Understanding NDIS home and living options can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to plan for safety, independence, and long-term support.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is often mentioned as an option, but many families, participants, and support coordinators are left with more questions than answers.
This guide is for people living with disabilities, parents and families (including those supporting newly diagnosed children), and NDIS support coordinators seeking a clear, practical explanation of Supported Independent Living (SIL).
It explains who SIL is designed for, how funding works, and what the process looks like from early conversations through to moving in.
The aim is to explain SIL in a simple way to reduce uncertainty and help you make informed decisions that align with individual goals and support needs.
What is Supported Independent Living Under the NDIS?
For many families, planning for the future brings important questions about safety, support, and independence.
Parents often wonder whether their child will be supported to live well as an adult, and how the right balance between help and independence can be achieved over time.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the NDIS Home and Living supports designed to meet these needs.
SIL is NDIS-funded support that provides assistance with daily living tasks for people who require higher or ongoing support to live safely in their own home or a shared living arrangement.
Rather than paying for the home itself, SIL funding is used to cover the cost of support workers who assist with everyday activities.
Moreover, if you’re exploring local options, you can learn more about Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Sydney and discover available homes and tailored supports near you.
SIL is most commonly provided to adults who need regular, and in many cases 24-hour, support due to their functional support needs.
This may include help with personal care, household tasks, routines, and supervision to maintain safety and wellbeing.
The focus of SIL is on enabling people to live as independently as possible, while ensuring the right level of support is in place.
Within the NDIS, SIL sits alongside other Home and Living options such as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Individualised Living Options (ILO).
Each option is designed for different circumstances, goals, and stages of life, and some participants may use a combination of these supports.
Learning about SIL for the first time can feel complex, particularly when funding decisions and long-term planning are involved.
This guide explains Supported Independent Living in clear, practical terms so you can understand how it works, who it’s designed for, and how to take the next steps with greater confidence.
How Supported Independent Living Works Under the NDIS
SIL is included in an NDIS plan when a participant needs ongoing support to live safely at home and develop everyday living skills.
The NDIS funds support workers to assist with daily tasks such as:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Meal planning and cooking
- Cleaning and household routines
- Medication prompts or supervision
- Support to attend appointments
- Community participation and social activities
Moreover, SIL support is usually provided 24 hours a day, or close to it. This may include a mix of:
- Active daytime support
- Evening support
- Overnight support (either active or sleepover, depending on need)
Importantly, SIL funding does not pay for the house itself. The home may be:
- A private rental
- A Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property
- Community or social housing
- A family-arranged property
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) assesses SIL based on whether it is reasonable and necessary, considering the participant’s functional capacity, safety needs, and goals.
For example, a SIL team might support someone to get ready in the morning, prepare meals together in the evening, manage medications, and develop routines that build independence over time.
Who is SIL For? (Eligibility and Suitability)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is generally designed for adults aged 18 and over who require regular or continuous support to live safely in their home.
It is most often used by people with higher or more complex daily support needs where in-home supports alone are not sufficient to maintain safety, routine, and wellbeing.
SIL may be suitable when a person needs structured, ongoing support across multiple areas of daily life rather than short visits or occasional assistance.
SIL may be appropriate if a person
- Needs frequent prompting or supervision during the day to complete daily tasks
- Requires overnight support to maintain safety, manage health, or behaviour-related risks
- Needs assistance with personal care, communication, or behaviour support
- Has limited informal supports available long term (for example, ageing parents or carers)
- Is working towards greater independence, but cannot live safely alone without structured, consistent support
Importantly, SIL is not based on diagnosis alone. The NDIS assesses eligibility based on functional capacity, daily support requirements, and safety needs, not disability labels.
Two people with the same diagnosis may have very different support needs, and SIL is considered on an individual basis.
When SIL May not be the Right Fit
SIL is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people may be better supported through alternative home and living arrangements, particularly if their support needs are lower or more flexible.
