Introduction

Changing NDIS providers doesn’t mean starting from scratch. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of the NDIS is choice and control—you’re allowed to change providers any time during your plan.

But many participants worry:

• Will I lose my progress?
• Will I have to repeat assessments or therapy?
• Will there be a gap in services?

The good news is, with the right steps, you can change providers smoothly—without losing continuity or wasting precious time and funding.

This guide will walk you through:

• What to prepare before switching
• How to ensure a smooth handover
• Tips for participants, providers & coordinators
• How Assist Providers can help manage your transition

✅ Can I Change NDIS Providers Mid-Plan?

Yes.

You can change providers at any point in your plan, as long as you honour the terms of your Service Agreement (e.g., a 2-week notice period).

This applies whether you’re:

• Unhappy with services
• Wanting more specialised support
• Moving to a new location
• Needing more flexibility
• Or simply not clicking with staff

🔄 5 Steps to Change Providers Without Starting Over

1. Review Your Current Service Agreement

• Check notice periods
• Understand if there are exit procedures or final reporting requirements
• Prepare a brief, respectful notice of termination

2. Request a Handover Report or Progress Notes

This is essential! Ask your current provider to:

• Outline the progress made so far
• List tools, strategies, or routines already in place
• Share therapy plans or assessments done

These documents help your new provider pick up where the last one left off.

3. Choose Your New Provider Carefully

• Interview providers before signing a new agreement
• Ask how they handle transitions
• Request a trial period if possible

Need help choosing? Assist Providers offers tools and templates to compare services based on your needs.

4. Provide Copies of Your Reports, Goals & Previous Supports

Your new provider should know:

• What has/hasn’t worked
• Your current routines
• Any support strategies in use
• Your NDIS goals

This avoids duplicate work or unnecessary reassessments.

5. Update Your Support Team

Let your plan manager, support coordinator, and other providers know about the change so everyone stays aligned and informed.

🧩 Case Study: Emily, 15, Speech Therapy Transition

Emily had worked with a speech therapist for 9 months but needed someone with more experience in AAC (communication devices). Her mum worried switching would mean “starting again”.

With help from Assist Providers, they:

• Requested a final report and communication history
• Chose a new provider with AAC training
• Shared existing therapy materials and past goals

Emily’s new therapist began sessions without missing a beat—saving months of work.

🛑 Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Providers

🚫 Not giving notice per the agreement

🚫 Forgetting to request reports or handover notes

🚫 Not comparing provider specialisations

🚫 Letting communication drop with your wider team

🚫 Waiting too long—delays can disrupt support

🧰 How Assist Providers Can Help

✅ Provider comparison templates

✅ Email scripts for ending and starting service agreements

✅ Handover request templates

✅ Support coordination to manage the entire transition

✅ Staff training for smooth onboarding of new participants

We ensure participants don’t lose their progress—or their peace of mind—when changing providers.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Yes, you can absolutely change NDIS providers without starting over. With a solid handover and clear communication, your new provider can continue the work already in progress—not redo it.

Respect your time. Protect your funding. You’re in control.

Need help making the switch? Assist Providers is here to support you every step of the way.