What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)? A plain-English guide
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is help with everyday tasks in your home so you can live as independently as possible. Here is what it actually means.
Quick answer: Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS-funded support with everyday tasks in your home, so a person can live as independently as possible. It usually means a shared home with support available day and night, though it can also be one-to-one.
If you have started looking into housing and support options under the NDIS, you have probably seen the term “SIL” come up a lot. This guide explains what it really means, in plain English.
What SIL actually is
SIL is the support a person receives to live in their own home. It is not the house itself, and it is not a hospital or a facility. Think of it as the right people, on hand at the right times, helping someone live the everyday life they choose.
For most people, SIL means living in a shared home with one or two housemates and support workers available throughout the day, and often overnight. For others, it can be one-to-one support.
Who is SIL for?
SIL is generally for people who need a higher level of daily support to live well. It tends to suit someone who:
- Wants their own home and routine
- Needs regular help with daily tasks, personal care or health
- Benefits from support being available day and night
- Wants to build independence over time
It is not the only home and living option under the NDIS, and it is not right for everyone. A good provider or support coordinator will help you work out whether it fits.
What does SIL include?
The support is built around each person, but it commonly covers:
- Help with everyday routines like cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting
- Personal care and support with health, medication and appointments
- Building independence and life skills at each person’s own pace
- Support to get out into the community and stay connected
- Support available overnight where it is needed
What does SIL cost?
SIL is funded through a person’s NDIS plan, so there are no out-of-pocket prices for the support itself. It is important to know that the funding covers the support workers, not rent or everyday living costs (food, bills, activities), which are paid separately, just like in any home. You can read the official explanation on the NDIS website.
SIL and housing are separate
One thing that trips a lot of people up: SIL (the support) and the home (the housing) are two different things. Some people live in standard rental housing with SIL support; others live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Our guide on SIL vs SDA explains the difference clearly.
Key takeaways
- SIL is the support, not the housing.
- It is funded through the NDIS and suits people who need higher daily support.
- It covers daily tasks, personal care, health and building independence.
- Rent and living costs are paid separately from the support.
Common questions
Is SIL only for shared homes? No. Shared homes are most common, but SIL can be one-to-one.
Does SIL include overnight support? It can, where a person needs it. Support is scheduled around the individual.
How do I know if I am eligible? It comes down to your assessed needs and your NDIS plan. Talking to a provider or support coordinator is the quickest way to find out.
How to get started
If you think SIL might be right for you or someone you support, the best first step is a conversation. Learn more about our Supported Independent Living support, or make an enquiry and a real person will get back to you within one business day.