These options may include:
- In-home supports without SIL, where support is provided through scheduled visits
- Individualised Living Options (ILO), offering more flexible and personalised living arrangements
- A mix of informal supports and capacity-building services, focusing on skill development rather than ongoing supervision
SIL Suitability at a Glance
|
Support need or situation |
SIL may be suitable |
Another option may suit better |
|
Needs daily and overnight support |
✔️ |
|
|
Requires ongoing supervision for safety |
✔️ |
|
|
Lives well with a few support visits per day |
|
✔️ In-home supports |
|
Wants a highly flexible, personalised living setup |
|
✔️ ILO |
|
Has strong informal supports available |
|
✔️ Non-SIL options |
|
Needs structured routines and 24/7 availability |
✔️ |
|
Evidence Required to Support a SIL Request
To access SIL funding, the NDIA usually requires clear supporting evidence demonstrating why this level of support is reasonable and necessary. This may include:
- Functional Capacity Assessments outlining daily support needs
- Allied health reports (such as occupational therapy or psychology)
- Behaviour support plans, where relevant
These reports help explain how SIL supports safety, skill development, independence, and long-term stability, and why other support options may not adequately meet the person’s needs.
SIL Eligibility Under the NDIS (How Decisions are Made)
Supported Independent Living does not have a separate application or fixed eligibility criteria.
Instead, the NDIA determines whether SIL is appropriate based on a person’s functional capacity and support needs, not their diagnosis.
To be considered eligible for SIL, a person must:
- Be an NDIS participant (usually aged 18 or over)
- Require regular or ongoing daily support to live safely at home
- Be unable to maintain safety and routine with in-home supports alone
- Demonstrate that SIL is reasonable and necessary to achieve their NDIS goals
The NDIA assesses SIL eligibility using evidence such as:
- Functional Capacity Assessments
- Allied health reports
- Behaviour support plans (where relevant)
- Information about informal supports and future sustainability
There is no automatic entitlement to SIL, and approval depends on whether the NDIA agrees that SIL is the most appropriate home and living option compared to alternatives such as ILO or in-home supports.
What does SIL Support Include Day-to-Day?
Daily life in SIL looks different for every person, because support should align with individual goals, routines, and preferences.
Common SIL supports include:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Cooking meals and learning kitchen skills
- Grocery shopping and budgeting
- Cleaning and maintaining the home
- Attending appointments and activities
- Building communication and social skills
SIL is not only about assistance, but it is also about skill development. Support workers help people practise and strengthen:
- Independent living skills
- Decision-making
- Emotional regulation
- Travel and community participation
Overnight support may include:
- Sleepover staff for reassurance and safety
- Active overnight support for people with higher or complex needs
Choice and control remain central. Supports should reflect what matters to the person, not a rigid routine.
On a typical weekday in SIL, someone might prepare breakfast with support, attend a community activity, practise budgeting skills in the afternoon, and cook dinner together in the evening, building confidence through everyday experiences.
SIL vs SDA vs ILO – What’s the Difference?
SIL, SDA, and ILO are all part of the NDIS Home and Living supports, but they serve very different purposes.
Understanding the difference is important because many participants will be eligible for one, a combination, or none of these options, depending on their support needs, goals, and living preferences.
While these supports are often mentioned together, they fund different things, such as support, housing, or flexible living arrangements and are assessed separately by the NDIA.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides funding for daily support and supervision, not for the physical home itself.
It is designed for people who require regular or ongoing assistance to live safely and build independence at home.
SIL typically supports:
- Personal care and daily routines
- Skill development and independence
- Supervision to maintain safety
- Shared or individual living arrangements
SIL is commonly delivered in shared homes but can also be provided to people living alone.
It focuses on support workers, routines, and skill-building, rather than building.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provides funding for the physical housing designed for people with very high or complex support needs.
This may include accessible design, assistive technology, or specialised layouts.
SDA is assessed separately and does not require SIL. Many people receive SIL without SDA.
