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What Is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is paid personal support that includes help or supervision with daily tasks to help you live as independently as possible and build your skills. According to the NDIS, it includes things like having someone to help with personal care or cooking meals.
SIL is best suited to people with a disability who have higher support needs. This means you need a significant amount of help throughout the day, 7 days a week, including overnight support.
You can get supported independent living if you live with other NDIS participants or if you live on your own. Remember, supported independent living is only one of many NDIS support options. There might be other home and living supports that suit you better.
Important: SIL funding covers the cost of support staff in your home. It does NOT cover rent, utilities, groceries, or other living expenses. Those are funded separately through other parts of your NDIS plan or your own resources.
Who Is SIL For?
Supported independent living may be the best option for you if you need significant person-to-person support provided by a disability support worker, including overnight support. Specifically, SIL may be suitable if you need:
- ✓Active disability support for more than 8 hours per day to complete daily activities
- ✓Some level of support for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including overnight support
- ✓Help with personal care, getting ready, cooking, eating, drinking, cleaning and doing chores
- ✓To be aged 18 or older (SIL is generally only considered for adults)
How Does NDIS SIL Funding Work?
SIL is funded under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life in your NDIS plan. According to official NDIS guidelines, this category covers everyday activities and supports to help you live independently.
Unlike other NDIS supports where you receive a specific dollar amount, SIL funding works differently. It's stated in your plan but typically without a specific dollar amount. The funding is calculated based on your assessed support needs and paid directly to your SIL provider based on your Roster of Care.
What SIL INCLUDES
- ✓ Personal care tasks
- ✓ Building skills (meal prep, cooking, cleaning)
- ✓ Developing social skills
- ✓ Supervision, safety and security
- ✓ Medication support
- ✓ Medical appointments
- ✓ Community access support
What SIL EXCLUDES
- ✗ Rent, board or lodging costs
- ✗ Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
- ✗ Groceries
- ✗ Household budgeting activities
- ✗ Holiday travel costs
- ✗ Vehicle costs
- ✗ Home modifications (that's SDA)
SIL vs SDA: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse Supported Independent Living (SIL) with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). While both aim to support independent living, they fund completely different things.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
What it funds: Support STAFF in your home
Purpose: Daily living assistance and skill development
Example: Staff to help with cooking, cleaning, personal care, medication management
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What it funds: The physical HOME itself
Purpose: Modified housing for extreme functional impairment
Example: Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, ceiling hoists, smart home technology
Can you have both?
Yes! Many participants have both SIL and SDA funding. The SDA provides your specially-designed, accessible home, while the SIL provides the support staff who assist you in that home. Learn more about Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Support Intensity Levels
According to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, there are two sets of hourly prices used to work out SIL funding:
Standard Intensity
Who it's for: Most people will need standard intensity support.
What it means: Regular support from qualified disability support workers to help with daily tasks and skill development.
Note: Funding amounts are determined by the NDIS based on your Roster of Care and assessed needs. Speak with your Support Coordinator for specific pricing information.
High Intensity
Who it's for: Participants who need support workers with extra qualifications and experience to meet complex disability support needs.
What it means: Continual active support from support workers with specialized training, such as those managing unstable seizure activity or providing respiratory support.
Note: The NDIS determines your appropriate intensity level based on an Occupational Therapist assessment and your provider's quote.
How is funding determined? The NDIS works out the amount of funding based on your Roster of Care, which includes the hours of support you need, the ratio of support workers to participants, the intensity level, and the type of overnight support required. More information is available in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
What Network of Care Provides
Comprehensive 24/7 NDIS-compliant support designed around your goals, preferences, and routines.
How to Get SIL Funding in Your NDIS Plan
Getting SIL funding approved requires proper assessment and documentation. Here's the process based on official NDIS guidelines:
Get an Occupational Therapist Assessment
An OT will assess your current situation, support needs, home and living goals, and recommend the appropriate level of support. This assessment report is crucial for NDIS approval.
Cost: Funded under Capacity Building in your NDIS plan
Timeline: 1-2 appointments, report delivered in 2-4 weeks
Work with Your Support Coordinator
Your Support Coordinator helps you understand SIL options, connects you with suitable providers, and coordinates the application process. It's extremely rare for a participant to receive SIL funding without also having Support Coordination funding.
Tip: If you don't have Support Coordination funding, request it in your next plan review.
Find a Home & Choose an SIL Provider
SIL can be provided in shared accommodation, your own rental property, a house you or your family own, or Specialist Disability Accommodation. Once you have SIL in your plan, you can choose which provider you want to deliver your support.
SIL Provider Creates a Quote
Your chosen provider creates a detailed "Roster of Care" showing your support needs including the hours of support, the ratio of support workers, the intensity level (standard or high intensity), the type of overnight support, and the amount of irregular support needed.
Submit Plan Review Request
Your Support Coordinator submits a "Change of Circumstances" request including the OT report, SIL provider quote, Roster of Care, and any supporting evidence.
Timeline: 2-8 weeks from submission to NDIS approval
NDIS Review & Approval
The NDIS reviews all documentation and works directly with your provider to finalize details. Your provider handles all billing directly with the NDIS using the price limits in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Begin Support
Make a service agreement with your provider, meet your support team, move into your home or begin receiving support in your current home, and start living more independently with 24/7 tailored support.
Looking for SIL Homes in Western Sydney?
Finding the right home is an important part of your SIL journey. Whether you're looking for shared accommodation with other participants or individual living arrangements, we're here to help you explore your options and find a home that suits your needs.
We can help you understand your housing options, connect you with suitable properties in Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, and surrounding Western Sydney areas, and guide you through the process of setting up your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIL
Find answers to the most common questions about Supported Independent Living.
Trusted SIL Provider in Western Sydney
We combine professional expertise with genuine care to deliver NDIS supports that help you thrive.
Other NDIS Accommodation Services
Explore our complete range of NDIS accommodation and support services.
Ready to Explore SIL Options with Network of Care?
Whether you're new to SIL or looking to switch providers, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way in accessing high-quality NDIS Supported Independent Living services.
Or speak with your Support Coordinator and mention Network of Care as your preferred SIL provider.