Have you ever wondered what questions come up most often in the NDIS sector — and what the answers actually mean for you?
National Disability Services (NDS) recently shared key clarifications from their helpdesk this April 2026. Two topics stand out as particularly useful for NDIS participants, families, and support coordinators to be aware of.
First, around Supported Independent Living (SIL) — that’s funded support for people who need help at home or in shared accommodation. According to NDIA guidance reported by NDS, the cost of shadow shifts (where a new support worker observes an existing worker to learn a participant’s needs) is already included in the standard SIL hourly rate. This means providers are not able to charge separately for shadow shifts on top of the usual rate.
Second, on emergency planning: support coordinators are not automatically required to create a personal emergency plan for every participant they work with — particularly because support coordination is often delivered remotely. However, NDS notes that coordinators are expected to have conversations with participants about emergency planning and to help make sure a plan exists with the relevant providers who support that person day-to-day. If you’re an NDIS participant or family member, this is a good reminder to ask your support team: “Do I have an emergency plan in place?”
These are sector-level clarifications reported by NDS — not personal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, we recommend speaking with your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or allied health provider.
Do you have questions about how your NDIS supports are being delivered? We’re always happy to have a conversation — feel free to reach out to the Care For Welfare team.
