What should I do if I feel unsafe, harmed or neglected in my NDIS support?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 first. For serious concerns — physical, financial, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse, unauthorised restraint, or neglect — you can report directly to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544, and you are legally protected from being punished for speaking up.
Last reviewed 24 September 2026 · Source: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
In an emergency, call 000 first
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. To report abuse, neglect or feeling unsafe, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544. Safety comes before any complaint process.
Something worth thinking about
If a friend described to you exactly what you are experiencing, would you tell them it was “probably fine” — or would you want them to get help today?
What you have a right to expect
- To be safe from abuse, neglect and unauthorised restraint.
- To report serious concerns directly to the NDIS Commission.
- Legal protection from being punished for raising a concern.
- Support from independent advocates and, in an emergency, 000.
What you can do
- 1
Get to safety first
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 now. Nothing below matters more than immediate safety.
- 2
Report to the Commission
Serious concerns can go directly to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 — you do not have to go through the provider first.
- 3
Reach out for support
A trusted person or a free independent advocate can help you take the next step and stay safe.
- 4
Keep any records you safely can
Where it is safe to do so, note what happened. Your safety always comes before gathering evidence.
Need a replacement provider? Post once — let them come to you.
If you decide to change providers, you can post one free MyCareMatch request. Providers who serve your area and support type respond, and you choose who to talk to. We never rank or recommend providers.
Takes about 2 minutes · No obligation · You choose who you hear from
What the data shows
The most serious concerns are most often reported in supported independent living (SIL) and specialist disability accommodation (SDA) settings.
Last reviewed 24 September 2026 · Source: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The escalation pathway
You are legally protected from being punished for raising a concern.
1. Start with your provider
Every registered provider must give you a clear, accessible way to raise a concern and handle it fairly and promptly. Put the key points in writing and keep a copy.
2. Contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
If it is not resolved, or you would rather not go to the provider, you can contact the Commission on 1800 035 544 or through its website. You are legally protected from being punished for making a complaint.
3. Ask an independent advocate for support
A free, independent disability advocate can help you understand your options and speak up. You do not have to do this on your own.
4. Call 000 in an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 first. Safety comes before any complaint process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my provider before reporting serious harm?
No. Serious concerns such as abuse or neglect can be reported directly to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission — you do not have to raise them with the provider first. In an emergency, call 000.
Can I get in trouble for reporting?
No. You are legally protected from being punished for making a complaint or raising a concern in good faith. If you are worried about repercussions, an independent advocate can support you.
Related concerns & free support
- A worker who treated you poorly — Respect, the Code of Conduct, and how to report conduct.
- How to make a complaint — The step-by-step pathway, from provider to Commission.
- Support that doesn’t match your plan — When quality or worker skills fall short of what you need.
- Get matched with available providers free — Post one request and let providers with genuine availability come to you.
Still weighing up what to do?
Talk it through with Maya, or post one free request and let available providers come to you. You always choose — we never rank or recommend providers for you.