What is Supported Independent Living (SIL) NDIS

Imagine having the freedom to live in your own space while receiving just the right amount of support to thrive. For many Australians with disabilities, Supported Independent Living (SIL) makes this possible. At Network of Care, we believe everyone deserves the dignity of independence alongside the security of reliable support.

Ready to explore your SIL options? Contact Network of Care today for a no-obligation consultation.

Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL)

What Is SIL and Who Is It For?

SIL provides assistance with daily tasks to help people with disabilities live independently in their chosen housing arrangement. This support covers everything from personal care and meal preparation to medication management and developing independent living skills.

The purpose of SIL is to bridge the gap between complete dependence and total independence – recognizing that many people with disabilities can flourish with the right support.
SIL is primarily designed for NDIS participants who:
-Have significant functional impairment requiring substantial support
-Need assistance with daily activities
-Are typically aged 18 or over
-Have NDIS funding that includes supports for daily living

At Network of Care, we specialize in creating personalized SIL arrangements that maximize independence while ensuring safety and wellbeing.

The Three Types of NDIS Plans

The NDIS offers three types of plans that determine how a participant's funding is managed:

1. Self-managed plans: Participants manage all aspects of their funding, including paying providers directly and managing financial records.
2. Plan-managed plans: A registered plan management provider handles the financial aspects of the plan, while the participant retains choice over providers.
3. NDIA-managed plans: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages the funding, limiting participants to registered providers like Network of Care.

For SIL specifically, the complexity of these arrangements often makes plan-managed or NDIA-managed options more practical for many participants.

Network of Care works with all NDIS plan types. Our support coordinators can help you navigate your options:

The Difference Between Supported Independent Living SIL and SDA

One common source of confusion is the distinction between SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):

Aspect	Supported Independent Living (SIL)	Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Purpose	Funds support services provided to a person	Funds the physical dwelling
Focus	Support staff, assistance with daily tasks	Accessible housing features, specialised design
Eligibility	Broader – many NDIS participants with substantial support needs	Narrower – only about 6% of NDIS participants qualify

For participants with complex needs, SIL and SDA often work together – SDA provides the appropriately designed physical environment, while SIL provides the human support needed within that environment.

Types of Support Offered Under SIL

At Network of Care, our SIL support is highly personalised, adapting to each participant's unique needs, goals, and circumstances:

Daily Living Support

Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
Meal preparation and assistance with eating
Household tasks (cleaning, laundry)
Medication management
Health and wellbeing monitoring

Community Participation

Transportation assistance
Support to attend appointments
Facilitation of social activities
Assistance with shopping and errands

Skills Development

Cooking and nutrition skills
Household management techniques
Money management education
Travel training
Social skills development

At Network of Care, we pride ourselves on our person-centered approach to SIL. Book a discovery session to discuss your specific needs

How to Get NDIS Funding for SIL

Securing SIL funding involves several key steps:

Establish NDIS eligibility and develop an initial plan
Gather evidence of support needs from health professionals and current providers
Request a plan review to consider SIL funding
Complete a SIL roster of care outlining supports needed
Submit SIL quotes from providers like Network of Care
Wait for NDIS assessment and decision
Implement the approved SIL arrangement

SIL Housing Options

Types of SIL Living Arrangements

SIL support can be provided in various configurations:

Shared Living Arrangements

Multiple participants sharing a house with common areas
Support costs distributed among residents
Social opportunities and companionship
More comprehensive support coverage

Individual Living Arrangements

Participant lives alone with support visiting as needed
Maximum privacy and autonomy
Support tailored entirely to individual needs

Network of Care offers both shared and individual SIL arrangements across various locations, ensuring we can match your preferences and needs.

Conclusion

Supported Independent Living represents one of the most significant advances in disability support in Australia. Through SIL, many Australians with disabilities are experiencing the dignity and autonomy that comes with having a place to call home and the right support to live there successfully.

At Network of Care, we're committed to creating SIL arrangements that balance support with independence – helping people with disabilities exercise choice and control while receiving the assistance they need to thrive.