NDIS portability means you can move anywhere in Australia and keep your NDIS plan. The NDIS is a national scheme, so your funding and supports transfer with you whether you move from NSW to Victoria, Queensland to Western Australia, or anywhere in between.

This guide explains how to notify NDIA of your move, transfer providers, maintain continuity of supports, update your plan, and navigate differences between states and territories.

What is NDIS Portability?

Portability is the ability to move between states and territories while maintaining your NDIS plan and funding.

Key points:

  • Your NDIS plan continues when you move
  • Your funding amount stays the same (until next review)
  • You transfer to a new LAC in your new location
  • You need to find new providers (unless telehealth or providers operate in both locations)
  • No need to re-apply for NDIS access

Temporary vs Permanent Moves:

Permanent move:

  • Your address updates permanently
  • Transfer to new LAC/ECPC
  • Establish ongoing providers in new location

Temporary move:

  • Short-term relocation (e.g., 3-6 months)
  • May keep existing LAC
  • May use mix of telehealth and temporary local providers
  • Address updated temporarily

Before You Move: Planning Checklist

4-8 Weeks Before

1. Research your new location

  • NDIS provider availability in new area
  • Market conditions (thin market vs established providers)
  • Housing accessibility
  • Community services and facilities
  • Healthcare services (GPs, specialists, hospitals)

2. Notify NDIA

  • Call 1800 800 110 or update myplace portal
  • Provide expected move date
  • Give new address (even if temporary accommodation initially)
  • Ask to be transferred to LAC in new location

3. Inform current providers

  • Give notice (check service agreements for requirements)
  • Arrange final appointments
  • Request final progress reports
  • Ask for provider recommendations in your new area

4. Contact Support Coordinator (if you have one)

  • They can assist with transition
  • Help find new providers
  • Coordinate handover
  • Ensure continuity of supports

2-4 Weeks Before

1. Find new providers

  • NDIS Provider Finder (ndis.gov.au)
  • Contact providers in new location
  • Check availability and waitlists
  • Start onboarding processes

2. Arrange housing and accessibility

  • Ensure new accommodation is accessible
  • Arrange NDIS home modifications (if needed)
  • Plan for equipment transport (wheelchairs, hoists, etc.)

3. Transfer medical and specialist care

  • Find new GP, specialists, allied health
  • Request medical records transfers
  • Arrange repeat prescriptions
  • Book initial appointments post-move

4. Plan for moving day supports

  • Who will assist on moving day?
  • Transport arrangements (accessible vehicle?)
  • Support workers for packing/unpacking (funded under NDIS if disability-related)

1 Week Before

1. Confirm all arrangements

  • New providers confirmed and start dates scheduled
  • LAC handover complete
  • Moving support booked
  • Accommodation ready

2. Pack essential NDIS items separately

  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Assistive technology (communication devices, mobility aids)
  • NDIS plan and important documents
  • Contact details for NDIA, new LAC, new providers

3. Update all contact details

  • NDIA, Centrelink, Medicare
  • Providers, GPs, specialists
  • Family and emergency contacts

How to Notify NDIA of Your Move

Timeline: Notify at least 14 days before moving (more notice is better).

Method 1: Phone

Call NDIA: 1800 800 110

Tell them:

  • Your name and NDIS number
  • You’re moving interstate
  • New address
  • Expected move date
  • Whether permanent or temporary

NDIA will:

  • Update your address
  • Transfer you to new LAC/ECPC in new location
  • Update your plan records
  • Confirm contact details

Method 2: myplace Portal

Log in: myplace.ndis.gov.au

Update:

  • Personal details
  • Address
  • Contact information

Notification: NDIA will be notified automatically and follow up.

Method 3: Through Your LAC or Support Coordinator

Inform them of your move.

They will:

  • Notify NDIA on your behalf
  • Assist with transition planning
  • Coordinate handover to new LAC

Transferring to a New LAC or Early Childhood Partner

When you move, NDIA assigns you a new LAC (or Early Childhood Partner if your child is under 9) in your new location.

