Complete Guide to Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Everything you need to know about SIL - from understanding what it is to accessing support. Comprehensive, educational information for NDIS participants and their families.
What is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support category that provides assistance with daily living activities to help you live as independently as possible in your chosen home environment.
SIL is designed around the principle that you maintain choice and control over your life while receiving the support you need to achieve your goals. It's not about having things done for you, but rather having support to do things yourself or to build the skills you need for greater independence.
The support can range from a few hours a week to 24/7 assistance, depending on your individual needs and goals. What makes SIL unique is its focus on building your capacity and independence over time, rather than creating dependency.
Person-Centered Approach
Support is tailored to your individual goals, preferences, and culture
Capacity Building Focus
Emphasis on developing skills and independence over time
Home-Based Support
Support provided in your own home or chosen living environment
Did you know? SIL supports over 35,000 NDIS participants across Australia to live independently.
SIL vs Other NDIS Support Types
Understanding the differences between SIL and other NDIS support types helps you make informed decisions about your support needs.
| Support Type | Purpose | Duration | Living Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
SIL | Daily living support in your home | Long-term/ongoing | Your chosen home |
SDA | Specialized housing with accessibility features | Long-term | Purpose-built housing |
STA | Short-term respite accommodation | Days to weeks | Temporary accommodation |
MTA | Medium-term housing during transitions | Weeks to months | Transitional housing |
Who is Eligible for SIL?
SIL eligibility is based on your functional capacity, support needs, and independence goals as assessed by the NDIS.
NDIS Participant
You must be an eligible NDIS participant with an approved plan.
Details: Have a current NDIS plan with SIL funding allocated in your Core Support budget.
Functional Capacity
Require assistance with daily living activities but want to live independently.
Details: Need support with activities like personal care, household tasks, or community participation.
Age Requirements
Generally available for adults 18+ years, with some exceptions for younger participants.
Details: School leavers aged 16-17 may access SIL in specific circumstances with proper transition planning.
Support Needs Assessment
Professional assessment determines your support needs and funding levels.
Details: NDIS planners assess your functional capacity and support requirements during plan development.
Assessment Process
The NDIS uses functional assessments to determine your SIL eligibility. This involves evaluating your ability to perform daily living activities independently and identifying where support would help you achieve your goals.
Assessments consider your current abilities, potential for skill development, support network, and independence goals. The process ensures that SIL funding is appropriate for your situation and will help you achieve greater independence.
How SIL Can Transform Your Life
SIL offers numerous benefits that support your independence goals while ensuring you have the assistance you need.
Keep control over your daily life while receiving personalized support when you need it.
You make your own decisions about how you live, what you do, and when you do it. Support staff assist you rather than taking over.
Develop practical skills and confidence to increase your independence over time.
Learn cooking, budgeting, public transport use, communication skills, and other abilities that enhance your independence.
Maintain relationships with family, friends, and your community with transport and social support.
Participate in community activities, maintain friendships, visit family, and engage in hobbies and interests.
Live safely with 24/7 support availability and emergency response when needed.
Access to support staff, emergency procedures, and safety planning to ensure you feel secure in your home.
Receive support that adapts to your changing needs, goals, and circumstances.
Support can be increased or decreased based on your progress, health changes, or personal preferences.
Live where you want - your own home, shared house, or supported accommodation.
Various housing options available, from independent apartments to shared houses with other participants.
Comprehensive SIL Support Types
SIL covers a wide range of support areas to help you live independently and achieve your personal goals.
Assistance with personal hygiene, health management, and self-care activities.
Support Examples:
Help with domestic tasks and maintaining your living environment.
Support Examples:
Support to access community activities and maintain social connections.
Support Examples:
Building practical skills for greater independence and confidence.
Support Examples:
Assistance to maintain employment or pursue education and training.
Support Examples:
Support to maintain physical and mental health.
Support Examples:
SIL Living Arrangement Options
Choose the living arrangement that best suits your preferences, support needs, and independence goals.
Live alone in your own apartment with support visiting as needed.
Benefits
- Complete privacy
- Total independence
- Own space
Considerations
- Higher support costs
- More responsibility
- Emergency response planning
Best for: People with good independent living skills who need minimal daily support
Share accommodation with other NDIS participants, each with their own support.
Benefits
- Shared costs
- Social interaction
- Peer support
Considerations
- Compatibility important
- Shared spaces
- Different support needs
Best for: People who enjoy company and want to share living costs
Live with other participants with on-site or overnight support available.
Benefits
- 24/7 support access
- Structured environment
- Safety and security
Considerations
- Less privacy
- Shared routines
- Group dynamics
Best for: People who need regular support and prefer structured living
Continue living with family while receiving SIL support for independence skills.
