Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is an NDIS support designed for people who need ongoing help with daily living while still wanting to live as independently as possible. As we enter 2026, many participants and families are reviewing their current supports and looking for arrangements that provide stability, choice and long-term wellbeing.
SIL is often misunderstood, particularly when compared with other living supports under the NDIS. This article explains what SIL is, who it is suitable for and how it supports participants to live meaningful and independent lives.
What Is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living is about providing the right level of daily support to help a person live safely and confidently in their home. It does not fund the physical house or apartment. Instead, SIL focuses on the support a participant receives each day.
Participants receiving SIL support may live in a shared home or an individual arrangement. Support workers are rostered based on the participant’s needs, routines and goals. The support is tailored and delivered consistently to help participants develop skills and maintain independence over time.
SIL support commonly includes assistance with:
- Personal care such as showering, dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation and household tasks
- Establishing routines and managing daily activities
- Building life skills and confidence
- Accessing the community and maintaining social connections
The purpose of SIL is not simply to provide care but to support growth, independence and quality of life.
Who Is SIL Suitable For?
SIL is usually suited to NDIS participants who need regular or ongoing assistance in their daily lives. This may include participants with higher or more complex support needs who are not able to live independently without consistent support.
Many participants who receive SIL benefit from structured routines, predictable support and a stable living environment. SIL can also be suitable for people who want to move out of the family home but still require daily assistance to live safely.
Every SIL arrangement should be assessed individually to ensure it aligns with the participant’s goals, abilities and preferences.
Understanding the Difference Between SIL and SDA
One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA. While the two supports can work together, they are not the same.
SIL funds the support services, including the assistance provided by support workers throughout the day and night. SDA, on the other hand, funds the physical housing designed for people with significant functional impairment or very high support needs.
It is important to note that many participants receive SIL without living in an SDA property. SIL supports can be delivered in private rentals, shared homes or family living arrangements. The focus of SIL is always on the support provided, not the building itself.
What Does SIL Funding Cover?
SIL funding is tailored to each participant and is based on the level of support they require to live safely and independently. It is usually funded under Core Supports and reflects the participant’s assessed needs.
Depending on the individual arrangement, SIL funding may cover:
- Daytime and overnight support
- Active or passive overnight supervision
- Shared or individual support hours
- Ongoing assistance with daily routines and tasks
SIL funding is not one size fits all. The level and type of support should be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the participant’s needs.
What Does Quality SIL Support Look Like?
Quality Supported Independent Living should feel respectful, supportive and empowering. It should be built around the participant, not the service model.
Good SIL support focuses on consistency, clear communication and genuine understanding of the participant’s goals. Support workers should encourage independence wherever possible, while still providing the assistance needed to maintain safety and wellbeing.
When delivered well, SIL supports participants to build skills, gain confidence and take an active role in their daily lives.
Accessing SIL Through the NDIS
Accessing SIL typically involves demonstrating that a participant requires daily support to live safely. This process often includes functional assessments, allied health reports and clearly defined NDIS goals related to independent living.
Support coordinators and providers play an important role in helping participants and families navigate this process. SIL is commonly discussed during plan reviews or when a participant’s needs or living situation change.
Early planning and clear documentation can help ensure the right supports are approved and put in place.
Planning for SIL in 2026
The start of a new year is a valuable time to review current supports and consider whether they are still meeting a participant’s needs. SIL can provide long-term stability while supporting personal growth and independence.
With the right supports in place, participants can feel confident in their routines, connected to their community and supported to live life on their own terms.
How We Support Participants Through SIL
At Montessori Care, we provide person-centred Supported Independent Living supports that prioritise dignity, independence and everyday wellbeing. Our team works closely with participants, families and support coordinators to ensure supports are tailored, consistent and responsive to individual goals.
If you would like to learn more about Supported Independent Living or discuss whether it is suitable for you or your family member, our team is here to help.
