Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible in their own home, with the right assistance around them.
If you or someone you love has a significant disability and needs daily help with tasks like cooking, personal care, or getting around the house, SIL might be exactly the answer you’ve been looking for.
This guide breaks it all down for you.
What Is Supported Independent Living?
Let’s answer the question people ask most: what is supported independent living? In simple terms, it’s a type of NDIS funding that pays for trained support workers to assist you with daily tasks while you live in your own home or shared accommodation. The goal isn’t to take over your life; it’s to provide the help you need so you can live it on your own terms.
SIL is specifically designed for NDIS participants who need significant, ongoing daily support. That might mean help getting out of bed in the morning, preparing meals, managing medications, or simply having someone nearby overnight in case something goes wrong.
Who Is Eligible for SIL Funding?
Not every NDIS participant will qualify for SIL. It’s generally available to people who:
- Have a significant or permanent disability
- Require daily support with personal care, household tasks, or daily living activities
- Are unable to live safely or independently without ongoing assistance
- Would benefit from shared or group living arrangements with professional support
Your Support Coordinator and Occupational Therapist will help determine whether SIL is the right fit and the level of support you actually need.
What Does SIL Cover?
This is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of SIL. Here’s exactly what’s included and what’s not:
What SIL covers:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Meal preparation and cooking assistance
- Help with household chores and cleaning
- Transport to appointments and community activities
- Medication management and prompting
- Overnight support and active overnight care
- Skill-building to increase independence
- Community participation assistance
What SIL does NOT cover:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries and personal food costs
- Electricity, gas, or internet bills
- Personal discretionary spending
- SDA housing costs (this is separate funding)
- Medical treatment or allied health
- Transport vehicles or mobility aids
Where Can You Use SIL Funding?
Many people assume Supported Independent Living applies only to group homes. In reality, SIL can be used across a wide range of settings:
- Shared or group accommodation (where support is spread across multiple residents)
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) properties
- Private rentals
- Your own home
- Department of Housing Properties
- Community housing arrangements
The living arrangement is something you choose and is based on your preferences, support needs, and what’s available in your area.
The Three Levels of SIL Support
Not everyone with SIL funding needs the same amount of help. The NDIS divides SIL into three support levels:
1. Lower Needs
Light supervision of daily living. Support is not necessarily available 24/7. Suitable for people who are largely independent but benefit from some guidance.
2. Standard Needs
Includes 24/7 support, active assistance or supervision for most daily tasks, plus overnight sleepovers. This is the most common level for people in shared homes.
3. Complex Needs
Intensive support for people who may have challenging behaviours, significant medical needs, or require constant active supervision day and night.
Note: Your level is determined through assessment, not assumption. The right professionals will work with you and your family to ensure your plan reflects your actual needs.
How Does the SIL Funding Process Work?
SIL works differently from most other NDIS supports. Rather than receiving a fixed dollar amount in your plan, the process unfolds step by step:
1. SIL approved in your NDIS plan
Your plan will show SIL as an approved support, but without a fixed dollar figure.
2. Support Coordinator assessment
Your Support Coordinator works with you to identify your support needs and suitable living options.
3. Allied health professionals assess your needs
Professionals such as Occupational Therapists assess the type of daily support you require.
4. SIL provider prepares a quote and roster of care
Your chosen provider submits a detailed “roster of care” to the NDIA. This is a document outlining exactly what support you and your housemates receive each week.
5. NDIA reviews and approves funding
The NDIA reviews and approves the funding based on the roster.
The good news? You don’t have to manage most of this yourself. A good SIL provider will handle the back-and-forth with the NDIA directly, making the process much simpler for you and your family.
SIL vs SDA: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion for families new to the NDIS.
SIL (Supported Independent Living) = The daily care and support services you receive to help you live independently.
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) = The physical, modified home or building designed for those with extreme functional needs.
You can have SIL without SDA (living in regular housing with support staff) or both SIL and SDA together (purpose-built home with a funded support team). The service you receive depends on your needs.
Smart Tips for Families Supporting a Loved One
Document Daily Needs Early
Keep a written record of all the support your loved one needs each day. This becomes powerful evidence during the SIL assessment process.
Ask Questions Freely
There are no silly questions when it comes to your loved one’s care. A good provider will welcome your curiosity and take the time to explain everything.
Visit Potential Homes
Always request a visit to any potential shared home before agreeing. Meet the support team, check the environment, and see how residents interact.
Keep the Person at the Centre
SIL is about what the participant wants. Their preferences, daily rhythms, and personal goals should always lead the conversation.
Start the Conversation Early
Don’t wait for a crisis. Starting the SIL conversation early gives you time to explore options without pressure and find the best fit.
Review Regularly
Needs change. Schedule regular check-ins with your Support Coordinator to ensure the current SIL support continues to meet your needs.
Your Next Step Toward Independent Living Starts Here
At Cam CAN, we don’t just provide services; we build real relationships and personalised support around each person’s goals, lifestyle, and independence.
If you’re exploring SIL for yourself or someone you care about, our team is here to guide you through the entire journey from understanding eligibility to finding the right home and support team.
Talk to Cam Can today to explore how our SIL service can open the door to a more confident, independent life.
FAQs
Can I choose who I live with in SIL shared accommodation?
In most cases, yes. A good SIL provider will take your preferences into account when matching you with housemates, considering lifestyle, interests, routines, and communication styles.
Can I switch SIL providers if I’m not happy?
Yes. Like any NDIS support, you have the right to change providers. There’s typically a notice period involved, but your plan and funding remain yours. Don’t stay in an arrangement that isn’t working.
Does SIL cover support through the night?
Yes. Standard and complex SIL funding can include overnight support, such as active overnight care, where a staff member remains awake throughout the night to assist you.
What happens to my SIL if my needs change?
NDIS plans are reviewed regularly. If your support needs increase or decrease, your SIL arrangement can be adjusted. Always inform your Support Coordinator promptly when your situation changes.
Do I need a Support Coordinator to access SIL?
Almost always, yes. It is very rare for a participant to receive SIL approval without Support Coordinator funding in their plan. Your Support Coordinator is essential to navigating the process successfully.
How long does it take to get SIL approved?
Timelines vary, but the process typically takes several weeks from initial assessment to approval. Working with an experienced SIL provider who manages NDIA correspondence directly can help speed things up.