NDIS Updates for 2025–26: What They Mean for SIL Supports

It is understandable for families and Support Coordinators to feel unsure when they hear about NDIS reviews, reforms, and updates. When you depend on Supported Independent Living (SIL), any mention of change can raise questions about funding, eligibility, or how supports will look in the future.

This article provides a calm, plain language overview of NDIS updates for 2025–26 and what they may mean for SIL supports. It does not offer legal or financial advice. Instead, it focuses on helping you understand the big picture and how to approach conversations with your NDIS planner, Support Coordinator, and SIL provider.

Why the NDIS Is Being Updated

The NDIS is a large national scheme and it is reviewed regularly to make sure it is sustainable, safe, and focused on the people it is designed to support. Over recent years there have been a number of reviews, inquiries, and consultations that looked at how the scheme is working, including SIL and other home and living supports.

Updates for 2025–26 are generally focused on themes such as:

• Improving quality and safety in services
• Making the scheme easier to understand
• Clarifying how supports are funded and used
• Ensuring money is spent on the right types of support

For families and Support Coordinators, the most important thing to remember is that changes are usually introduced gradually, with guidance and communication. If you are unsure how updates may affect a participant, it is always best to speak with the NDIS directly, your planner, or your Support Coordinator.

What Is Staying the Same for SIL Supports

Even as the NDIS evolves, several core ideas about SIL supports remain steady. Supported Independent Living is still about providing help with daily tasks so that participants can live as independently as possible in a shared or individual living environment.

Some key aspects that are likely to stay the same include:

• The focus on building daily living skills and independence
• Support with routines such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and community access
• Collaboration between participants, families, Support Coordinators, and providers
• Use of service agreements to outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations

If you are still learning about how SIL works in general, you may find it helpful to read an introductory overview before exploring updates. You can start with this guide: What Is Supported Independent Living and How Does It Work Under the NDIS?

Key Areas That May Evolve in 2025–26

While every detail of NDIS change is managed by the government and the National Disability Insurance Agency, families and Support Coordinators can expect updates in a few broad areas that relate to SIL supports. These may include:

• Planning and review processes – How plans are created, how often they are reviewed, and what evidence is needed may be refined over time.
• Quality and safeguards – There may be stronger expectations around provider registration, staff training, and safety within shared homes.
• Home and living guidance – The NDIS may further clarify when SIL is the right option compared to other home and living supports.
• Reporting and outcomes – Participants and providers may be asked to focus more on measurable goals and outcomes linked to independence and daily living skills.

These kinds of updates are usually introduced with advance notice. Providers like Bright Tomorrows monitor official NDIS guidance so that they can adjust their processes while keeping day to day life as stable as possible for participants.