Module 5A: what the SIL standards ask for, and how to prepare — ProviderQMS
Provider Assurance Centre

Module 5A: what the SIL standards ask for, and how to prepare

What the four Module 5A standards ask for, where their wording lives, when they attach to you, and what evidence demonstrates each one.

SIL & Module 5AAudit preparationTemplates & checklists

Last checked 27 August 2026 — every quotation on this page was read at its own source on that date.

On this page

Module 5A is the supplementary Practice Standards module for supported independent living: four standards that reach into what documents alone cannot show — how decisions are made in the home, how workers handle conflict between housemates, whether tenancy and service agreements are truly separate. Below: where its wording lives, when its requirements attach to you, and what an auditor looks for against each standard.

Who this is for

The Commission publishes a transition pathway for each registration status.1 Two of those pathways are set out below — if neither describes you, start at the Commission's pathway chooser.

If you already hold registration group 0115, were delivering SIL before 1 July 2026 and choose to continue, your registration is varied to include the new group,2 and an approved quality auditor — not the Commission — assesses you against the new standards.3 4 The Commission says that assessment happens at your next audit, mid-term or registration renewal, after 1 July 2026.5 Documents written before the module was made need checking against it. That is the gap to close.

If you are delivering SIL without registration, the Commission's pathway lets you keep delivering while your application is assessed, provided you apply by 1 October 2026.6 You engage the auditor yourself,7 and your certification audit will include the new standards from the start.8

What Module 5A is, and where its wording lives

Module 5A sits in two instruments, and knowing which is which matters.

The standards — the four outcome statements — are Schedule 7A of the Practice Standards Rules.9 The Rules also decide who is assessed against it: for assistance with supported independent living, the applicable schedules are the core module and Schedule 7A, by certification audit.10 The core module does not go away; Module 5A is added to it.

The quality indicators — the detail an auditor reads your evidence against — are not in the Rules. They are Part 8A of the Quality Indicators Guidelines, sections 72B to 72E.11 Section 72A's table pairs them: 72B with clause 3, 72C with clause 4, 72D with clause 5, 72E with clause 6.12

Both were made on 23 June 2026 and commenced on 1 July 2026: Schedule 7A by amending Rules,13 14 and Part 8A by an amending instrument made by the Commissioner.15 16

When a policy cites "72E", it is citing the Guidelines, not the Rules.

Whether you are in scope turns on the Rules' definition: a participant who needs constant or immediately available person-to-person support for all or a substantial part of the day, delivered as a managed package.17

When these requirements attach to you

The Commission's page names 1 October 202618 and says what follows it: a provider currently delivering SIL that chooses not to apply must stop.19

The Rules set out three starting points, and only one of them is 1 October.

If you were a registered NDIS provider immediately before 1 July 2026 — the Rules call you an "existing registered NDIS provider"20 — the new requirements attach on the transition day: the day the Commissioner decides whether to vary your registration to include the new class of support, whichever way the decision goes.21

For one cohort that gap is not free time. If you were registered immediately before 1 July 2026 for the class of support the Rules list at item 15, "assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement (other than assistance with supported independent living)",22 then between 1 July 2026 and your transition day you must meet Schedule 7A as if those standards were already specified for that item.23

If you were delivering SIL unregistered before 1 July 2026 — an "existing NDIS provider" in the Rules' terms, which expressly excludes a registered provider24 — they attach on the day the Commissioner decides your application, where that application is made before 1 October 2026,25 26 and otherwise on 1 October 2026.27

In any other case, the Rules say they attach on or after 1 July 2026.28

These dates are the regulator's, not ours; we repeat them because they are the reason to start now.

The four standards, and what demonstrates each

Each standard pairs its Schedule 7A outcome with the Guidelines' indicators and the evidence an auditor can pick up. Every outcome has two parts, and both are set out in full below — half a clause is half a standard. A policy shows intent; the record beside it shows practice.