What to Expect

1. New LAC will contact you

Usually within 2-4 weeks of move.

They will:

  • Introduce themselves
  • Review your current plan
  • Discuss your new circumstances
  • Help you find local providers
  • Answer questions about local NDIS services

2. Handover from previous LAC

Your previous LAC should:

  • Provide summary to new LAC
  • Share relevant notes and context
  • Ensure continuity of understanding

You can help by:

  • Providing any updates or changes
  • Sharing what’s working and what’s not in your current plan
  • Explaining your priorities in new location

3. Next plan review

At your next scheduled review, new LAC will:

  • Conduct planning meeting
  • Consider your new circumstances (cost of living, housing, community access)
  • Develop new plan based on your current environment

Finding New Providers in Your New Location

Challenge: You need to establish new supports in unfamiliar area.

Step 1: Use NDIS Provider Finder

Website: ndis.gov.au/find-provider

Search by:

  • Support type (personal care, therapy, etc.)
  • Location (suburb or postcode)
  • Registration status
  • Provider name

Filter for:

  • Providers with current availability
  • Experience with your disability type
  • Language or cultural preferences

Step 2: Ask for Recommendations

Who to ask:

  • New LAC
  • Previous providers (if they have networks interstate)
  • Local disability organizations
  • Other participants (Facebook groups, local meetups)

Step 3: Contact Multiple Providers

Questions to ask:

  • Do you have availability?
  • Waitlist timeframes?
  • Experience with my needs/disability?
  • Services you offer?
  • Pricing (should be within NDIS price guide limits)

Expect:

  • Some providers will have waitlists
  • May take 4-8 weeks to establish services
  • Thin markets (regional/remote) may have very limited options

Step 4: Start Services

Onboarding process:

  • Provider registration (ID, NDIS plan, service agreements)
  • Initial assessment or meeting
  • Schedule regular supports
  • Establish communication and feedback processes

Maintaining Continuity of Care

Goal: Minimize gaps in essential supports during transition.

Strategy 1: Overlap Services

Timing:

  • Keep current providers for final appointments before move
  • Start new providers as soon as possible after move
  • Aim for minimal gap (ideally 1-2 weeks maximum)

Example:

  • Final OT session in old state: Week of move
  • First OT session in new state: 1-2 weeks post-move
  • Total gap: 2-3 weeks

Strategy 2: Telehealth During Transition

Some supports can continue via telehealth:

  • Psychology
  • Support coordination
  • Some therapy consultations
  • Plan management

Advantages:

  • No gap in service
  • Continuity with familiar provider
  • Time to establish local providers

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for hands-on supports
  • Technology and connectivity required
  • Time zone differences (if applicable)

Strategy 3: Intensive Setup Period

Allocate time post-move for:

  • Multiple initial provider appointments
  • Equipment setup and adjustment
  • Home modification assessments (if needed)
  • Establishing routines

NDIS can fund:

  • Additional support coordination during transition
  • Initial assessments by multiple providers
  • Setup and training on equipment in new environment

Strategy 4: Emergency/Crisis Supports

If essential supports fall through:

  • Contact new LAC immediately
  • Request emergency funding for short-term supports
  • Access crisis services if needed
  • NDIA must ensure continuity of reasonable and necessary supports

Special Considerations for Interstate Moves

Home Modifications

If you’ve had home modifications funded in previous state:

Renting:

  • Modifications stay with rental property (unless removable)
  • May need new modifications in new rental
  • NDIS can fund modifications in new property

Owning (sold previous home):

  • Modifications don’t transfer
  • May need new modifications in new home
  • NDIA will consider at next review or unscheduled review if urgent

Removable modifications:

  • Portable ramps
  • Some grab rails
  • Adjustable equipment

NDIS may fund:

  • Transport and reinstallation of removable modifications
  • New modifications if not portable

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

If you’re in SDA and moving interstate:

Process:

  1. Notify SDA provider of intent to move
  2. Work with Support Coordinator to find SDA in new location
  3. NDIS SDA funding continues
  4. May need to wait for vacancy in new state
  5. Transition planning critical (housing very limited)

Challenge: SDA is scarce; interstate moves may involve waitlists.

