Supported Independent Living (SIL) Explained: Eligibility, Costs, and Daily Life

  • October 02, 2025

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For many NDIS participants, achieving independence and living in a safe, supportive environment is a major goal. That’s where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. If you or a loved one is considering SIL, you may be asking:

  • What exactly is SIL under the NDIS?
  • Who is eligible for SIL funding?
  • How much does SIL cost, and what does NDIS cover?
  • What is daily life like in a SIL home?

This guide will answer those questions and more, giving you the clarity you need to make informed decisions.

1. What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of NDIS-funded support that helps participants live as independently as possible while still receiving daily assistance.

It usually applies to people who live in shared homes, group homes, or supported accommodation, but it can also apply to individual arrangements.

SIL covers the support workers’ time, not the cost of rent, groceries, or utilities. It focuses on helping with:

  • Personal care (showering, dressing, medication)
  • Daily household tasks (cooking, cleaning, laundry)
  • Skill-building for independence (budgeting, using public transport)
  • Overnight supervision (where needed)
  • Support with appointments and community access

Important note: SIL is different from Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA is about the bricks and mortar (the physical property). SIL is about the people and supports inside the home.

2. Who is eligible for SIL under the NDIS?

SIL is designed for participants who have higher support needs. Not everyone with an NDIS plan will be approved for SIL funding.

The NDIS generally considers SIL funding if:

  • You need daily support and supervision to live safely.
  • You would not be able to live alone, even with drop-in support.
  • You need overnight support (active or passive).
  • Your disability significantly impacts your ability to perform daily living tasks independently.

During your planning meeting, you’ll need to provide:

  • Evidence from occupational therapists, doctors, or allied health professionals.
  • Reports showing why SIL is the “reasonable and necessary” support for you.
  • Details about your current living situation and why it is unsuitable without SIL.

The NDIA assesses requests using a SIL Quoting Tool and may ask providers to submit a Roster of Care showing what supports are needed each day.

3. How much does SIL cost?

The cost of SIL varies depending on:

  • The level of support you need (e.g. 24/7, only some hours, overnight support).
  • Whether supports are shared among multiple residents in a home.
  • The location and type of accommodation.

What NDIS covers:

  • Wages for support workers.
  • Supervision and assistance with daily tasks.
  • Overnight and weekend support, where necessary.

What NDIS does not cover:

  • Rent or mortgage payments.
  • Utilities (electricity, water, internet).
  • Groceries, personal spending, or non-disability-related expenses.

SIL funding is written into your plan as a separate support budget under “Core Supports Assistance with Daily Living.”

4. Daily life in a SIL home

So, what’s it actually like to live in Supported Independent Living?

Every SIL home looks a little different depending on residents, staff, and routines, but most participants experience:

  • Morning support: Help with waking up, personal care, taking medication, and preparing breakfast.
  • Daytime routines: Assistance with household chores, meal prep, appointments, or attending community activities.
  • Skill-building opportunities: Support workers encourage residents to do as much as they can independently, gradually building confidence and skills.
  • Evening support: Help with dinner, social activities, and winding down.
  • Overnight support: Either active (staff awake and monitoring) or passive (staff nearby if needed).

Many SIL homes also provide opportunities for:

  • Social connection with housemates.
  • Recreational activities (movies, outings, sports).
  • Developing routines that balance independence with support.

The goal is always to increase independence, not to do everything for the participant.

5. Benefits of SIL

Choosing SIL can have life-changing benefits for participants and families:

  • Greater independence: Participants learn and practice life skills.
  • Safety and stability: Trained staff available when needed.
  • Social inclusion: Living with others can reduce isolation.
  • Family relief: Parents or carers get peace of mind knowing their loved one has 24/7 support if required.
  • Personal choice: Participants can often choose their home, housemates, and providers.

6. How to apply for SIL funding

  1. Talk to your Support Coordinator: They’ll guide you through the SIL process.
  2. Gather evidence: Reports from allied health professionals outlining your daily support needs.
  3. Provider quotes: A provider will submit a SIL quote and Roster of Care to the NDIA.
  4. NDIA decision: The NDIA will decide if SIL is “reasonable and necessary” and add it to your plan.
  5. Choose your provider & sign agreements: Once approved, you can select your SIL provider and move into a supported home.

7. Frequently asked questions about SIL

Do I have to live in a group home to access SIL?
 No. While many SIL arrangements are in shared homes, some participants receive SIL in private rentals or family homes.

Can I choose my housemates?
 Yes, where possible. Providers often try to match participants with similar interests, routines, and lifestyles.

Is SIL permanent?
 Not necessarily. SIL is reviewed at each plan review and may be adjusted as your needs change.

Can I change SIL providers?
 Yes. You can change providers if you’re not happy with the services, although notice periods may apply.

8. Final thoughts

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a vital NDIS support for participants who need higher levels of daily assistance. It provides not just safety and support, but also the opportunity to develop independence, connect socially, and live with dignity.

If you believe SIL could be right for you, the next step is to:

  • Speak with your Support Coordinator,
  • Gather professional reports, and
  • Explore SIL providers in your area.

With the right SIL arrangement, independence is not just a dream, it’s achievable.

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