1. Supported decision-making (clause 3; s 72B)

Outcome: "Each participant is supported to understand and make genuine decisions for themselves. Each participant is provided with accessible information, and decision-making support, about: (a) the supports and services delivered in their home; and (b) the supports and services delivered to enable them to access their community."29 30

Have ready:

  • A communication profile for each participant, so information reaches them in their own mode and terms.31
  • A dignity-of-risk assessment that records the options weighed and the participant's choice. The indicator carries the right32 and then the weighing: "When needed, each participant is supported to make informed choices about the benefits and risks of the options under consideration about their home and daily life."33
  • A supported decision-making procedure for workers: reasonable time, when support is needed, the participant's view on how, cultural values.34
  • A dated training register showing initial and refresher training in supported decision-making.35

2. Safeguarding (clause 4; s 72C)

Outcome: "Each participant is supported to live in a safe, respectful and supportive home environment. Each participant is supported to have adequate safeguards in place to mitigate harm at home and when participants access their community."36 37

Have ready:

  • A safeguarding policy that balances dignity of risk with safety in the home, and a house safety plan that shows it applied.38
  • Training records for every relevant worker in de-escalation, trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support.39
  • A procedure for bullying and conflict in the home that requires workers to work with other providers and specialists.40
  • Individual safety plans and house meeting records. The indicator asks that "Safeguarding approaches are implemented to address conflict, intimidation and harm between participants."41 and that "Safeguarding approaches are regularly reviewed with participants and adjustments are made".42

3. Practice governance (clause 5; s 72D)

Outcome: "Each participant is supported in their home by workers that have the necessary training, knowledge and skills to support them. Each participant is supported by workers that have the knowledge of, and guidance to use, evidence-informed practices that: (a) are tailored to the participant's needs; and (b) enable the provision of safe and high quality supports."43 44

Have ready:

  • A workforce training and competency framework with mentoring and supervision built in, including cultural safety and positive behaviour support.45
  • Competency assessments, not just attendance, in person-centred and trauma-informed practice, active support and supported decision-making.46
  • A documented vision, values, objectives and strategies for support in the home — one per house is the cleanest way to show it.47
  • A co-tenant compatibility assessment, and a record of consulting the people already living there before anyone new moves in. The indicator gives the participant the opportunity to take part in and make decisions about their home,48 then names the two things a record would show: "This includes consultation with impacted participants before placing new tenants in the home and ensuring that participants are matched with co-tenants that they feel safe to live with."49
  • Individual emergency plans and a drill record — the indicator says the arrangements are rehearsed, so a plan with no drill record shows only half of it.50

4. Agreements about tenancy, housing and support arrangements (clause 6; s 72E)

Outcome: "Each participant who has a tenancy agreement with the provider is supported to understand how the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement interact with their service agreement with the provider. Each such participant is supported by effective tenancy management and is able to exercise choice and control and their tenancy rights."51 52

The standard is framed around the participant who has a tenancy agreement with you, and most of the indicators are written for a provider delivering both the support and the tenancy to the same person.53 Two are not: 72E(4) is written for "participants"54 and 72E(6) for "each participant".55

Have ready:

  • Two documents, not one: a tenancy agreement and a service agreement, kept separate.56
  • An accessible explainer that the two are legally separate and neither depends on the other, with a note of when it was walked through,57 and a referral route to independent advocacy or legal help.58
  • A conflict-of-interest policy specific to delivering support and tenancy to the same person,59 made available in the language, mode and terms each participant is most likely to understand.60
  • A record that each participant has house keys and that their private space is managed to their preferences, including who enters it, with any limits applied only under a behaviour support plan.61 62
  • A copy of the signed agreement given to the participant,63 or a record of the circumstances where that was not practicable.64
  • A service agreement covering concerns about the home, conflict between co-tenants, changes to needs, vacancies, behaviours that put a tenancy at risk, and visitors.65

A preparation checklist

  • Confirm scope against the Rules' definition, and your transition pathway.
  • Map the four standards to the documents you hold, and date each one. Anything written before the module was made (23 June 2026) predates its final wording — check it clause by clause.13
  • For each policy, name the record that shows it in use, and check it has entries.
  • Check the training register for the named trainings, with refreshers and competency assessments, not attendance alone.
  • Where you provide both the support and the tenancy, separate the agreements and give each participant a signed copy.
  • Rehearse the emergency arrangements and record it. Review the safeguards with participants and record it.
  • Set a review date for every document above, owned by a named person.
  • Read the Commission's "SIL Practice Standards: Evidence Guide for Providers and Workers".66 67

The Commission expects the documents you submit to describe your organisation, not a supplier's.68 Whatever you start from, the version the auditor reads must carry your homes, your roles and your practice.