- Funds the building, not daily supports
- Is only available to a small percentage of NDIS participants
- Is often combined with SIL or other supports
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Individualised Living Options (ILO) offer a highly flexible, person-designed approach to living arrangements.
Instead of a roster-based model, ILO funding is tailored around how and where a person wants to live.
ILO focuses on choice, flexibility, and relationships, rather than structured rosters or shared staffing.
ILO may include:
- Living with a host or support family
- Living with friends or chosen housemates
- Creative, non-traditional living arrangements
SIL, SDA and ILO at a Glance
|
Feature |
SIL |
SDA |
ILO |
|
What it funds |
Support workers and daily assistance |
The physical home/building |
Flexible living supports |
|
Covers housing costs |
❌ No |
✔️ Yes (eligible participants only) |
❌ No |
|
Covers daily support |
✔️ Yes |
❌ No |
✔️ Yes |
|
Typical support model |
Roster-based, often 24/7 |
Housing only |
Flexible, personalised |
|
Common living setup |
Shared or individual homes |
Specialist-designed housing |
Host, friends, or tailored arrangements |
|
Often combined with |
SDA, ILO, in-home supports |
SIL |
SIL or informal supports |
Some participants receive both SIL and SDA, while others may combine SIL and ILO, depending on their needs and goals.
The most suitable option is determined through NDIS planning and Home and Living assessments, focusing on safety, independence, sustainability, and personal choice.
How SIL Funding Works in Your NDIS Plan
Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is included in an NDIS plan as part of Home and Living supports.
Unlike some other supports, SIL funding is individualised and based on how much assistance a person needs across a full day and night to live safely at home.
SIL is not automatically included in a plan. The NDIA considers SIL through a Home and Living assessment, where the focus is on whether this level of support is reasonable and necessary given the person’s functional capacity, support needs, and goals.
What the NDIA Looks at When Assessing SIL
When deciding whether to fund SIL, the NDIA typically considers:
- Functional capacity and daily support needs, including supervision and safety requirements
- Allied health evidence, such as occupational therapy, psychology, or behaviour support reports
- The person’s current living situation and whether existing supports are sustainable long-term
- The availability of informal supports, such as family or carers
- Whether SIL is the most appropriate option compared to alternatives like in-home supports or ILO
The decision is not based on diagnosis alone, but on how support needs impact daily life.
How SIL Funding is Calculated
If SIL is approved, funding is calculated using a Roster of Care. This is a structured plan that outlines:
- How many support workers are required across a 24-hour period
- When support is needed, including daytime, evening, and overnight
- Whether supports can be shared with housemates or must be provided individually
The Roster of Care helps the NDIA understand how support will be delivered in practice and ensures funding reflects actual needs rather than a fixed or standard package.
What SIL Funding Does and Does Not Cover
SIL funding only covers the cost of support staff, including:
- Assistance with daily living tasks
- Supervision to maintain safety
- Support to build independence and skills
SIL funding does not cover everyday living or housing costs, such as:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries and meals
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
- Personal expenses or leisure costs
Why SIL Funding Varies
SIL funding amounts vary significantly from person to person because:
- Support needs differ across individuals
- Some people require overnight or 24/7 support, while others do not
- Supports may be shared in a household or provided individually
Support coordinators play a critical role in this process by helping participants explore options, gather strong evidence, and ensure that SIL requests accurately reflect real support needs rather than assumptions.
Steps to Access SIL – From First Questions to Moving In
Accessing Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a staged process that usually takes time and planning.
- Clarify goals and supportneeds: Start by discussing what support is needed to live safely now and in the future, including daily routines, supervision, and long-term goals.
- Gather supportingevidence: Functional capacity assessments, allied health reports, and behaviour support plans (where relevant) help explain why SIL is appropriate.
- Planning or plan reviewmeeting: Home and living goals are discussed with the NDIA, linking support needs to safety, independence, and sustainability.
- NDIA assessment anddecision: The NDIA completes a Home and Living assessment. Timeframes vary, and additional evidence may be requested.
