If you are a Member considering your home and living options, you may be wondering whether NDIS in-home support or Supported Independent Living (SIL) is right for you.
Both options can help you with everyday life, but they are designed for different levels and patterns of support.
The biggest question is not simply, “Which one gives me more support?”
It is:
“Which option gives me the right support for the way I want to live?”
This guide compares the two options across support levels, living arrangements, daily assistance, overnight support, costs, flexibility, and independence.
NDIS in-home support vs SIL: What is the main difference?
The simplest distinction is how much support you need and how regularly you need it.
| In-home support | Supported Independent Living (SIL) | |
| Support level | Targeted support at particular times | Regular support or supervision throughout the day and overnight |
| Where you live | You can generally remain in your existing home | Often provided in shared living arrangements |
| Daily activities | Help with specific activities | Support across a broader range of daily activities |
| Overnight support | May be arranged where appropriate | Designed around 24/7 support or supervision |
| Independence | Helps you manage more independently at home | Helps you build and maintain independence with ongoing assistance |
| Housing costs | Your housing remains separate from your support | SIL pays for support, not rent or ordinary living costs |
The NDIS describes SIL as funding for support workers to help or supervise you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on your needs.
Every Member is different, so your support needs, goals, preferences and circumstances should guide your decision.
1. How much support do you need?
In-home support
In-home support may suit you if you can manage many parts of your day independently but need help with particular activities.
You might need support to:
- Get ready in the morning
- Shower or dress
- Prepare meals
- Complete household tasks
- Develop daily living skills
- Attend appointments
- Take part in community activities
You may only need a support worker at certain times.
SIL
SIL is generally for Members with higher support needs who require regular assistance or supervision at home.
You may need help with several daily activities, regular supervision for safety, or assistance at different times throughout the day.
In simple terms: if you need help at particular times, in-home support may be worth exploring. If you need regular support or supervision across much of your day, SIL may be more appropriate.
2. Where and how do you want to live?
In-home support
You can generally continue living where you currently live and arrange support around your needs.
You might live:
- On your own
- With family
- With a partner
- With housemates
Your support comes to you rather than requiring you to move into a particular living arrangement.
SIL
SIL is commonly delivered in shared homes where Members share some supports while having their own bedrooms and personal spaces.
However, SIL is about the support you receive, not simply the type of house you live in.
The NDIS considers your circumstances when determining whether SIL is suitable.
3. What help can you receive?
Both options can support everyday activities, but the frequency and structure of support can vary.
In-home support
Your support can focus on specific tasks.
For example:
Morning: personal care and getting ready
Afternoon: meal preparation or household tasks
Evening: personal care and preparing for bed
You may not need support between these periods.
SIL
SIL can provide more continuous support and supervision.
It may include assistance with:
- Personal care
- Cooking and meals
- Cleaning
- Daily routines
- Building living skills
- Personal safety
- Medication management
- Behaviour support plans
The aim is to provide the support you need while helping you maintain and develop your independence.
4. What about overnight support?
In-home support
If you only need assistance during certain parts of the day, scheduled in-home support may be enough.
If you need support overnight, consider it separately based on your individual needs, goals, and NDIS plan.
SIL
SIL is designed for Members who need some level of support or supervision 24/7.
Depending on your needs, this may involve different arrangements for overnight support.
Ask yourself: Do I need someone available because of my disability-related support needs overnight, or can I safely manage without ongoing assistance?
5. Which option supports your independence?
In-home support
You receive support with tasks that are difficult for you, while maintaining control over what you can manage independently.
For example, a support worker might help you prepare a meal while you choose what to cook, or support you as you learn a household task.
SIL
SIL can also focus on building independence.
This could include learning to:
- Prepare meals
- Follow daily routines
- Complete household tasks
- Manage personal routines
- Develop social skills
- Make choices about everyday life
The goal should be towards the support that helps you do more for yourself where you can, rather than support that takes over tasks unnecessarily.
6. What does in-home support vs supported independent living cost?
In-home support
Your funding needs will generally depend on the amount and type of assistance you require.
If you only need support for a few hours a week, your funding needs will look very different from someone who requires assistance every day.
NDIS pricing depends on the support and the circumstances in which it is delivered.
SIL
SIL generally involves more support because it is designed for Members who need regular assistance or supervision.
The cost can vary depending on factors such as the type and intensity of support, when and where it is delivered, and your individual requirements.
What costs do you still pay?
SIL funding does not pay your rent, groceries, or ordinary household bills.
You remain responsible for everyday living expenses such as:
- Rent
- Groceries
- Electricity, gas and water
- Telephone and internet
- Vehicle costs
- Other everyday expenses
When comparing, consider your whole cost of living, not just the amount of NDIS funding attached to your support.
7. Who may benefit from each option?
| You may want to explore in-home support if… | You may want to explore SIL if… |
| You manage much of your day independently | You need regular support throughout much of the day |
| You need help with specific activities | You need assistance with several daily activities |
| You like to continue living in your current home | You are considering a supported living arrangement |
| You do not need ongoing supervision | You need regular supervision for safety or daily activities |
| Your support needs occur at particular times | You have significant ongoing support needs |
| You want targeted assistance | You need a more comprehensive home-based support arrangement |
What if neither option seems right?
You do not have to choose between only two options.
If neither in-home support nor SIL feels like the right fit, Individualised Living Options (ILO) may be worth exploring.
ILO can give you more choice about where you live, who you live with, and how you are supported. It can be a flexible option if you want to create a living arrangement around your preferences, goals, and support needs.
If more choice and control over your living arrangement matters to you, ILO may offer a more personalised approach.
So, which is right for you?
When comparing SIL vs in-home support, start with your own life.
Ask yourself:
- How much help do I need each day?
- Which activities do I need help with?
- Do I need support overnight?
- Can I safely manage when a support worker is not there?
- Where do I want to live?
- Would I prefer to live alone, with family, or with other Members?
- What skills would I like to develop?
- What are my personal goals?
- What housing and everyday costs will I still need to pay?
- What regular rent, utility, and daily expenses will I be responsible for?
- Could my support needs change over time?
Your responses will give you a clear foundation when discussing your home and living choices with your NDIS provider.
Looking for SIL or in-home support in Western Australia?
At Cam Can, Members are at the heart of the support we provide.
We provide NDIS support services across Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River and Perth.
If you are considering SIL or in-home support, our team can talk through your needs, goals, and preferred way of living. If ILO better suits the way you want to live, it may be an option worth exploring as part of your broader home and living plan.