Support: Specialist SDA coordinators can assist with interstate SDA searches.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

If you’re in SIL:

Similar process to SDA:

  • Find SIL provider in new state
  • SIL funding continues
  • May need to exit current SIL arrangement
  • New provider onboarding and assessment

Challenges:

  • Limited SIL availability in some regions
  • Matching to appropriate housemates
  • Transition can take 3-6+ months

School-Aged Children

If your child has NDIS and attends school:

Considerations:

  • Enrolling in new school
  • Transferring student support plans
  • Finding new therapists who can liaise with school
  • Possible differences in school inclusion support between states

NDIS role:

  • Funds disability-specific supports (not education itself)
  • Can fund therapists to attend school meetings
  • Aids and equipment for school use

Education department role:

  • Curriculum access and adjustments
  • Teacher aides (if government-funded)
  • School-based supports

State-Specific Services and Concessions

Some services and concessions are state-based:

Transport concessions:

  • Companion Card (different schemes by state)
  • Public transport disability concessions
  • Taxi subsidy schemes

Health services:

  • State-based health programs
  • Hospital services
  • Ambulance services

Disability services:

  • State-funded programs (different by state)
  • Advocacy organizations
  • Community programs

Research your new state’s disability services to understand what’s available beyond NDIS.

State and Territory Differences

Provider Markets

Well-serviced areas:

  • Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide)
  • Established provider markets
  • Multiple providers to choose from
  • Shorter waitlists

Thin markets:

  • Regional and remote areas
  • Northern Territory, Tasmania (smaller populations)
  • Limited provider choice
  • Longer waitlists
  • May need to travel for specialist supports

Cost of Living Impacts

Pricing:

  • NDIS price guide is national (same prices everywhere)
  • But cost of living varies by state/city

Impact:

  • Accommodation costs differ significantly (Sydney vs Hobart)
  • Transport costs vary
  • Your NDIS funding buys different amounts depending on location

Plan review:

  • At next review, NDIA considers local costs
  • May adjust plan if costs significantly different

State-Based Restrictive Practices Regulation

If you have restrictive practices in your plan:

Each state has different regulatory systems:

  • NSW: Behavior Support Panel
  • Victoria: Senior Practitioner
  • Queensland: NDIS Commission + Public Guardian
  • Other states: various systems

When you move:

  • Notify current authorizing body
  • Apply for authorization in new state
  • May need updated behavior support plan
  • Transition period while authorizations transfer

Temporary Moves vs Permanent Moves

Temporary Moves (3-6 months)

Examples:

  • Extended family visit
  • Seasonal relocation (escaping heat/cold)
  • Trial move before permanent decision
  • Temporary work or study

NDIS approach:

  • Update address temporarily
  • May keep existing LAC
  • Find temporary local providers
  • Use telehealth where possible
  • Return to previous providers when back

Notify NDIA:

  • Temporary move duration
  • Temporary address
  • Return date (if known)

Permanent Moves

Examples:

  • Relocating for work
  • Family reasons
  • Better climate or lifestyle
  • Housing availability

NDIS approach:

  • Permanent address update
  • Transfer to new LAC
  • Establish permanent providers
  • Update plan at next review to reflect new circumstances

Notify NDIA:

  • Permanent move
  • New address
  • No return date

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Provider Waitlists in New Location

Solution:

  • Start provider search 2-3 months before move
  • Use telehealth for interim period
  • Request support coordination to help find providers
  • Consider adjacent suburbs or nearby towns
  • Ask new LAC about market facilitation options

Challenge 2: No Suitable SDA/SIL in New State

Solution:

  • Start searching 6-12 months before move
  • Work with specialist housing coordinator
  • Consider temporary accommodation while waiting for suitable SDA/SIL
  • Explore other housing options (private rental with modifications)

