A guide to Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is NDIS funding for the ongoing help a person needs to live in their own home. It covers the support, not the bricks and mortar — rent and everyday household costs are paid separately, usually from your disability pension.

Who SIL suits

SIL is designed for people with higher support needs who need significant help with daily tasks — things like personal care, meal preparation, medication and building everyday skills. It works for people who want to live with housemates as well as those living on their own.

What support looks like day to day

• Help with morning and evening routines
• Cooking, cleaning and household management
• Getting to appointments and community activities
• Overnight support where it is needed
• Building skills so independence grows over time

How you get SIL in your plan

SIL funding is assessed through a Functional Capacity Assessment and an OT-led home and living assessment. Your planner will look at how much support you need across the week, and whether it is best delivered in a shared home or your own place.

Choosing your home and housemates

You should be offered genuine choice: the location, the house and — importantly — who you live with. Take your time, visit the home, meet the current housemates and ask how the support roster works. A trial stay is a reasonable request.

Your rights in a SIL home

You keep the same rights as any tenant. Support should be shaped around your routines and preferences, and you can raise concerns about your service at any time without fear of losing your home.

Independent living is not about doing everything alone — it is about having the right help, in a home that feels like yours.