What is Supported Independent Living in Disability?

If you or someone you care about lives with a disability and needs daily support to live independently, this guide is for you. We’ve written it to help older Australians and their families understand Supported Independent Living (SIL) - a vital support funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

SIL is not the same as residential aged care or a nursing home. Instead, it’s designed to help people with disabilities live in a home-like setting, with support that promotes independence and dignity.
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1. What is SIL in disability?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support that provides help from support workers for people with disability to live as independently as possible.

Supported Independent Living is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with disability live as independently as possible, with help from support workers in their day-to-day life. It is for NDIS participants with higher support needs who require significant assistance throughout the week. Funded under the Core Supports category of your NDIS plan, SIL can be accessed whether you live on your own or in shared accommodation with housemates.

Think of SIL as living in your own home (or a shared home) with trained staff helping you with things like personal care, cooking, cleaning, and medication, not as an institution, but as a place to live with support.
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2. Eligibility for SIL

To access SIL, several criteria need to be met:

1. You must be an NDIS Participant

SIL is only available to those with an approved NDIS plan. If you’re not yet on the NDIS, you can learn how to apply through the NDIS eligibility and access page.

2. Level of Support Required

SIL is generally approved for people who need high-level support throughout the day and night. This includes help with personal care, meal preparation, or medication management.

3. Housing and Accommodation Needs

You must have a demonstrated need for disability-friendly housing and shared or supported accommodation.

4. Functional Capacity Assessment

An assessment will be done (usually by an occupational therapist or support coordinator) to determine how much help you need and whether SIL is suitable for your goals.

5. Financial Contributions

While the NDIS covers the cost of support, you’ll still be responsible for personal expenses like rent, groceries, utilities, and entertainment.

For more information about funding responsibilities, see the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Limits.
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3. What Type of Support is Provided in SIL?

SIL is tailored to your needs and can include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Household tasks (cleaning, laundry, cooking)
• Community participation (social outings, appointments)
• Medication management
• Building independent living skills

Expenses Not Covered by SIL:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, phone)
• Food and groceries
• Entertainment or personal items
• Education-related supports

These are considered day-to-day living expenses that remain the responsibility of the participant.
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4. Where Does SIL Take Place?

SIL usually takes place in a shared home with 2–4 other NDIS participants, but depending on your needs, it can also happen in:

• Your own home
• Purpose-built specialist disability accommodation (SDA)
• Group homes with round-the-clock staffing

For more on housing types, visit the NDIS Housing and Living Supports.
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5. How Supported Independent Living Works

Here’s how SIL generally operates:

1. Shared Living Arrangement

Participants usually share a home with a small group of others, fostering companionship and a supportive environment.

2. 24/7 Support

Support workers are available around-the-clock, ensuring safety, comfort, and help whenever needed, including overnight.

3. Personalised Support Plans

Each resident has an individualised care plan built around their NDIS goals, preferences, and routines. This plan is reviewed regularly to ensure it's still right for you.
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6. Benefits of Supported Independent Living (SIL)

SIL offers more than just daily help. It opens doors to:

1. Greater Independence

You’ll have the freedom to make everyday choices - from what to eat to how to spend your day.

2. Skill Development

With consistent support, you can build life skills like cooking, budgeting, and managing your health.

3. Community and Belonging

Shared living helps you form friendships and enjoy social connection, key to emotional wellbeing.

4. Choice and Control

NDIS puts you in the driver’s seat. You can choose your provider, housemates, and even your routines.

5. Safety and Peace of Mind

With trained staff on hand and structured living, you and your family can rest assured you’re well supported.
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7. Questions to Ask Before Choosing SIL

Before moving into a SIL arrangement, it’s important to ask:

• What kind of support is provided and how often?
• Is support available 24/7?
• Who will I be living with?
• How flexible is the routine?
• Can I still see my family and stay connected to my community?
• Is the home near essential services like hospitals or transport?
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8. Simplifying NDIS & SIL Funds Management for SIL Providers

Supported Independent Living (SIL) enables people with disabilities to live independently, participate in the community, and reach their goals. But for providers, managing SIL funding under the NDIS can be complex and time-consuming.

How Does Imploy Help?

Imploy makes managing NDIS and SIL funding simple with smart tools designed for SIL providers:

• Smart Rostering - Assign tasks and participants to staff easily.
• Live Fund Tracking - Monitor spending in real time.
• Fast Claims - Align services with NDIS categories to reduce admin and errors.
• Compliance Made Easy - Keep documentation and audit trails in one place.
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Conclusion

Supported Independent Living gives people with disability the opportunity to live more independently while receiving the support they need. Whether it's help with daily tasks or overnight care, SIL is designed to create a stable, supportive environment tailored to each participant’s goals.

For providers, managing SIL services and funding can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Imploy simplifies everything from staff rostering to real-time budget tracking and NDIS compliance, so you can focus on delivering quality care with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I choose who I live with in SIL?
Yes, you can be involved in the process of choosing housemates that are a good fit for your lifestyle and needs.

Q: Is SIL only for younger people with disabilities?
No. SIL is available to NDIS participants of all ages, including older Australians who meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: What’s the difference between SIL and SDA?
SIL is the support you receive, while SDA is the type of home you live in. You can have SIL in SDA housing or other settings.

difference between NDIS and SIL

Q: Who helps me apply for SIL?
Your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you request SIL during your plan review.

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