable or unsettled
• disconnected from the support team
• that routines aren’t personalised
• that communication is poor
• that your goals are not being supported
• unsafe or unheard
• that the home no longer suits your needs

SIL should support your wellbeing. If it isn’t, it’s worth exploring other options.

Changing SIL providers is your right, and it is more common — and more straightforward — than many people realise. If your current home or support arrangement does not feel right for you, you do not need to stay in a situation that limits your independence or happiness.

With the right guidance, changing providers can be a positive step towards a home and team that truly suits your needs. If you would like to explore other SIL options or simply talk through what the process involves, the team at For Care is here to support you.