Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the largest funding categories under the NDIS and one of the most commonly misunderstood. This guide explains what SIL actually funds, who's eligible, and how to find the right SIL home.
What SIL is — and what it isn't
SIL funds the support workers in a shared-living arrangement — not the rent, not the bond, not the utility bills. Those are paid by the participant from their Disability Support Pension, often supplemented by Commonwealth Rent Assistance or SDA funding.
In a typical SIL home, two to five participants share a house and have access to support workers around the clock. The level of support is set by each participant's individual SIL quote, not by the house as a whole.
Eligibility
You're likely to be eligible for SIL if:
- You have a long-term disability and need significant daily support
- You can't safely live alone without overnight support
- You'd benefit from a structured shared-living arrangement
- Your independence and life outcomes would improve in SIL compared to your current setting
The SIL quote process
1. Roster of Care
Your provider develops a "Roster of Care" — a week-by-week timetable showing exactly when support workers are needed, how many, and at what skill level. Overnight passive support, active support, and 1:1 hours are all priced separately.
2. Submission to the NDIA
The Roster of Care is submitted as a SIL quote. The NDIA either approves it, requests changes, or approves a different version. This usually takes 4–8 weeks.
3. Funding lands in your plan
Once approved, SIL funding sits in your Core Supports budget and is invoiced fortnightly by your provider.
SDA vs SIL — they're not the same
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is funding for the building; SIL is funding for the support. Some participants have both; many have only SIL and rent in an ordinary share-house.
Choosing a SIL home
The right SIL home matches you on three dimensions:
- Location — close to your family, work, study, and community
- Housemates — people you can comfortably share a kitchen with for years
- Provider culture — the philosophy and training of the support team
Visiting a SIL home
Always visit at least twice before committing — once during the day and once in the evening when everyone is home. Meet the housemates, ask the support workers how decisions are made, and talk to families of current residents if you can.
How GNA can help
GNA operates SIL homes across Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. We also help participants prepare their SIL quote, find the right home (with us or another provider), and navigate the transition from family home or hospital. Call 1300 133 633 to start the conversation.
