What is Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS?
MTS support worker with participant in Supported Independent Living home in Melbourne
What SIL Is and Why It Matters
For many Australians living with disability, the right support at home makes the difference between simply getting by and living with confidence, dignity, and independence. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with high support needs live more independently in their homes.
SIL providers across Australia offer services that are often based in shared living arrangements, although in some cases SIL can also apply to individual homes. The funding covers support workers who assist with daily activities, personal care, and skill development. It does not cover day-to-day living costs such as rent, groceries, or utilities.
The goal of SIL is not just to provide care but to build skills, confidence, and independence in a safe, supportive environment where participants are encouraged to connect with their community.
What SIL Includes
SIL services are tailored to each person’s needs and goals but generally include:
Personal Care: Assistance with hygiene, grooming, and getting dressed.
Household Management: Support with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping.
Skill Development: Building daily routines, managing money, developing social skills, and learning to live well with others.
Mobility & Medication Support: Help with moving safely around the home and managing medications.
Community Access: Encouragement and support to join social, cultural, or recreational activities in the local community.
What SIL Does Not Include
It’s important to understand what SIL does not cover:
Living Expenses: Rent, groceries, and personal spending.
Utilities: Household bills such as electricity, gas, and water.
Accommodation Costs: The physical property or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are funded separately.
Who Can Access SIL?
To be eligible for SIL, you must:
Have a permanent disability (physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial) that significantly affects your daily living.
Require 24/7 support or high levels of supervision for safety and wellbeing.
Have this support included in your NDIS plan after assessment by a planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
During the NDIS planning process, your support needs are assessed. If SIL is considered reasonable and necessary, funding is allocated to cover support worker hours and related assistance.
Difference Between SIL and SDA
The terms SIL and SDA are often mentioned together, but they fund very different parts of support.
Supported Independent Living (SIL): Covers daily care, assistance, and skill development — is the HOW.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Funds the housing itself — a dwelling purpose-built or modified homes for people with significant functional impairments — is the WHERE.
For example, someone with quadriplegia may live in an SDA property with wheelchair accessibility, while SIL funding ensures they have support workers for personal care, meals, and medications. Together, SIL and SDA can provide a safe, functional, and empowering living arrangement.
The Benefits of SIL
Beyond practical care, SIL offers many life-changing benefits, including:
Greater Independence: Learn and maintain essential daily living skills.
Social Connection: Opportunities to live with others and participate in community activities.
Confidence & Safety: Supportive environments that reduce risks and build trust.
Reduced Family Stress: Families and carers gain peace of mind knowing professional support is available.
Long-Term Growth: Develop routines and life skills that prepare participants for more independence in the future.
FAQs About SIL
Does SIL funding cover food and bills?
No, SIL only funds the cost of support. Living costs like rent, food, and utilities are separate.
Can I choose who I live with?
Yes, participants are involved in choosing their living arrangements and housemates to ensure a good match.
Can SIL be used if I live alone?
In some cases, yes. If you have very high support needs, SIL may be approved for a single-person household.
What’s the difference between 24/7 active support and sleepover support?
Active overnight support means a worker is awake and available at all times. Sleepover support allows a worker to rest but be available if needed during the night.
More Than Support: SIL in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs
At More Than Support, we are proud to provide high-quality Supported Independent Living services in modern, comfortable homes located primarily across Melbourne’s western suburbs.
What makes us different?
Tailored Housing Solutions: Matching your preferences, goals, and funding.
Safe, High-Quality Homes: All properties meet NDIS safety and accessibility standards.
Smooth Transition Support: Property tours, housemate introductions, and relocation planning.
24/7 Personalised Care: Experienced support staff available day and night, including both active and sleepover options.
Support Worker Matching: We listen to your preferences and encourage ongoing feedback.
Personalised Support Plans: Developed collaboratively with regular reviews to meet changing needs.
By combining comfortable homes with compassionate, professional care, we aim to empower every participant to live as independently and meaningfully as possible.
Start Your Journey with More Than Support
If you or a loved one is considering Supported Independent Living, we’re here to guide you. From navigating your NDIS plan to finding the right home and support team, More Than Support will walk beside you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our SIL shared or solo living services and discover how we can support your journey toward greater independence.