Benefits
- Familiar environment
- Family support
- Gradual transition
Considerations
- Family dynamics
- Boundary setting
- Transition planning
Best for: People transitioning to independence or preferring family support
How Does SIL Work? Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the SIL process from initial assessment to ongoing support helps you navigate your journey confidently.
NDIS Planning & Assessment
During your NDIS planning meeting, assessors evaluate your functional capacity and determine if SIL is appropriate for your goals and support needs.
Provider Selection
Research and choose a registered SIL provider that aligns with your values, location preferences, and support approach.
Support Plan Development
Work with your provider to create a detailed support plan outlining your goals, preferences, daily routines, and specific support requirements.
Support Delivery & Review
Begin receiving support according to your plan, with regular reviews to ensure it continues to meet your changing needs and goals.
Prepare a list of your goals and preferences before meeting with providers
Ask about staff qualifications, training, and experience
Understand your funding allocation and how it will be used
Ensure emergency procedures and contact details are clear
Understanding SIL Funding & Costs
Learn how SIL funding works, what it covers, and how to make the most of your NDIS budget.
SIL funding comes from your Core Support budget in your NDIS plan.
Covers assistance with daily living activities and household tasks based on your assessed needs.
Different funding models depending on your support intensity needs.
Hourly rates for flexible support or daily rates for higher intensity, regular support needs.
Costs can be shared with other participants or funded individually.
Shared arrangements reduce individual costs but require compatible participants.
Other NDIS budgets can complement your SIL funding.
Capacity Building, Capital Supports, and Core Support can work together for comprehensive support.
Funding Breakdown Example
Low Support
2-5 hours/week
For skill building and occasional assistance
Medium Support
10-20 hours/week
For regular assistance with daily tasks
High Support
24/7 availability
For complex needs requiring ongoing support
How to Choose the Right SIL Provider
Selecting the right provider is crucial for your success. Consider these key factors when making your decision.
NDIS Registration
Ensure the provider is registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Values Alignment
Choose providers whose values and approach align with your beliefs and goals.
Staff Qualifications
Check staff training, qualifications, and experience in disability support.
Location & Availability
Consider their service area and availability to provide support when you need it.
Participant Feedback
Research reviews and feedback from current and former participants.
Service Flexibility
Ability to adapt support as your needs change over time.
Service Delivery
- • How do you match staff to participants?
- • What happens if my regular staff member is unavailable?
- • How do you handle emergency situations?
- • What training do your staff receive?
Planning & Reviews
- • How often do you review support plans?
- • How do you measure progress toward goals?
- • What happens if I want to change my support?
- • How do you handle complaints or feedback?
Planning Your SIL Support Journey
Effective planning ensures your SIL support aligns with your goals and helps you achieve greater independence.
Clear and detailed goals
Track progress objectively
Realistic and attainable
Meaningful to your life
Set realistic deadlines
"Learn to use public transport independently within 6 months" - with weekly practice sessions and route planning support.
"Prepare 3 healthy meals independently each week" - with cooking skills training and meal planning assistance.
"Maintain employment with minimal support" - focusing on workplace communication and routine management.
Weekly Check-ins
Daily support adjustments and immediate concerns
Monthly Reviews
Goal progress and support plan effectiveness
Quarterly Assessments
Comprehensive plan review and goal setting
Your Rights as an SIL Participant
Understanding your rights ensures you receive quality support and can advocate for yourself when needed.
Choice and Control
You have the right to make decisions about your support and how it's delivered.
Dignity and Respect
All support must be provided with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your personal information and privacy must be protected at all times.
Safe and Quality Support
You have the right to safe, quality support that meets professional standards.
Freedom from Abuse
You have the right to be free from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Complaints and Advocacy
You can make complaints and access advocacy services when needed.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
For complaints and quality concerns:
Phone: 1800 035 544
Email: complaints@ndiscommission.gov.au
Disability Advocacy Services
For independent advocacy support:
National Disability Advocacy Program
Visit: www.disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au
SIL Myths vs Facts
Let's clear up common misconceptions about Supported Independent Living to help you make informed decisions.
Myth
SIL means you can't live independently
Fact
SIL actually supports your independence by providing assistance only where you need it.
Myth
You have to live with other people
Fact
You can choose to live alone, with others, or with family - it's your choice.
Myth
SIL is only for people with high support needs
Fact
SIL supports people with varying needs - from minimal assistance to more intensive support.
Myth
You can't change providers once you start
Fact
You have the right to change providers if your current one isn't meeting your needs.
Myth
SIL funding is limited and hard to get
Fact
If you meet the criteria and it's in your plan, SIL funding is your entitlement.
Myth
Staff will control your daily routine
Fact
You maintain control of your routine - staff support you according to your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Supported Independent Living.
Related NDIS Support Types
Explore other NDIS support types that might complement your SIL support or provide alternative options.
Ready to Explore SIL Options?
If you think SIL might be right for you, or if you want to learn more about accessing support, we're here to help you understand your options.
