What is Supported Independent Living (SIL) Under the NDIS?

What does Supported Independent Living actually look like? For NDIS participants with higher support needs, SIL can provide regular assistance with daily life while creating opportunities to build independence and confidence.

For people looking for NDIS SIL accommodation in NSW, SIL can provide the support needed to build independence while living in a shared home or other accommodations you prefer. This guide explains how Supported Independent Living works, how it differs from other NDIS housing supports, and what you can expect from everyday life in SIL.

What is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding for support workers to help or supervise you in your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Depending on your needs, you may share support workers with other people you live with, or receive individual support at certain times. The aim isn't simply to provide care. SIL is designed to help you become as independent as possible while building skills for everyday life.

SIL support can include:

• Personal care, including showering and getting dressed

• Preparing and eating meals

• Cooking and developing kitchen skills

• Cleaning and other household tasks

• Developing routines and independent living skills

• Support with personal safety and supervision

• Medication management and attending medical appointments

• Developing social and communication skills

• Support to follow behaviour support plans

SIL funding pays for disability-related support. It does not pay for your daily expenses like rent, groceries, or utilities.

Who is SIL suitable for?

SIL is generally intended for people with high support needs who require some level of disability support or supervision at home all the time.

SIL may be suitable if you need:

• Active disability support for more than 8 hours each day

• Some level of support or supervision during the remaining hours

• Assistance with personal care and daily activities

• Regular help to manage household routines

• Support to develop and maintain independent living skills

• Ongoing supervision for safety

However, needing disability support does not automatically mean SIL is the right option. The NDIS considers your individual circumstances, goals and support needs when determining whether SIL is reasonable and necessary.

SIL can be particularly helpful if your goals include becoming more independent, learning practical skills, developing routines, or moving into a home where you can receive consistent support.

SIL vs ILO: What's the difference?

SIL and Individualised Living Options (ILO) can both help people live more independently, but they work differently.

With SIL, support is generally delivered in a shared living environment, often with other people receiving disability support. Staff provide assistance with daily living based on each participant's needs.

ILO, on the other hand, is designed around creating a more individualised living arrangement. An ILO can involve different types of support and living arrangements, including living with a host or having tailored support around your own home.

So, which one is right for you?

SIL may be more suitable if you need substantial, ongoing support with daily living, while ILO may be worth considering if you want a more flexible living arrangement built around your individual preferences.

The two options aren't simply a matter of choosing the one you prefer. Your support needs, goals and circumstances all need to be considered.

Still not sure which option fits? Read our guide about ILO to compare the two in more detail.

How does the SIL assessment and quoting process work?

Getting SIL funding isn't simply a matter of choosing a house and asking for support. The NDIS needs to understand your disability-related support needs and how SIL will help you achieve your goals.

1. Explore your home and living needs

Start by considering where you want to live, what support you need each day and what you want greater independence to look like.

2. Complete an assessment

Evidence about your disability-related support needs can help the NDIS understand what level of assistance you require. This may involve information from you, your support network and relevant health or disability professionals.

3. Work with a SIL provider

Once SIL is being considered, you can explore providers and discuss your goals, routines, support requirements and preferred living arrangements.

4. Develop a roster of care and quote

The provider works through the support you need across the day and night. This helps establish the appropriate staffing arrangements and the cost of delivering your supports.

5. Have your SIL needs considered by the NDIS

Your SIL supports need to be included in your NDIS plan and funded at an appropriate level. Your provider and support coordinator can help you understand the information required and prepare for the process.

How do you get SIL included in your NDIS plan?

If you think SIL could be appropriate for you, start by discussing your needs and goals with your support coordinator, planner or other members of your support team.

You'll need to demonstrate why the level of support provided through SIL is appropriate for your disability-related needs. It can help to think about:

• What support do you currently need at home?

• How often do you need assistance or supervision?

• What happens when support isn't available?

• What skills would you like to develop?

• What type of living arrangement would you prefer?

• What would help you feel safe and more independent?

Your support coordinator can also help you explore providers and compare your options.

SIL accommodation across NSW

If you're exploring NDIS SIL accommodation in NSW, Better Care provides SIL support across the Central Coast and surrounding areas.

The right SIL arrangement should consider your support needs, goals, preferences, relationships and the kind of independence you want to build.

Better Care provides SIL support for participants across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie and Cessnock, helping participants access the day-to-day support they need while working towards greater independence.

Whether you're exploring SIL for the first time, preparing for an NDIS planning conversation or looking at alternatives such as ILO, our team can help you understand your options.

Finding the right living arrangement can feel like a big decision, but you don't have to figure it out alone.

If you're considering SIL, speak with Better Care about your support needs, preferred living arrangement and available options.