- Explore SIL providers andhomes: This may include meeting providers, viewing homes, and trial stays to support good matches.
- Finalise Service Agreement and move in: Supports are set up, routines are adjusted, and ongoing reviews help the person settle in.
Types of SIL Living Arrangements
Providers deliver Supported Independent Living (SIL) in different living arrangements based on a person’s support needs, preferences, and stage of life.
The focus is on creating a safe and supportive home environment while building independence.
Shared Homes
Shared SIL homes usually involve 2–4 NDIS participants living together with shared support workers.
This model can offer social connection, consistent routines, and 24/7 support, while allowing costs to be shared where appropriate.
Individual Arrangements
In individual SIL arrangements, a person lives alone in their own home and receives SIL support tailored to their needs.
This option may suit people who require regular or overnight support but prefer greater privacy or are not suited to shared living.
Combined Models
Some participants receive SIL alongside other supports, such as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Individualised Living Options (ILO), or additional clinical supports for complex health or behaviour needs.
These combined models allow supports to be tailored more closely to the person.
Different SIL arrangements suit different life stages and goals, from young adults moving out of the family home for the first time to older participants seeking stability, safety, and greater independence over time.
How SIL Builds Independence, Confidence and Quality of Life
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is about more than providing day-to-day assistance.
When delivered well, it creates an environment where people can build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging over time.
Through consistent support and predictable routines, SIL can help people develop:
- Increased confidence and self-belief, as everyday tasks become more familiar and achievable
- Stronger social connections, both within the home and in the wider community
- Greater autonomy in decision-making, including choices about routines, activities, and personal goals
- Meaningful participation in the community, such as work, education, volunteering, or social activities
Independence looks different for everyone. For some people, it may mean learning to prepare meals or manage personal care with less assistance.
For others, it may involve building communication skills, expressing preferences, or feeling safe enough to try new experiences.
SIL supports people to grow at their own pace, with the right balance of encouragement and safety.
Rather than doing things for someone, good SIL support focuses on doing things with them, supporting progress while respecting each person’s abilities, choices, and individuality.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a SIL Provider
Choosing a Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider is an important decision, as the quality of support can have a significant impact on safety, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes.
Taking the time to ask the right questions can help ensure the provider is a good fit for the person’s needs, goals, and preferences.
When exploring SIL providers, consider asking:
- What experience do you have with this person’s support needs?
- How are staff trained and supported?
- How do you promote choice and control?
- How are rosters designed and reviewed?
- How do you communicate with families?
- How are concerns or feedback handled?
Registered providers with strong governance, clear systems, and person-centred values are particularly important, especially as SIL regulation continues to strengthen across Australia.
Trust, transparency, and respectful partnerships should always be central to the support provided.
How Families and Support Coordinators Can Work Together on SIL
Strong and sustainable SIL outcomes are most likely when families, participants, and support coordinators work as a team.
Each role brings a different perspective, and all are important.
- The person’s goals and preferences should guide decisions about where and how they live.
- Families and carers often hold deep knowledge about routines, communication styles, and what supports safety and wellbeing.
- Support coordinators help navigate the NDIS system by gathering evidence, exploring home and living options, liaising with providers, and supporting planning conversations with the NDIA.
Open and respectful communication helps balance independence with safety, manage expectations, and support long-term planning.
When everyone stays focused on shared goals, SIL can become a positive and empowering step rather than a stressful one.
Next Steps – Is SIL the Right Fit for You?
Supported Independent Living can offer stability, skill development, and a genuine sense of home when it’s the right match for a person’s needs and goals.
Like any major life decision, it’s okay to take time, ask questions, and explore options before moving forward.
If you think SIL may be suitable for you or someone you support, starting with a conversation can help clarify what’s possible and what the next steps might look like.
Gathering information early can make future planning feel more manageable.
If you’d like to talk through SIL options, our team can walk alongside you, explain each step clearly, and help you explore suitable homes and supports at your pace and on your terms.
