What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Who Is Eligible?

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support category that funds paid personal supports to help you live independently — usually in a shared supported accommodation setting or your own home. SIL covers the help you need with day-to-day tasks such as personal care, cooking, medication management, and community participation.

Unlike many NDIS supports, SIL is funded under the Core Supports budget and is almost always provided on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a registered NDIS provider.

What does SIL funding cover?

SIL funding pays for the support workers who assist you — not the accommodation itself. It typically includes:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
• Meal preparation and eating assistance
• Medication prompting and management
• Household tasks (cleaning, laundry)
• Community access and social activities
• Overnight and sleepover support
• Behaviour support and skill development

The accommodation itself is typically funded through a separate support — Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — or paid through your own income, rent assistance, or other housing arrangements.

Who is eligible for SIL?

SIL is designed for NDIS participants who require significant daily support due to their disability. To be considered for SIL, you generally need to demonstrate that:

• Your disability significantly affects your ability to live independently without support.
• SIL represents reasonable and necessary support under your NDIS plan.
• You have explored and assessed other housing and support options.
• You require regular, ongoing support to complete daily tasks safely.

There is no set disability type required — SIL is available to participants across a wide range of physical, intellectual, psychosocial, and neurological disabilities.

How do I get SIL included in my NDIS plan?

Getting SIL funded is more involved than other NDIS supports. The process typically includes:

1. Assessment: You'll need a comprehensive assessment from your support coordinator, occupational therapist, or other allied health professional documenting your support needs.
2. SIL Proposal: Your chosen SIL provider prepares a detailed roster of care (ROC) outlining the supports you need, at what times, and at what cost.
3. NDIS Review: The NDIA reviews the proposal and assessment evidence and decides whether to fund SIL in your plan.
4. Plan Approval: Once approved, SIL funding appears in your Core Supports budget and your provider can begin delivering services.

SIL vs other NDIS housing supports

It is important to understand the difference between SIL and similar NDIS supports:

• SIL (Supported Independent Living): Funds the people who support you — not the building.
• SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation): Funds specialised housing built or modified for people with high support needs.
• ILO (Individual Living Options): A flexible funding option for people who want to live independently with tailored support arrangements.

How can Pro Health Assist help?

Pro Health Assist is a registered NDIS provider with experience in delivering SIL support to participants across a variety of settings. Our team can:

• Conduct a thorough support needs assessment
• Prepare your roster of care and SIL proposal
• Provide consistent, person-centred SIL support after approval
• Work collaboratively with your support coordinator and allied health team