How to change NDIS providers without losing supports
Reviewed by the My Care Link Australia Editorial Team · Last reviewed
You are allowed to change providers, and you do not need to justify it to anyone. The only real risk is a gap in support, and that is entirely avoidable if you line the new provider up before ending the old one.
Do it in this order
- Read your current service agreement and find the notice period — commonly two to four weeks.
- Find and confirm the new provider, including their actual start date for your days and times.
- Sign the new service agreement with a start date that overlaps the old one.
- Give written notice to the current provider, quoting the notice period.
- Ask the outgoing provider for handover information — routines, preferences, risks, equipment.
- Confirm the last shift and the first shift in writing with both providers.
- Check the final invoices from the old provider for anything unexpected.
The overlap is the whole trick. Ending first and searching second is how people end up with three weeks of no support.
Notice periods and exit fees
Your service agreement sets the notice period for both sides. Giving less notice than agreed can mean the provider claims for the notice period from your plan, so check the wording before you send anything.
If you are ending the agreement because of a safety concern or serious breach, notice terms may not apply in the same way — say clearly in writing why you are ending it, and raise it with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if it involves conduct.
What to write
Keep it short and factual. You do not owe a detailed explanation.
"I am writing to give notice to end our service agreement dated [date], in line with the [number] week notice period. My last day of service will be [date]. Please confirm in writing and send any final invoices. Please also provide handover notes covering my routines, equipment and any risks."
Send it by email so there is a record, and keep the reply.
Avoiding a gap in support
- Book the new provider's first shift before the old provider's last shift
- Ask the new provider to shadow one shift if the support is complex
- Transfer written information — medication routines, communication preferences, behaviour support plans
- Check equipment and keys are returned or handed over on a named date
- Tell your plan manager or support coordinator the changeover dates
Getting help with the switch
If you have a support coordinator, this is exactly what they are funded to do. If you do not, we can find providers with genuine capacity in your suburb so the overlap is possible — that part is free.
About this guide. Written and reviewed by the My Care Link Australia team as general information for NDIS and aged care participants, families and support coordinators. Read our editorial guidelines and provider review process.
This guide is general educational information only. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your individual situation, please speak with the appropriate qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change NDIS providers whenever I want?
Yes. You choose your providers. You do need to follow the notice period in your service agreement, and it is best to arrange the new provider before ending the old one.
How much notice do I need to give my NDIS provider?
Whatever your service agreement says — commonly two to four weeks. Giving less notice can mean the provider claims for the notice period from your plan.
Do I have to explain why I am leaving?
No. A short written notice quoting the notice period is enough.
Will I lose my supports while I switch?
Not if you overlap. Confirm the new provider's start date before giving notice to the current one.
What if the provider will not release my information?
Ask in writing for handover notes and your records. If the provider refuses, raise it with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Related services
NDIS Support Workers
Trained support workers for daily living, social activities and personal care.
NDIS Support Coordination
Help understanding and making the most of your NDIS plan.
NDIS Personal Care
Help with showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and daily personal hygiene.
NDIS Help at Home
Cleaning, gardening, meals, laundry and household tasks under your NDIS plan.
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Sources and further reading
Rules, funding amounts and wait times change. We check these primary sources when we update this page, and you should confirm current details directly with them.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. Official scheme information, eligibility and current processes.
- NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. The current price limits that govern what providers can charge.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission(opens in a new tab) — NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Provider registration, practice standards and complaints.
- NDIS Commission provider register(opens in a new tab) — NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Check whether a provider is registered.