Your NDIS plan is designed to support you and your needs in life, but if that doesn’t happen, do you ask yourself, “Is it time for a change?”
Or you might have tried but didn’t because switching NDIS providers seems risky, as if you may lose your funding, need another assessment or be left helpless until you get a replacement.
The great news is that none of that will happen because the NDIS provides its participants the right to change their providers without losing funding or having their plan re-evaluated.
This article will bust the myths about changing providers and walk you through important steps to change your NDIS provider in South Australia without losing support.
3 Common Fears About Changing NDIS Providers
Will I lose my NDIS funding if I change providers?
No, your NDIS funding is part of your approved plan. Changing the organisation that delivers your support does not automatically cancel that funding. You still need to use your funding according to your plan and the NDIS rules, but you are not permanently tied to one provider.
Do I need NDIA approval to change providers?
Generally, no. You can add, change, or remove providers whenever you need to. If you’re unsure about the process, your NDIS contact or support coordinator can guide you and provide assistance.
Will changing providers trigger a new NDIS assessment?
Not automatically. Changing the provider delivering an existing support is different from asking the NDIS to change your plan or approved funding.
How to Change Your NDIS Provider in South Australia Without a Support Gap
The safest approach is to organise your new arrangement before ending your current one. These seven steps can help you switch providers while keeping the transition as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Check your service agreement
There must be a written agreement in place before you work with an NDIS provider that outlines termination or cancellation of service. This also includes the notice period timeline you can serve on your current provider.
Usually, it is two to four weeks, but this can vary depending on what is agreed. Also check whether your agreement explains cancellation fees, how notice must be given and what happens when the arrangement ends.
The NDIS confirms that service agreements can set out how services can be changed or ended and any applicable cancellation arrangements. Knowing your final service date will make it much easier for you to arrange your next provider.
Step 2: Identify What You Want to Change
Before searching for a new provider, be clear about why you’re leaving and what you want to be different.
Problems could include poor communication, inconsistent workers, limited availability, poor service quality, changing support needs, or simply looking for a better fit. There could be several reasons, including:
Reason for changing | What it may look like |
Poor quality of service | The provider is unreliable or no longer meets your expectations |
Limited communication | You struggle to get updates or responses |
Poor personal fit | You don’t feel respected, understood or comfortable with the support |
Better service elsewhere | Another provider offers more suitable or flexible options |
Changing needs or goals | Your circumstances have changed, and your current provider no longer fits |
Moving location | You’ve relocated and need support in a different area |
Step 3: Find and Compare a New South Australian NDIS Provider
Do this before giving notice to your current provider. Finding your replacement first is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of a gap in support. The NDIS recommends finding a new provider before ending your current provider.
When looking for an NDIS provider in Adelaide, check whether they:
- Provide the support you need
- Will be available on your given dates
- Service your suburb
- Can accommodate your preferred routine and worker preferences
- Have experience with your support requirement
- Can communicate the pricing structure and cancellation policies
Use the NDIS Provider Finder to search for registered providers by suburb, postcode or registration group. If your plan is NDIS-managed, you will need to use a registered provider. Participants may select registered or unregistered providers; these can usually be planned or self-managed.
Location can make an even greater difference for the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, Barossa or McLaren Vale participants. Ask whether the provider serves your area regularly, whether there are any travel charges, and whether they can provide your preferred support times.
Step 4: Confirm the New Arrangement Before Giving Notice
Finding a provider is not the same as having your new support organised.
Before leaving your current provider, discuss the practical details with the new provider. Confirm:
- What supports will be delivered
- When they can start
- How often support will be provided
- Costs and payment arrangements
- Your preferred workers or support team
- Who your main contact will be
- What happens if your regular worker is unavailable
Then arrange the new service agreement. The NDIS recommends having a service agreement with a new provider so both sides understand the supports, costs, payment arrangements and how the agreement can be changed.
Most importantly, confirm the start date before giving your current provider notice.
Step 5: Serve Your Current Provider Written Notice
Once the new arrangement is confirmed, tell your current provider that you want to end your services.
Follow the notice period in your agreement and, where possible, provide the notice in writing. You do not need to turn the notice into a lengthy explanation. State your intended final service date and keep a copy of the communication.
Ask your provider to confirm:
- Your final service date
- Any outstanding payments
- Whether they need a cancellation or exit form
- Whether any existing service booking or provider relationship needs to be ended
When an NDIS plan is complete, the NDIS also advises assessing for any outstanding payments. If you’ve a concern about the quality or safety of your NDIS supports or services, you can share this concern with your provider or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Step 6: Arrange the Handover
If your existing provider holds information that will help your new support team understand your routines, goals or current arrangements, ask how this can be transferred appropriately.