Challenge 3: Different State Regulations (Restrictive Practices, Guardianship)

Solution:

  • Research new state’s systems before move
  • Notify relevant authorities
  • Get legal/advocacy advice if complex
  • Allow extra time for regulatory transfers

Challenge 4: Family/Support Network Left Behind

Solution:

  • Use technology to stay connected
  • Build new community connections gradually
  • Access peer support groups in new area
  • NDIS can fund community participation supports to help integrate

Challenge 5: Moving to Thin Market (Limited Providers)

Solution:

  • Lower expectations for provider choice
  • Be flexible on appointment times
  • Utilize telehealth more
  • Advocate to NDIA for market development
  • Consider whether move is feasible given support limitations

Your Rights During Interstate Moves

You have the right to:

  • Continue your NDIS plan when moving
  • Same funding level (until next review)
  • Support to find new providers
  • Continuity of essential supports
  • Request unscheduled review if circumstances significantly change

NDIA responsibilities:

  • Update your records promptly
  • Transfer you to new LAC
  • Ensure reasonable and necessary supports continue
  • Consider your new environment at next review

If issues arise:

  • Contact NDIA to resolve
  • Lodge complaint if necessary
  • Request unscheduled review if plan no longer meets needs
  • Seek advocacy support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to a remote area and keep my NDIS plan?

Yes, but be aware that remote areas often have very limited providers. You may need to rely heavily on telehealth, travel long distances for appointments, or have providers fly in for periodic visits (which can be expensive and reduce the number of service hours your funding covers). Research provider availability before committing to remote moves.

What if my current provider can deliver services in my new state?

Some providers operate in multiple states or offer telehealth. If your current provider can continue supporting you in your new location, you can maintain that relationship. However, some supports (personal care, hands-on therapy) usually require local providers.

Will moving to a cheaper city mean I get more services?

Not necessarily. NDIS pricing is national, so a therapy session costs the same in Sydney and Adelaide. However, if your new city has lower accommodation costs, you may have more disposable income. Your NDIS plan funding itself doesn’t automatically change based on cost of living.

Yes. Interstate moves require updating:

  • Centrelink (address, transfer to new office)
  • Medicare (address)
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Electoral roll
  • Driver’s license (transfer to new state)
  • Vehicle registration

These are separate from NDIS notifications.

Can I move multiple times and keep my NDIS plan?

Yes. There’s no limit to how many times you can move. Your NDIS plan is portable across all moves. However, frequent moves may disrupt continuity of supports and relationships with providers. At each move, notify NDIA and re-establish providers.

What happens if I move overseas temporarily?

NDIS does not operate overseas. If you move overseas temporarily (e.g., 6-month trip), your NDIS plan is suspended while you’re out of Australia. You cannot use NDIS funding for supports overseas. Upon return, your plan resumes. Notify NDIA before leaving and upon return.

Key Takeaways

NDIS is portable:

  • Your plan continues when moving anywhere in Australia
  • Funding stays the same until next review
  • No need to re-apply for access

Notify NDIA:

  • At least 14 days before moving (more is better)
  • Update address in myplace or call 1800 800 110
  • Specify permanent or temporary move

Find new providers:

  • Use NDIS Provider Finder
  • Start searching 2-3 months before move
  • Expect 4-8 weeks to establish services
  • Thin markets may have limited options

Plan for continuity:

  • Overlap services where possible
  • Use telehealth during transition
  • Request support coordination if needed
  • NDIA must ensure continuity of reasonable and necessary supports

Transfer to new LAC:

  • NDIA assigns new LAC in your new location
  • LAC will contact you within 2-4 weeks
  • They help you navigate local NDIS services

Your rights:

  • Keep your NDIS plan
  • Same funding level
  • Support to find providers
  • Complain if issues arise

Moving interstate with NDIS requires planning, but the scheme’s portability ensures you can relocate for work, family, lifestyle, or other reasons while maintaining your supports. Start early, communicate with NDIA and providers, and allow time for transitions to ensure a smooth move.