What ProviderQMS does here

Our Complete SIL kit is 109 Word documents written for the core module and Module 5A — including a Module 5A coverage map, a supported decision-making policy, a co-tenant matching assessment, a house vision and values statement, and a tenancy agreement kept separate from the service agreement — for you to tailor to your homes. Your documents and the records that show them in use sit together in one workspace, held in your browser today. Account storage that follows you between devices arrives in October.

Sources

Each numbered line is the document or page a quotation above was taken from, with the date we opened it.

  1. Mandatory registration and transition pathways for supported independent living (SIL)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“A provider's pathway to registration will depend on their current registration status and services. Choose the option that applies to you”
  2. Mandatory registration transition pathway (SIL-1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“If a provider chooses to continue to provide supported independent living: their registration will be varied to include a new registration group”
  3. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 13B(3)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“The audit must be carried out by an approved quality auditor using certification.”
  4. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 20(1)(a)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“be assessed by an approved quality auditor, using the method specified in column 3 of that item”
  5. Mandatory registration transition pathway (SIL-1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“The provider is audited against new supported independent living Practice Standards as part of their next audit (mid-term or registration renewal) after 1 July 2026”
  6. Mandatory registration transition pathway (SIL-4)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Providers can continue to deliver supported independent living (SIL) during the application for registration if they apply by 1 October 2026”
  7. Mandatory registration transition pathway (SIL-4)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“The provider engages an Approved Quality Auditor (AQA) and completes a certification audit”
  8. Mandatory registration transition pathway (SIL-4)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“The audit includes the new supported independent living Practice Standards”
  9. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Schedule 7A—Module 5A: Assistance with supported independent living”
  10. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 20(3) table item 38
    Opened 27 August 2026.“38 assistance with supported independent living Schedules 1 and 7A certification.”
  11. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72A
    Opened 27 August 2026.“This Division sets out the quality indicators for the NDIS Practice Standards about the provision of supports to assist with supported independent living”
  12. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72A
    Opened 27 August 2026.“1 section 72B clause 3 of Schedule 7A”
  13. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Amendment (Mandatory Registration and Other Matters) Rules 2026
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Dated 23 June 2026”
  14. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Amendment (Mandatory Registration and Other Matters) Rules 2026
    Opened 27 August 2026.“5 After Schedule 7 Insert: Schedule 7A—Module 5A: Assistance with supported independent living”
  15. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Amendment (Supported Independent Living) Guidelines 2026
    Opened 27 August 2026.“I, Louise Glanville, Commissioner of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, make the following guidelines. Dated 23 June 2026”
  16. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Amendment (Supported Independent Living) Guidelines 2026
    Opened 27 August 2026.“1 After Part 8 Insert: Part 8A — Module 5A: Assistance with supported independent living”
  17. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 7(5)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“the participant requires constant, or immediately available, person-to-person supports at all times during a day, or for a substantial portion of a day”
  18. Mandatory registration and transition pathways for supported independent living (SIL)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“What happens if I choose not to apply, or I haven't applied by 1 October 2026?”
  19. Mandatory registration and transition pathways for supported independent living (SIL)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“chose not to apply for registration, you will need to stop providing supported independent living supports”
  20. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“existing registered NDIS provider means a person or entity who was a registered NDIS provider immediately before 1 July 2026”
  21. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(2)(a)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“on or after the day (the transition day) on which the Commissioner makes a decision under subsection 73L(1) of the Act whether to vary”
  22. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 20(3) table item 15
    Opened 27 August 2026.“assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement (other than assistance with supported independent living)”
  23. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(3)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“the provider must comply with Schedule 7A, as inserted by Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the amending Rules”
  24. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“existing NDIS provider means a person or entity (other than a registered NDIS provider) who was an NDIS provider immediately before 1 July 2026”
  25. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(2)(b)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“if the provider of the support is an existing NDIS provider that, before 1 July 2026, had provided assistance with supported independent living”
  26. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(2)(b)(i)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“in the case that the provider makes an application, before 1 October 2026, under subsection 73C(1) of the Act”
  27. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(2)(b)(ii)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“otherwise—1 October 2026”
  28. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, s 32(2)(c)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“in any other case—on or after 1 July 2026.”
  29. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 3
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported to understand and make genuine decisions for themselves.”
  30. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 3
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is provided with accessible information, and decision-making support, about: (a) the supports and services delivered in their home; and (b) the supports and services delivered to enable them to access their community.”
  31. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72B(1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“This information is provided using the language, mode of communication and terms that the participant is most likely to understand.”
  32. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72B(2)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant's right to the dignity of risk in decision-making about the delivery of supports and services in their home and daily life is supported.”
  33. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72B(2)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“When needed, each participant is supported to make informed choices about the benefits and risks of the options under consideration about their home and daily life.”
