There’s been a lot of discussion recently about upcoming NDIS registration changes and what they could mean for people receiving in-home supports.
If you self-manage your NDIS funding or directly employ your own Support Workers, you may be wondering how these changes could affect your current arrangements.
The encouraging news is that recent clarification shared by The Growing Space suggests many people who independently manage their own support arrangements may not be impacted by the Supported Independent Living (SIL) registration changes expected to begin in July.
For many participants, families and carers, that’s welcome reassurance.
So, what’s changing?
According to a video shared by The Growing Space following discussions with the NDIS Commission, registration requirements are expected to apply in situations where:
- A high level of daily support is being delivered
- Supports are managed and delivered by a provider organisation
- A provider is delivering restrictive practices
Importantly, this clarification suggests these changes may not apply to most people who directly engage and manage their own Support Workers.
That means if you, as a participant or carer:
- Employ your own Support Workers directly
- Engage sole traders with an ABN
…you will likely continue to have the flexibility, independence and choice you currently value.
Why this matters
For many people, employing their own Support Workers is about far more than managing funding or administrative arrangements.
It’s about:
- Choosing people who genuinely understand your needs
- Feeling safe, comfortable and respected in your own home
- Having consistency and stability in your supports
- Creating open and direct communication
- Building long-term, trusted relationships
Many people choose this approach because they want support that feels individual, flexible and tailored to their life — not limited by someone else’s roster, systems or schedules.
As The Growing Space explained, the key distinction appears to be who is responsible for managing the supports.
If you are personally directing and managing your own team, rather than relying on a disability provider to coordinate supports on your behalf, these upcoming SIL registration requirements may not apply to your situation.
While this update is reassuring for many people, it’s still important to remember that the final rules have not yet been officially released.
Support that gives you choice, control and peace of mind
Many people choose to employ their own Support Workers because they want supports that feel more personal, flexible and consistent.
It can mean choosing someone you genuinely connect with — someone who understands your routines, communication preferences, goals and the way you like to live your life.
For many people, having that level of choice and control can create more confidence, independence and comfort in everyday life.
However, managing your own support arrangements can also involve responsibilities and risks that people may not always expect.
That’s where Living My Way’s Employ Your Own Support Worker service can help.
This service allows you to maintain choice and control over who supports you, while also receiving practical assistance behind the scenes.
You continue choosing the people who work with you, while Living My Way helps to reduce some of the stress, administration and risk that can come with managing employment arrangements independently.
This service can support you with:
- Payroll processing including superannuation
- Recruitment and onboarding support
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- Navigating difficult workplace situations or HR concerns
- Guidance around employer responsibilities
For many people, it offers the best of both worlds — the flexibility and independence of employing your own Support Workers, combined with the reassurance of experienced support when you need it.
What should people do next?
Right now, there’s no need to panic.
The official SIL registration rules are expected to be released soon, and there may still be additional clarification once the final information is published.
In the meantime, it may help to:
- Stay informed about upcoming NDIS changes
- Understand your Support Worker options
For many people, directly employing their own Support Workers continues to provide a more personalised, flexible and empowering way to receive support.
You don’t have to navigate this alone
NDIS changes can feel overwhelming, especially when information is still evolving and many people are trying to understand what it could mean for them.
But understanding your options and accessing the right support can make a meaningful difference.
If you’d like to explore whether employing your own Support Workers could work for you, the team at Living My Way is here to help.
Learn more about the Employ Your Own Support Worker service and how Living My Way supports people to live life their way.
Special thanks to The Growing Space for the original video that informed this blog.
