Supported Independent Living, commonly called SIL, is an NDIS support for people who need significant help or supervision at home. It can help you manage daily activities, develop living skills and work towards greater independence.
SIL can include support for up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, depending on your individual support needs. It does not pay for rent, groceries or other ordinary living expenses.
This guide is for NDIS participants, families, carers and support networks who are considering SIL or want to understand how it works.
I wrote this after seeing how often terms such as SIL, SDA and personal care get mixed up when people research NDIS home and living options. I checked current NDIS guidance while preparing this article, so the information below reflects the NDIS rules and guidance available in August 2026.
Table of Contents
What Does Supported Independent Living Mean?
Supported Independent Living is funding for support workers who help or supervise you with everyday activities in your home.
The level of support depends on your disability-related needs. The NDIS says SIL may be suitable when you need support workers available 24 hours a day, including overnight, with at least 8 hours of daily assistance and some level of help or supervision during the remaining hours.
A support worker may help you with tasks such as:
- Showering and getting dressed
- Preparing and eating meals
- Cleaning and household tasks
- Developing daily living skills
- Attending appointments
- Building social skills
- Managing routines at home
The exact support should reflect your individual needs and goals.
Who May Be Eligible for SIL?
SIL is generally designed for people with higher support needs who require significant assistance at home.
The NDIS considers several factors when deciding whether SIL is appropriate, including:
- Your current living situation
- Your future home and living goals
- The amount of support you need each day
- Your ability to develop independent living skills
- Whether support can be shared with other participants
- Other home and living options that may meet your needs
The NDIS may also consider information from you, your family or carers, health professionals and relevant reports such as occupational therapy assessments.
SIL is generally considered for people aged 18 or older, although eligibility depends on the individual circumstances and NDIS funding criteria.
Having a disability does not automatically mean you will receive SIL funding. The NDIS needs to determine whether the support meets its funding requirements and is appropriate for your situation.
What Does a SIL Support Worker Do?
The role of a SIL support worker depends on your support plan.
For one participant, the focus may be personal care and meal preparation. Another person may need more help with household routines, appointments and developing skills.
The purpose is to provide the assistance you need while supporting you to build your ability to do things for yourself where possible.
For example, if you currently need help preparing meals, your support worker may assist you with planning ingredients, following a recipe and safely using kitchen equipment. Over time, you may be able to complete more of these steps independently.
SIL should therefore connect with your individual goals and daily support requirements.
Do You Have to Live With Other NDIS Participants?
No. SIL can be provided when you live with other NDIS participants or, in some situations, when you live alone.
However, the NDIS considers whether other home and living supports may be more appropriate for someone living alone. Your support needs and the way your supports can be delivered are important factors.
SIL is also commonly used in shared living arrangements where participants share support workers. For example, one support worker may assist two participants in the same home when their support arrangements allow for shared support.
SIL vs SDA: What Is the Difference?
SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, are different.
SIL pays for support workers who help you with daily activities and supervision.
SDA refers to specialist housing designed for people with very high support needs. SDA covers the housing itself. It does not cover the support workers who assist you inside the home.
Some participants may have both SIL and SDA in their NDIS plans.
For example, SDA may provide an appropriate specialist home, while SIL funding provides support workers to assist with daily activities.
You should not assume that receiving one automatically means you receive the other.
What Does SIL Funding Pay For?
SIL funding is intended for the disability-related support you need at home.
It can cover support worker assistance with eligible daily activities and supervision based on your approved supports.
It cannot be used for ordinary household expenses such as:
- Rent
- Groceries
- Regular household bills
- Other everyday living costs
The NDIS states that SIL funding must be used in line with the NDIS supports list.
Your service agreement should clearly explain what support will be provided and how the provider will deliver and claim it.
How Do You Choose a SIL Provider?
Choosing a provider requires more than comparing the type of accommodation.
Ask potential providers:
- What level of support can you provide?
- How do you match support workers to participants?
- How are rosters organised?
- How do you handle changes in support needs?
- What happens if a regular worker is unavailable?
- How do you involve participants in decisions?
- How do you measure progress towards individual goals?
You should also understand the service agreement, pricing and how your NDIS funding will be used.
From 1 July 2026, SIL provider registration and claiming requirements changed. Providers delivering SIL must be registered or have applied to register by 1 October 2026. Your NDIS plan and funding do not automatically change because of these provider requirements.
Is SIL the Right Option for You?
SIL may be suitable if you need substantial support at home throughout the day and overnight.
However, it is only one NDIS home and living option. Depending on your circumstances, assistance with daily living, Individualised Living Options or other supports may be more suitable.
If you are unsure, discuss your home and living goals and support needs with your NDIS contact, health professional or another appropriate person involved in your planning.
The right arrangement should reflect the support you actually need, your goals and how you want to live.
FAQs
Can SIL pay for my rent?
No. SIL funding does not cover rent, groceries or ordinary day-to-day living expenses. It is intended for eligible disability-related support from workers.
Can I live alone and receive SIL?
Yes, it is possible in some circumstances. The NDIS considers your individual support needs and whether another home and living option may be more suitable.
Does SIL mean I have to live in a group home?
No. SIL can be provided in different living arrangements. You may live with other NDIS participants or, in some circumstances, live alone. The arrangement depends on your needs and approved supports.
