A Guide to Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Written By Anna Dang

As a parent, one of the biggest worries you face is what will happen to my child when I’m no longer here. It’s a thought that never really goes away. That’s why planning for their future, especially the step toward independent living, can feel like such a big, emotional milestone.

For many families, this journey starts when their child reaches adulthood and begins thinking about what life outside the family home might look like. But there’s no right time to start this conversation, just the right time for your family.

The first step? Figuring out where they’re at. Are they ready to explore living in their own home? What kind of support will they need? And what options are out there to make sure they’re safe, supported, and happy?

You want to ensure they have the right support in place while still enjoying a home and lifestyle that gives them freedom and security.

You might be wondering:

  • Who will look after my child when I pass on?

  • Will my child have the help and support available when I'm not here to help?

  • Will my child be safe?

  • What level of support will they receive?

  • How does funding work, and what’s covered under the NDIS?

We know that independence isn’t just about having a place to live; it’s about ensuring your child has the right support in a home where they feel safe, happy, and empowered for the future.

This is where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. Supported Independent Living can help your loved one to live independently on their own or with others and find their forever home.

SIL is paid personal support, funded by the NDIS. The aim of SIL is to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible while still receiving assistance with daily tasks like personal care, cooking, and household management.

This straightforward guide will help you understand how SIL works, who it’s for, and how to get started, so you can feel confident in making the best decision for your loved one’s future.

In this blog post, you can skip to a question by clicking on the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

SIL is a type of home and living support under the NDIS. It provides ongoing assistance with daily tasks to help individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible, whether they live alone or in a shared home with others.

SIL helps people living with disabilities to build life skills, develop routines, and gain confidence in managing their own home, while still having support when they need it.

2. How does SIL work?

SIL can be arranged in different ways, and you and your loved one have the flexibility to choose a living arrangement that feels right for them. This includes shared accommodation, where your loved one lives with other people who are NDIS participants and share disability supports.

In some cases, SIL may also be available for individual living arrangements.

Support workers assist with everyday activities based on the person's needs, such as:

  • Personal care (e.g., showering, dressing, grooming)

  • Building skills in cooking and meal preparation

  • Cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe home

  • Medication management

  • Social and community skill development including support to get to and from appointments or to visit family and friends

  • Overnight or 24/7 care, if required

It’s important to note that SIL is not a housing service, it covers the support within a home, not the cost of rent or accommodation.

3. What Are The Types of Supported Independent Living (SIL) Arrangements?

SIL can be provided in different living arrangements, depending on the level of support needed and personal preferences. The key options include:

  • Shared Accommodation – Living with one or more NDIS participants in a shared home, with support tailored to individual needs. This is a common SIL setup and can include 24/7 assistance or scheduled support.

  • Individual Living Arrangements – Living alone in a private home or rental property while still receiving SIL support to help with daily tasks and independent living skills.

  • SIL in a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Home – For those with higher support needs, SIL can be provided within an SDA home, which is a specially designed, accessible property that meets mobility and functional requirements. While SIL covers the support services, SDA funding helps with the cost of housing itself.

The best option depends on your loved one’s needs, goals, and level of independence, ensuring they receive the right support while living in a space that suits them.

4. Is SIL Right for Your Loved One?

SIL is best suited for people who have higher support needs, meaning they require regular assistance throughout the day (and possibly overnight) to manage daily life.

Your loved one may be eligible for SIL if they:

• Are aged 18 years and older. In most cases, SIL is an option for those 18 and over, as families generally provide the support and care for younger applicants. If a child has greater support needs than others their age, additional NDIS supports may be explored.

• Have high support needs and require help with daily tasks.

• Want to live independently but need structured support to do so.

• Already have or can apply for NDIS funding for SIL.

• Are ready (or want) to move into a shared home with other NDIS participants, or require a tailored support plan for independent living.

5. What Does SIL Cover?

SIL funding covers support services but not the cost of living expenses.

Here’s a breakdown:

What SIL Includes What SIL Doesn’t Cover
Assistance with personal care (showering, dressing, hygiene) Rent or mortgage payments
Help with household tasks (cleaning, laundry, cooking) Groceries and food costs
Support to follow daily routines and develop life skills Paying Bills or Utilities (electricity, gas, internet, phone)
Assistance with medication and health management Transport or vehicle costs
Supervision for safety and wellbeing Support for household budgeting or managing a household budget
Support for social interaction and community participation, visiting family and friends Holidays or travel expenses
Getting to and from appointments Palliative, nursing or medical care
If you’re admitted to hospital, the health system is responsible for your personal support.
If you’re in custody or under community service orders, the justice system is responsible for your personal support.

For more information, always visit the NDIS website for the latest version of these guidelines.

6. How to Apply for SIL Funding Through the NDIS

Applying for Supported Independent Living (SIL) involves several steps, and the NDIS considers key factors when determining eligibility.

What the NDIS Considers for SIL Funding

When assessing if SIL is suitable, the NDIS looks at:

Your Age: SIL is usually considered for people aged 18 and over, as the NDIS considers that younger participants typically receive care within the family home. However, for children with higher support needs, other forms of assistance may be available.

Your current situation and future home and living goals: Where you live now and what you want for the future.

Your daily support needs: Whether you need active support for more than 8 hours a day and some level of support 24/7.

Your independent living skills: Your ability to manage daily tasks and the potential to build on these skills.

Alternative home and living options: Whether there are other supports that may better suit your needs.

Supporting evidence: Reports from allied health professionals (e.g., occupational therapists) outlining why SIL is the most appropriate support.

For full details on the application process and eligibility, visit the NDIS website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

If you're unsure where to start, contacting the NDIS is often the easiest way to get support with your application.

Common Questions About SIL

1. What’s the difference between SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) focuses on support services, while Specialist Disability Accomodation (SDA) provides the physical modified housing itself.

2. How does SIL help build independence?

SIL isn’t just about receiving help, it’s designed to teach and encourage independent living skills.

3. Can you live alone with SIL?

Yes, in some cases. While SIL is often provided in shared homes, some people receive SIL while living alone, depending on their support needs.

4. What’s the difference between SIL and Respite Care?

SIL is a long-term support for independent living.

Respite care (also called Short-Term Accommodation) is a temporary or short term support that provides relief for families and carers.

 

Helping Your Loved One Take the Next Step

For many people, SIL can be a long-term pathway to greater independence and stability. If you’re considering supported independent living, take time to explore providers, visit homes, and ask questions - this is an exciting new chapter, and the more informed you are, the better equipped your family will be to navigate the journey ahead.

Learn how a customer-led partnership with BCD transformed Terry’s life and helped him find his forever home.

By building a support system based on trust, reliability, and transparency, Terry's journey in SIL has been one of learning, growth, and empowerment.

You can read Terry’s story here.

Need Help?

Our Respite, Short-term Accommodation and Supported Independent Living give families a much-needed break while helping live more independently and feel connected to a supportive community. Read more about our flexible accommodation options.

At BCD, our disability supports are all about helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals, grow their independence, and enjoy a life full of possibilities. Talk to our care team today. Call the BCD team on 1800 275 223, we’re here to help you.


Sources:

Visit the NDIS website for the most up to date information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/

NDIS Guidelines: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/supports-you-can-access-menu/home-and-living-supports/supported-independent-living

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/supported-independent-living-participants


Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.

Anna Dang
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