You can change NDIS providers. Before ending your current arrangement, check the notice terms and arrange how essential support will continue. The order matters if you rely on daily visits, overnight help or a particular worker skill.

The NDIS guide to working with providers confirms that you can choose another provider if you are unhappy with your supports. You can ask a trusted person to help with the change.

1. Decide what needs to change

Write down the support you want to keep and the problem you want to solve. Is it the visit time, missed shifts, communication, worker experience or the service itself?

If you feel comfortable, you can ask the existing provider to address the problem. You do not have to handle a difficult conversation alone. Where safety is involved, seek help promptly rather than waiting for an ordinary handover.

2. Read the ending terms

Find your agreement and check:

  • How much notice it requires.
  • How to give that notice and who receives it.
  • Which booked visits are still due to happen.
  • What cancellation or exit charges are proposed.

Ask for clarification if a term is unclear. Seek independent advice if you dispute a charge or feel pressured to accept it.

3. Confirm replacement support

Tell prospective providers exactly when you need visits to begin. Confirm they can provide the required tasks, worker skills and schedule, rather than relying on a general statement that they cover your area.

Ask for the proposed start date in writing. Discuss what happens if the introduction or first visit is delayed. A support coordinator, if you have one, can help organise a handover and identify any gap that needs attention.

For supported independent living (SIL), also clarify the housing arrangements. Changing support providers and ending a tenancy are separate matters. Get tenancy advice before agreeing to move out simply because your support is changing.

4. Agree on the handover information

Decide what the new provider needs to deliver safe support and how you want that information shared. This may include your preferred communication, agreed routines and current support instructions.

Confirm your consent and use the provider’s secure method for private documents. Avoid sending a large collection of old reports when a current, relevant document will do. Keep your own copy of the handover arrangements.

5. Give notice and update provider records

State the final service date clearly and ask the outgoing provider to acknowledge it. Confirm the new arrangement and first visit, including who you can contact if something changes.

Some supports require the provider to be recorded as a “my provider” in NDIS systems. Check the NDIS guidance on recording and changing providers, particularly for SIL, home and living supports and support coordination. Ask your my NDIS contact if you need help updating the record.

6. Check the final invoices

Compare outstanding charges with the visits delivered and any cancellation terms you agreed to. Tell your plan manager about disputed invoices if they manage your payments.

Keep the end-date confirmation, final invoices and new schedule together. During the first week, check that workers have the information they need and that the agreed visits are actually happening.

Use the provider comparison guide when contacting replacement services, and check the service agreement terms before agreeing on dates.