Depending on the support you receive, this may include relevant support plans, progress information or other records. The aim is to avoid starting from scratch with a new team wherever useful information can be carried across.
Step 7: Update Your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator
If you have a plan manager or plan coordinator, inform them that you are changing providers. They may be able to help coordinate payments, services and the administrative side of the transition. Changing your support provider is not the same as changing your plan manager. If you also want to change your plan manager, that is a separate decision.
Depending on your NDIS arrangements, you may also need to update your provider relationship or service booking through the relevant participant portal. The NDIS currently uses both the my place participant portal and the my NDIS participant portal during the transition.
For a new provider relationship in the my NDIS participant portal, you can accept or decline the request and choose what information you want to share.
The Exception: What If You Have a Stated Support?
A stated support is funding in your NDIS plan that is restricted to the specific support described. This means you generally cannot use that funding to purchase a different type of NDIS support.
However, changing the provider delivering an approved support is different from changing what your plan funds. So don’t assume that having a stated support means you are permanently tied to your current provider.
If you want to change the actual support or how restricted funding can be used, a separate NDIS process may apply.
How Long Does It Take to Switch NDIS Providers?
There is no single timeframe for changing NDIS providers.
It depends on your service agreement’s notice period, how quickly you find a suitable provider, the new provider’s availability and any administrative changes that need to be completed.
The best sequence is:
- Find your new provider
- Confirm the arrangement
- give notice
- Complete the transition
This helps prevent your current support from ending before your replacement is ready.
Why Choose EasAbility?
If you are not satisfied with your current provider, you have a right to switch. However, the goal isn’t just to find a new provider, but to find a support team that understands what you need, respects your preferences, and fits into your day-to-day life.
That’s where we can help. EasAbility is an NDIS-registered provider in Adelaide that provides tailored disability supports based on each participant’s goals, needs, and circumstances.
Our Services include supported independent living, short-term and medium-term accommodation, community participation, day activities, nursing support, transport and mobility support.
We focus on personalised support, participant choice and helping people build independence through practical, consistent services. Contact us today to discuss your NDIS support needs and your transition to a new provider.
FAQs
Can I change my NDIS provider anytime?
Yes. The NDIS says you can add, change or remove providers at any time. You still need to follow the notice or cancellation requirements in your current service agreement.
Will I lose my NDIS funding if I change providers?
No. Changing providers does not automatically cancel the funding in your NDIS plan. Your funding still needs to be used according to your plan and NDIS rules.
Do I need NDIA approval to change providers?
Generally, no. You can change providers without seeking approval simply because you want a different provider to deliver your support.
How much notice do I need to give my NDIS provider?
Your service agreement should tell you the notice period that applies. Check it before giving notice rather than relying on a standard number of days.
Can I change my provider in the middle of my NDIS plan?
Yes. You do not have to wait for your plan to end. You can change providers while your plan is active.
What if I can’t find a new provider before my current support ends?
Try not to end your existing arrangement until you have confirmed a suitable replacement. Your support coordinator, my NDIS contact or a trusted person may be able to help you find alternatives.
What is a stated support under the NDIS?
A stated support is funding restricted to the specific support described in your plan. It cannot generally be used to purchase a different type of NDIS support.
Can I complain about my NDIS provider before changing?
Yes. If your concern relates to the quality or safety of your NDIS supports or services, you can raise it with your provider or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Can I change only one of my NDIS providers?
Yes. You can change one provider while continuing to use other providers, provided your arrangements remain consistent with your plan and applicable NDIS requirements.
Does changing providers mean my NDIS plan will be reassessed?
Not automatically. Changing the provider delivering your support is different from requesting a change to your NDIS plan or funding.
EasAbility Care – General Information Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, medical, or NDIS advice. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the content, EasAbility Care makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information provided.
Please note:
- EasAbility Care provides a range of disability support services designed to assist NDIS participants in achieving their goals, increasing independence, well-being, and community participation.
- EasAbility Care offers various NDIS-related supports, and the availability of specific services may vary depending on individual circumstances, funding, and location.
- Eligibility for NDIS funding and related support is determined solely by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) based on a participant’s individual needs, goals, and assessments.
- Access to services, funding approvals, and support arrangements may vary depending on a participant’s NDIS plan and personal circumstances.
- Users should seek independent advice from the NDIA, Support Coordinators, Support Workers, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, General Practitioners, or other qualified professionals before making decisions based on the information available on this website.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, EasAbility Care accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information contained on this website. This disclaimer may be updated at any time without notice.
