Supported independent living, usually called SIL, is one of the NDIS home and living supports. It is often misunderstood because it sounds like a type of house. This guide explains what SIL is, who it is for, how it is funded in general terms, and what to ask a SIL provider.
What is SIL in the NDIS?
The NDIS describes SIL as funding for a support worker to help or supervise you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You might share a support worker with the people you live with, or have an individual worker, depending on how much help you need. The worker helps with, or supervises, day-to-day tasks in your home.
Who is SIL for?
The NDIS says SIL may be suitable if you need a support worker to:
- stay with you 24 hours a day, including overnight
- help you with daily activities for at least 8 of those hours
- give you some level of help or supervision for the other hours
Other home and living supports may suit you better if you live alone and SIL does not meet your needs, you live with people who are not NDIS participants, or you want to manage your own supports.
What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) is the housing: homes built for people with very high support needs. SDA does not cover support workers. SIL is the funding for the support workers who help you. Some people have both SDA and SIL in their plans; many people with SIL live in ordinary rental homes.
How is SIL funded?
SIL funding is based on your disability support needs. It is often shared between housemates, and may be funded as one-to-one support only in limited situations. SIL cannot be used for rent or other day-to-day expenses such as groceries, which remain your own costs.
If you have SIL in your plan, you may also have funding for a support coordinator to help you find providers. SIL sits alongside other supports: many people also use community participation or life skills development support during the day.
Does a SIL provider need to be registered?
Yes. The NDIS says all providers delivering SIL must be registered from 1 July 2026, with existing providers given until 1 October to apply. Your plan and funding do not change. If you organise or employ your own support workers, you do not need to make changes.
The NDIS Commission also publishes specific Practice Standards for supported independent living, which registered SIL providers are assessed against.
What does a good SIL arrangement look like?
The NDIS says SIL is designed to help you live as independently as possible while building your skills. In practice, that looks like:
- a roster that fits the household’s routines, not the other way around
- consistent workers who know each person well
- support that builds skills, such as cooking or budgeting, rather than doing everything for people
- clear house agreements about shared spaces and costs
- regular check-ins with each resident and their family
What can SIL workers help with?
The NDIS gives examples of daily tasks SIL workers can help with, such as personal care, showering and getting dressed, eating and cooking meals, and household tasks like cleaning. The focus should be on building skills, so workers do things with you rather than for you wherever possible.
Do you need a service agreement for SIL?
The NDIS recommends a written service agreement whenever you start with a new provider, although in most cases it is not compulsory. Written agreements are only mandatory for specialist disability accommodation. With 24-hour support, a clear written agreement is worth having.
If your plan includes support coordination, your support coordinator can help you compare SIL providers and become more confident managing your supports.
What should you ask a SIL provider?
- Are you registered for SIL? Can we see your register entry?
- How are rosters worked out, and how are overnight shifts covered?
- How do you match housemates and workers?
- How do you build independence, not just provide care?
- How do you handle conflict between housemates?
- Who do we call after hours?
Learn more on our supported independent living page, or read registered vs unregistered NDIS providers and choosing disability support services in Adelaide.