Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL comes up constantly in NDIS conversations, but genuine confusion surrounds what it actually means. Here's the official explanation, in plain English.
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What SIL Actually Is
Supported Independent Living funds a support worker's time, not accommodation itself. It's designed for people who need significant, ongoing help throughout the day, every day, and it aims to build independence over time rather than simply doing everything for someone.
Worth clarifying early: SIL is genuinely different from Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA refers to the actual housing, purpose-built or modified homes for people with very high support needs. SIL, by contrast, funds the support delivered inside that home, or any home, shared or otherwise.
Who It's Actually For
SIL suits people who genuinely need help or supervision around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's not designed for occasional or part-time support needs, and it doesn't apply to anyone who directs, plans, and rosters their own support workers independently.
Overnight needs get assessed on their own terms too. Up to 2 hours of awake overnight support generally falls under sleepover funding, while anything beyond that gets funded as active overnight support instead.
Living alone or with others: SIL applies either way. Many participants share a home and split support between housemates, but living independently doesn't rule SIL out either, it simply depends on the actual level of support needed.
What SIL Covers
Typically funded
- Personal care and daily task support
- Cooking, cleaning, and household routines
- Skill-building towards greater independence
- Support to attend appointments or community activities
Typically not funded
- Rent or other housing costs
- Groceries and general day-to-day expenses
- The property itself
Most SIL participants also carry funding for a support coordinator, who genuinely plays a key role in finding a suitable provider and helping put together what's officially called a roster of care, a document setting out exactly what support looks like across the week.
A Recent Change Worth Knowing
From 1 July 2026, SIL providers moved to a dedicated new claim code, replacing the older code that previously covered both SIL and the broader "Daily Tasks/Shared Living" category together. Registration also became mandatory for all SIL providers by 1 October 2026, existing participants don't need to do anything themselves, since plans and funding stay unaffected either way.
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This guide is part of our full "Understanding the NDIS" series:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
SDA is the housing itself, purpose-built or modified homes for people with very high support needs. SIL funds the support delivered inside a home, separate from the property.
Do I need to live with others to get SIL?
No. SIL applies whether living with housemates or alone, it depends on the level of support needed, not the living arrangement itself.
Does SIL cover rent?
No. SIL funds support workers' time, not rent, groceries, or other day-to-day living costs.
How much support do I need to qualify for SIL?
Genuine, ongoing support around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Occasional or part-time needs typically don't qualify for SIL specifically.
Do I need a support coordinator with SIL?
Most SIL participants have funding for one, since they play a genuine role in finding a suitable provider and helping build a roster of care.