What Is SIL (Supported Independent Living) and How Do I Get It?
If you or someone you support has an NDIS plan, you may have heard the term SIL — Supported Independent Living. It's one of the most talked-about NDIS supports, and one of the most misunderstood. This guide explains exactly what SIL is, who is eligible, how funding works, and how to get started.
Contents
What Is SIL?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support that provides assistance and supervision with daily tasks for people with disability who live in shared accommodation. The goal of SIL is to help participants live as independently as possible — with the right level of support, delivered in a home-like environment, alongside compatible housemates.
SIL is not a type of accommodation — it is the support delivered within accommodation. The home itself may be owned, rented, or provided by an SDA provider. SIL covers the cost of the support workers in that home, not the rent or living expenses.
💡 In simple terms
Think of SIL as the team of support workers who live in or regularly visit your group home to help you with daily tasks — showering, cooking, cleaning, medication, and getting out into the community. The house is separate. The support workers are what SIL funds.
Who Is SIL For?
SIL is designed for NDIS participants who:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have a permanent and significant disability
- Cannot live independently without daily support
- Would benefit from living in a shared home with other participants
- Are unable to live with family or in their current setting long-term
SIL is not appropriate for everyone. Participants who need fewer than 6 hours of daily support, or who prefer to live alone, may be better suited to Individualised Living Options (ILO) — a more flexible alternative to SIL. Read about ILO →
What Does SIL Include — and What Doesn't It Cover?
| SIL DOES fund | SIL does NOT fund |
|---|---|
| Assistance with personal care (showering, dressing, grooming) | Rent or accommodation costs |
| Help with cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping | Food and everyday living expenses |
| Cleaning, laundry, and household maintenance support | Entertainment, hobbies, holidays |
| Medication management and health monitoring | Activities and community access (funded separately) |
| Supervision and overnight support | Transport costs (separate NDIS line item) |
| Skill development and independence building | Capital costs of the home (that's SDA funding) |
How Does SIL Funding Work?
SIL funding sits within the Core Supports budget of an NDIS plan. It is one of the largest NDIS funding items — a participant living in a high-support SIL home may have several hundred thousand dollars per year in SIL funding.
SIL funding is calculated by the NDIS based on:
- The number of hours of support needed each day
- The complexity and intensity of support (low, standard, high)
- Whether overnight support is required
- The number of housemates (support costs are shared between residents)
📋 SIL quotes and rosters
Before SIL funding is approved, your SIL provider must submit a roster of care — a detailed document describing the support each participant needs across every hour of every day. This is reviewed by the NDIS to confirm the funding level. At Bridges Care, our team prepares and submits rosters of care on behalf of participants and their families.
SIL vs SDA — What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common sources of confusion for participants and families. Here is the simple breakdown:
| SIL | SDA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it funds | The support workers in the home | The specialist housing itself |
| Who is eligible | Participants needing daily support in shared living | Participants with extreme functional impairment (approx. 6% of NDIS participants) |
| Budget category | Core Supports | Capital Supports |
| Where it applies | Any shared home (including SDA homes) | Only purpose-built or modified specialist housing |
Many participants in SDA homes also have SIL funding — SDA provides the house, SIL provides the support workers within it. Bridges Care is registered for both. Learn more about SDA →
How Do I Get SIL in My NDIS Plan?
Confirm NDIS eligibility
You must be an active NDIS participant. If you are not yet on the NDIS, check eligibility at ndis.gov.au →
Request a SIL assessment at your plan review
Ask your NDIS planner or LAC (Local Area Coordinator) about SIL at your next plan review. You will need to demonstrate why you need SIL and cannot be supported at home. An Occupational Therapist (OT) report supporting your SIL need is very helpful.
Choose a SIL provider
Research registered SIL providers in your area. Visit properties, ask about staffing levels, support ratios, and housemate matching processes. Your Support Coordinator can help shortlist options.
Roster of care is submitted
Your chosen SIL provider prepares a roster of care — the detailed document describing your daily support hours. This is submitted to the NDIS for approval along with your plan.
Move in
Once your plan is approved with SIL funding, your provider coordinates your move-in. At Bridges Care, all our SIL homes are fully furnished — just bring your personal belongings.
How to Find the Right SIL Provider
When evaluating a SIL provider, ask these questions:
- Are they NDIS registered? Only registered providers can deliver SIL. Check at the NDIS Commission website.
- What is the staff-to-participant ratio? More support hours per resident = better support outcomes.
- How do they match housemates? Compatibility matters — age, interests, lifestyle, and disability type all affect quality of life.
- Is the home actually accessible for my needs? Visit before committing — check bathrooms, doorways, and emergency exit routes.
- What happens when my key support worker leaves? High staff turnover is a red flag. Ask about average staff tenure.
Bridges Care Services — SIL Properties in NSW & Victoria
Bridges Care Services operates SIL properties across Sydney and Melbourne — including Oran Park, Claymore, Airds, Windsor, and Baulkham Hills in NSW, and SDA properties in Wyndham Vale and Melton South VIC. Call 1800 964 924 to discuss vacancy, arrange a tour, or ask any SIL question — our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIL
Can I choose my own SIL provider?
Yes — NDIS gives you the right to choose your own provider. You can change SIL providers if you are not satisfied with your current one, though this requires careful coordination with the NDIS to avoid funding gaps.
Can I live with a friend or family member in SIL?
SIL is typically provided in shared accommodation with other NDIS participants. Living with a specific family member is generally not funded through SIL — speak to your Support Coordinator about Individualised Living Options (ILO) if you want more flexibility.
How long does it take to get SIL funding approved?
It depends on your situation. At a plan review, the NDIS may approve SIL quickly if you have strong supporting evidence (OT report, goals, current support needs). Emergency situations can sometimes be fast-tracked — call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 if you are in urgent need.
What if I want to leave a SIL home?
You can exit a SIL arrangement. Your SIL provider must be given reasonable notice (typically 30 days per your service agreement). Your Support Coordinator can help you transition to a different SIL home or another living arrangement.
Is SIL the same as a group home?
SIL is often delivered in group homes, but not always. SIL can also be delivered in arrangements with 1–2 other participants. The NDIS funds the support workers, regardless of how many people live in the home.
Bridges Care Services operates SIL homes in Oran Park, Claymore, Airds, Windsor, and Baulkham Hills NSW. Call us today.