NDIS Guide
What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
For many people with disability, living independently is one of the most meaningful goals they can set. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the NDIS support that helps make that goal real. This guide explains what SIL is, who it is for, what it covers and how to find a provider who is the right fit.
What is Supported Independent Living?
SIL is paid, personalised help with daily tasks in your home, so you can live as independently as possible while building your skills. It is funded through the Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life budget of your NDIS plan.
It is important to understand that SIL funds support, not the house itself. Rent, food and utilities are generally paid by the participant. SIL covers the support workers who help you with everyday life at home.
Who is SIL for?
SIL is usually for participants who need a significant amount of help at home, often including some level of support every day. It may suit you if you:
- need regular help with personal care, cooking, cleaning or managing medication;
- want to move out of the family home and live with housemates or on your own;
- live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and need ongoing support; or
- are leaving hospital, residential aged care or another setting that no longer suits you.
If you need less frequent help, other options - such as in-home personal care or Individualised Living Options (ILO) - may be a better fit. A good provider will talk you through the choices honestly.
What does SIL include?
Every SIL arrangement is different, but supports commonly include:
- personal care, such as showering, dressing and grooming;
- meal planning, shopping and cooking;
- cleaning, laundry and household routines;
- medication prompting and help attending appointments;
- budgeting and managing bills;
- building positive relationships with housemates; and
- overnight support - either active overnight (a worker awake all night) or sleepover (a worker asleep on site and available if needed).
How is SIL funded?
To include SIL in your plan, the NDIA generally needs to see evidence of your support needs. This often includes a functional capacity assessment from an occupational therapist and a Roster of Care - a document from your provider showing how many hours of support you need across a typical week, and whether that support is shared with housemates.
Good to know: NDIS processes for SIL change from time to time. Always check the latest guidance on the NDIS website or ask your provider or support coordinator.
Choosing a SIL provider: what to look for
Your SIL provider will be part of your daily life, so choose carefully. Ask potential providers:
- Are you NDIS registered? SIL providers must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
- How do you match workers to residents? Look for a provider who considers personality, interests, language and culture.
- How will you keep staff consistent? A stable team makes a huge difference to wellbeing and trust.
- How do you support my goals? SIL should build your independence, not just complete tasks for you.
- How do you communicate with families? Ask about updates, incident reporting and regular reviews.
- What happens if I am unhappy? A good provider has a clear, respectful complaints process.
How Safe Path can help
At Safe Path Disability Services, our Supported Independent Living service is built around one idea: your home, your rules. We help you prepare your Roster of Care, match you with consistent support workers and support you to build the skills and confidence to live the life you choose - across Marsden Park, Riverstone, Blacktown and the wider North-West and Western Sydney region.
