About to sign an NDIS SIL service agreement? This is one of the most important decisions you (or your family member) will make.These agreements can be long, complex, and difficult to change once signed.
This guide gives you 15 essential questions to ask before signing an NDIS SIL service agreement, so you can protect your rights, avoid hidden costs, and choose the right provider with confidence.
With major changes coming — including mandatory provider registration from 2026 — understanding your agreement has never been more important.
Don’t Sign Until You Check These 5 Things
If you’re short on time, start here:
- Is the provider registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?
- Is SIL separate from your housing agreement?
- Are all costs clearly explained?
- Is the exit notice period fair?
- Can you change providers without losing your home?
Why a SIL Service Agreement Is Different
A Supported Independent Living (SIL) agreement is not a standard service agreement. It covers daily support in a shared living environment, making it more complex than most NDIS arrangements.
Under the NDIS Act 2013, your agreement must clearly outline:
- What supports you receive
- How much they cost
- Your rights and responsibilities
- How to resolve issues or leave the service
It must also align with pricing set by the National Disability Insurance Agency.
SIL vs Tenancy Agreement: Know the Difference
| Feature | SIL Service Agreement | Tenancy Agreement |
| Covers | Support services | Housing |
| Controls | Your care and supports | Your right to live there |
| Can you change provider? | Yes | No |
| Should they be separate? | Always | Always |
The 15 Questions You Must Ask
Bring these questions to every provider meeting. Never feel pressured to sign on the spot.
1. Are you a registered NDIS provider?
Why it matters: From 2026, all SIL providers must be registered.
Good: They provide registration details immediately
Red flag: They avoid the question or say “in progress”
2. Does this agreement include housing or just support?
Why it matters: SIL and housing must be separate.
Good: Two separate agreements
Red flag: You must use their support to stay in the home
3. What does my NDIS funding cover vs what I pay?
Why it matters: SIL funding does NOT cover rent or food.
Good: Clear breakdown of funded vs personal costs
Red flag: Vague or misleading answers
4. Are there any extra fees outside NDIS pricing?
Why it matters: Providers must follow NDIS price limits.
Good: Transparent written list
Red flag: Hidden or unclear charges
5. Will I be charged if a room is empty?
Why it matters: Vacancy costs cannot be passed to you.
Good: Provider absorbs vacancy costs
Red flag: Shared cost clauses
6. What is the notice period if I want to leave?
Why it matters: SIL exit rules are different from standard services.
Good: 28–90 days, clearly explained
Red flag: 6+ months or penalties
7. When can you end the agreement?
Why it matters: You must be protected from sudden removal.
Good: Fair process + transition support
Red flag: Immediate termination rights
8. Can I change providers without losing my home?
Why it matters: Your choice must be protected.
Good: Written confirmation you can stay
Red flag: Leaving = losing housing
9. How are my supports described?
Why it matters: Vague terms reduce your protection.
Good: Detailed schedule (tasks, hours, frequency)
Red flag: “Support as needed”
10. How do irregular supports work?
Why it matters: You may need extra help sometimes.
Good: Clear process explained
Red flag: Provider doesn’t understand
11. How are housemates matched?
Why it matters: Compatibility affects your daily life.
Good: Trials, meetings, matching process
Red flag: No say in who you live with
12. Will I have consistent support workers?
Why it matters: Stability builds trust and safety.
Good: Low turnover, regular staff
Red flag: Constant new workers
13. How is my privacy protected?
Why it matters: You have a right to dignity.
Good: Clear rules for personal space
Red flag: No privacy policy
14. How do I make a complaint?
Why it matters: You need independent support options. You can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission directly.
Good: Internal + external options
Red flag: Only internal complaints allowed
15. How often is the agreement reviewed?
Why it matters: Your needs will change over time.
Good: Annual reviews + update process
Red flag: Locked agreement
8 Red Flags to Walk Away From
If you see any of these, reconsider signing:
- SIL and housing are bundled together
- Provider is not registered
- Costs are unclear
- Vacancy costs are shared
- Exit terms are excessive
- You may lose housing if you leave
- No external complaints process
- Agreement cannot be updated
Real Scenario: Why This Matters
A participant signed a SIL agreement without checking the exit clause.
When they wanted to leave due to poor support, they discovered a 6-month notice period with financial penalties.
They were effectively stuck — or forced to pay thousands to exit early.
This is why asking Question 6 is critical.
Before You Sign: Quick Checklist
Use this before agreeing to anything:
- Provider is registered
- SIL and housing are separate
- Costs are clearly explained
- No vacancy cost sharing
- Fair exit terms
- Support schedule is detailed
- Complaints process includes external options
- Agreement includes review process
- You had time to read and understand it
If English Is Not Your First Language
You have the right to:
- Request a translated agreement
- Ask for an interpreter
- Receive information in plain English
Under NDIS standards, providers must support communication needs — never sign something you don’t fully understand.
2025–2026 Updates You Should Know
- All SIL providers must register by July 2026
- New quality standards are being introduced
- Digital systems (PACE) are improving plan management
These changes increase accountability — but also make it more important to choose the right provider now.
Final Thoughts
Signing an NDIS SIL service agreement is not just paperwork — it shapes your daily life, independence, and wellbeing.
Take your time. Ask questions. Get support if needed.
If something feels unclear or rushed, pause and seek advice. The right provider will always support informed decisions — not pressure you into signing.
At Care I Wish, we support participants and families in reviewing SIL agreements before signing, helping you understand your options and make confident, informed choices.
