Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) Under the NDIS: Everything You Need to Know
- tibiimarketing01
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of NDIS support designed to help people with disabilities live more independently. It provides structured daily assistance in a home setting whether shared or individual so participants can develop skills, maintain routines, and take greater control over their lives.
SIL is most suitable for NDIS participants who require regular help with personal care, household tasks, or ongoing supervision. The goal isn’t just to provide care, it’s to help people build independence, confidence, and community participation.
What Is SIL Accommodation?
SIL accommodation refers to the living environment where SIL supports are delivered. This could be:
Shared homes, where multiple participants live together and receive group or individual supports.
Individual homes, where a person lives independently but has staff available for daily or overnight assistance.
The NDIS funds the support services (SIL), not the physical accommodation. Participants can choose where they live, and SIL supports are then arranged around their living situation and personal goals.
Who is Eligible for SIL?
SIL is generally funded for people who:
Need 24-hour support or overnight supervision for safety and wellbeing.
Have daily personal care or skill-building requirements.
Aim to live as independently as possible with structured assistance.
Have SIL included in their NDIS plan following an assessment of their needs.
The NDIS decides SIL eligibility based on functional assessments and whether these supports are reasonable and necessary for achieving the participant’s goals.
How SIL Funding Fits Within the NDIS
SIL funding is part of the Core Supports category in an NDIS plan. It covers the cost of support workers who provide daily living assistance — not rent, meals, or household expenses.
Funding is determined individually based on:
The participant’s support needs (standard, high, or complex).
Number of people sharing the home.
Type and duration of supports required (daytime or overnight).
Each plan is developed to match the participant’s circumstances, ensuring supports are flexible and person-centred.
Types of Supports in SIL
A SIL provider delivers tailored supports that enable participants to live safely and independently. Common examples include:
Personal care – showering, dressing, grooming.
Meal preparation and household tasks – cooking, cleaning, laundry.
Skill development – budgeting, using public transport, communication skills.
Community participation – attending appointments or social activities.
Overnight or 24/7 support – ensuring constant supervision and safety.
These supports promote autonomy while ensuring every participant receives the level of care needed for comfort and stability.
How to Choose the Right SIL Provider in Adelaide
Finding the right SIL provider in Adelaide is essential to achieving positive outcomes under the NDIS. The right provider ensures participants receive support that is reliable, respectful, and aligned with their personal goals.
When evaluating SIL providers, consider these key factors:
NDIS Registration and Compliance
Always verify that the provider is registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and follows best practices in disability care.
Experience and Expertise
Look for providers experienced in delivering SIL supports for varying needs — from low to complex care. Their track record in handling shared or individual living arrangements matters.
Support Ratios and Staffing
Ask about staff-to-participant ratios (1:1, 1:2, or shared). Consistent staffing ensures familiarity, trust, and continuity of care.
Transparency and Collaboration
A good provider keeps participants and families involved in decisions, from goal planning to daily routines. Open communication is key.
Local Knowledge
In Adelaide, local understanding enhances accessibility providers who know nearby healthcare services, community hubs, and transport routes can make daily living easier and more connected.
Choosing a SIL provider is not just about who provides care it’s about who empowers participants to live confidently and independently within their community.
SIL vs SDA: Understanding the Difference
Many people confuse Supported Independent Living (SIL) with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Here’s the difference:
In short, SIL is the support, while SDA is the space where support takes place.
When planned correctly, SIL can lead to meaningful, long-term improvements in quality of life. Benefits include:
Increased independence and confidence.
Development of practical daily living skills.
Better access to community and social opportunities.
Stable routines and structured care.
Peace of mind for participants and their families.
These outcomes align directly with the NDIS goal of enabling individuals to live life on their own terms.
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