The July 2026 Deadline Is Real
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has confirmed that from 1 July 2026, all providers delivering NDIS-funded supports must be registered. This includes providers who previously operated as unregistered providers serving plan-managed or self-managed participants.
If you are not registered by July 2026, you will not be able to deliver NDIS-funded services. Period.
Who Is Affected?
Every provider delivering NDIS supports, including:
- SIL (Supported Independent Living) providers — already under intense scrutiny
- Allied health practitioners — OTs, physios, speech pathologists, psychologists
- Support workers and sole traders — yes, even individual contractors
- Plan managers and support coordinators
- Community access and social support providers
- Platform providers — marketplaces and intermediaries connecting participants with services
If you receive NDIS funding for services, you must register.
Your Compliance Checklist
1. Understand the NDIS Practice Standards
The Commission requires compliance with NDIS Practice Standards relevant to your service type. Core standards cover:
- Rights and responsibilities of participants
- Governance and operational management
- Provision of supports (including risk management)
- Support provision environment (for SIL, SDA, and centre-based services)
Download the full standards from the NDIS Commission website.
2. Complete a Self-Assessment
Before applying, honestly assess your current compliance. Key questions:
- Do you have documented policies and procedures?
- Do you have a complaints management system?
- Do you have incident reporting processes?
- Are all workers screened (NDIS Worker Screening Check)?
- Do you have professional indemnity and public liability insurance?
- Do you maintain participant records securely?
3. Worker Screening
All workers in risk-assessed roles must hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is separate from a Working With Children Check. Apply through your state or territory screening unit. Processing times vary — start now to avoid delays.
4. Arrange Your Audit
Registration requires an audit by an NDIS-approved quality auditor. There are two types:
- Verification audit — for lower-risk services (e.g., therapeutic supports, household tasks)
- Certification audit — for higher-risk services (e.g., SIL, SDA, behaviour support, early childhood)
Auditors are already booking out. Contact an approved auditor immediately to secure your spot before the July deadline.
5. Prepare Your Application
You will need:
- ABN and business registration details
- Evidence of insurance (professional indemnity + public liability)
- Worker screening clearances for all staff
- Completed self-assessment against Practice Standards
- Audit report from an approved auditor
- Policies and procedures documentation
Apply via the NDIS Commission Portal.
6. Get Listed Where Participants Are Looking
Registration alone is not enough. Participants need to find you. Once you are registered (or actively preparing), list your services on ReferAus — Australia's NDIS provider marketplace.
- Free listing takes 10 minutes
- Show your registration status to build trust
- Appear in searches by participants and support coordinators in your area
- Earn a "Registration Ready" badge while your application is in progress
[List your services free on ReferAus →](https://referaus.com/register)
SIL Providers: Extra Requirements
SIL providers face additional scrutiny under mandatory registration:
- Must meet all core + supplementary Practice Standards
- Require a certification audit (not just verification)
- Must demonstrate robust incident management, especially for restrictive practices
- Worker-to-participant ratios and overnight staffing will be reviewed
The Commission has flagged SIL as a priority enforcement area. If you provide SIL services, begin your audit process this month.
What Happens If You Don't Register?
After 1 July 2026:
- You cannot claim NDIS funding for services delivered
- Participants with NDIA-managed plans already cannot use you
- Plan-managed and self-managed participants will also be required to use registered providers
- You risk enforcement action if you continue to deliver services without registration
Timeline: What to Do When
Now (March 2026):
- Complete self-assessment against Practice Standards
- Begin worker screening applications for all staff
- Contact an approved auditor to book your audit
- List on ReferAus to start building your profile
April 2026:
- Policies and procedures finalised
- Audit scheduled or underway
- Insurance certificates current
May–June 2026:
- Audit completed
- Application submitted to NDIS Commission
- Profile on ReferAus updated with registration status
1 July 2026:
- Registered and compliant
- Visible to participants searching for registered providers
Need Help Getting Ready?
ReferAus is building tools specifically for providers navigating the registration process. List your services now — it is free, takes 10 minutes, and puts you in front of participants who are actively searching for trustworthy, registered providers.
[Get started on ReferAus →](https://referaus.com/register)
Have questions about registration? Contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 or visit ndiscommission.gov.au.