  34. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72B(4)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Policies and procedures are in place to facilitate supported decision-making by workers.”
  35. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72B(5)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Relevant workers are trained, and have refresher training, in supported decision-making”
  36. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 4
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported to live in a safe, respectful and supportive home environment.”
  37. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 4
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported to have adequate safeguards in place to mitigate harm at home and when participants access their community.”
  38. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72C(2)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Policies and procedures are in place to balance and respect participants' dignity of risk in decision-making”
  39. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72C(3)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“ensuring workers are trained in de-escalation, trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support”
  40. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72C(6)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“requiring workers to collaborate with relevant providers and specialists to manage and mitigate risks in a person-centred and consistent manner”
  41. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72C(7)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Safeguarding approaches are implemented to address conflict, intimidation and harm between participants.”
  42. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72C(8)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Safeguarding approaches are regularly reviewed with participants and adjustments are made”
  43. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 5
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported in their home by workers that have the necessary training, knowledge and skills to support them.”
  44. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 5
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported by workers that have the knowledge of, and guidance to use, evidence-informed practices that: (a) are tailored to the participant's needs; and (b) enable the provision of safe and high quality supports.”
  45. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72D(1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“This includes appropriate mentoring, supervision and training for workers in relation to cultural safety and positive behaviour support.”
  46. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72D(3)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Workers are trained and assessed as competent in evidence-based practices including person-centred and trauma-informed practices, active support and supported decision-making”
  47. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72D(4)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Policies and procedures are in place that document a vision, values, objectives and strategies for the delivery of supports and services in the home”
  48. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72D(5)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is provided the opportunity and encouraged to participate in and make decisions about their home including who they live with.”
  49. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72D(5)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“This includes consultation with impacted participants before placing new tenants in the home and ensuring that participants are matched with co-tenants that they feel safe to live with.”
  50. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72D(6)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“All impacted participants are consulted to ensure emergency arrangements are coordinated, rehearsed and tailored to individual needs”
  51. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 6
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant who has a tenancy agreement with the provider is supported to understand how the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement interact with their service agreement with the provider.”
  52. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, Schedule 7A cl 6
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each such participant is supported by effective tenancy management and is able to exercise choice and control and their tenancy rights.”
  53. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Where a provider is delivering both assistance with supported independent living and tenancy to the same participant”
  54. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(4)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“participants can raise concerns about their supports and tenancy management without fear of retribution”
  55. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(6)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported to have a written service agreement in place”
  56. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(1)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“there are separate service and tenancy agreements”
  57. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(2)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“including that they are legally separate and that one is not contingent on the other”
  58. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(2)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“requiring workers to refer participants to access independent advocacy or legal assistance”
  59. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(3)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Policies and procedures are in place that detail how perceived or actual conflicts of interests are identified and managed”
  60. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(3)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“made available to participants in the language, mode of communication and terms which each participant is most likely to understand”
  61. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(5)(e)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“To have access to house keys and to have private spaces that are managed in accordance with their preferences and subject to paragraph (f).”
  62. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(5)(f)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“By not having any limits applied to their access or possessions, unless there is a behaviour support plan in place for the participant.”
  63. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(5)(i)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“To have a copy of their agreement as signed by the participant and the provider.”
  64. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(5)(i)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Where this is not practicable, a record is made detailing the circumstances in which the participant did not receive a copy”
  65. National Disability Insurance Scheme (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018, s 72E(6)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“Each participant is supported to have a written service agreement in place that set out the following matters”
  66. Supplementary module: Supported independent living (SIL)
    Opened 27 August 2026.“SIL Practice Standards: Evidence Guide for Providers and Workers”
  67. SIL Practice Standards: Evidence Guide for Providers and Workers, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
    Opened 27 August 2026.“The evidence guide for providers and workers outlines how providers demonstrate good practice”
  68. Apply for registration
    Opened 27 August 2026.“the responses in your application are specific to your organisation and are not a direct copy of purchased documents”
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