What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)? A Complete Guide for NDIS Families
Learn what SIL (Supported Independent Living) is, who qualifies, costs, and how it helps NDIS participants build independence. Practical guide for families in Melbourne.
6/21/20265 min read
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)? A Complete Guide for NDIS Families
If you're new to the NDIS, you've probably heard the term "SIL" thrown around a lot. It stands for Supported Independent Living, and it's one of the most powerful tools in your NDIS toolkit.
But what does it actually mean? Who qualifies? How much does it cost? And most importantly - will it help your child or family member?
This guide answers all those questions in plain English. No jargon. Just practical information to help you decide if SIL is right for you.
What is SIL (Supported Independent Living)?
SIL is funding in your NDIS plan that pays for support to help you live more independently.
That could mean:
- Living on your own - in your own home or shared house
- Managing daily routines - cooking, cleaning, personal care, laundry, budgeting
- Building life skills - confidence with transport, shopping, appointments, relationships
- Staying safe - having someone there to help manage risk while you build independence
The key word is "independent." SIL isn't about doing everything for you. It's about supporting you to do more for yourself.
How Does SIL Work?
When you get SIL funding in your NDIS plan, it pays for trained support workers to come to your home (or support you in the community) to help you with daily living tasks.
Here's a typical example:
Sarah is 19 and wants to move out of home. Her NDIS plan includes $15,000 per year in SIL funding. She uses this to pay for:
- A support worker 3 evenings per week to help with meal prep and household tasks
- Weekend support to help with shopping and community access
- Check-ins to help her manage her medication and appointments
Sarah does most things herself. The support worker is there to guide, encourage, and step in when needed.
Over time, Sarah becomes more confident. She needs less support. Her family feels secure. She's building the independence she wants.
Who Can Get SIL?
To get SIL in your NDIS plan, you need to:
1. Be an NDIS participant - already on the scheme
2. Have capacity to live more independently - with support, you can build skills and independence
3. Have SIL funding in your plan - your NDIS planner includes it based on your goals
Important: Just because you're on the NDIS doesn't automatically mean you'll get SIL. Your planner assesses your goals and needs. If your goal is independence, SIL is usually included. If you need full-time residential care in a group home, you might get different support instead.
Who benefits most from SIL?
- Young adults transitioning from school to independence
- People living with family who want to move toward their own home
- Participants in group homes who are ready for more independence
- People with physical disabilities who need help with daily tasks but can make decisions for themselves
- People with intellectual disabilities who are building life skills
SIL vs Other Support Types
The NDIS offers different types of support. Here's how SIL compares:
| Support Type | What It Is | Best For |
SIL (Supported Independent Living) | Support to help you live independently in your own home | People building independence, living alone or in shared housing
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) | Funding for accessible housing + support | People who need highly accessible housing
Respite Care | Short-term support/accommodation for breaks | Families needing planned breaks
Group Home Support | Full-time support in a shared house | People needing 24/7 supervision
Daily Activity Support | Help with daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, personal care) | People who need regular in-home help
The difference: SIL is about independence and living in your own space. Group homes are about shared living with 24/7 support. Daily activity support is about specific tasks, not independence building.
How Much Does SIL Cost?
SIL funding varies hugely depending on:
- How many hours per week you need support
- What type of support (in-home vs community access)
- Whether you need overnight support
- Your location (Melbourne vs regional areas)
Real examples (based on typical NDIS plans):
- Light SIL (4-8 hours per week): $8,000–$15,000 per year
- Moderate SIL (8-15 hours per week): $15,000–$30,000 per year
- Intensive SIL (20+ hours per week): $30,000–$50,000+ per year
But here's the thing: You don't pay for SIL directly. Your NDIS plan includes it. If your planner agrees you need SIL, the funding is in your plan - you just use it to hire a support provider (like Link Support Services).
What Happens in a Typical SIL Week?
Let's say you get $20,000 per year in SIL funding (about $385 per week). Here's what that might look like:
Monday: Support worker arrives 5pm–7pm. You cook dinner together, plan the week, check appointments.
Wednesday: Support worker arrives 6pm–8pm. Help with laundry, grocery list, budgeting.
Saturday: 2 hours community access. Shopping, visiting friends, or an activity.
Emergency access: You can call if something comes up - medical appointment, crisis, need extra help.
The rest of the week? You manage. You're building confidence. You're independent.
Benefits of SIL
For the Participant
- ✅ Independence & autonomy - living your own life, making your own choices
- ✅ Skill building - learning cooking, budgeting, self-care, community access
- ✅ Confidence - knowing you can manage with support nearby
- ✅ Social connection - opportunity to make friends, engage with community
- ✅ Purpose - working toward goals that matter to you
For the Family
- ✅ Peace of mind - knowing your family member is safe but independent
- ✅ Reduced caregiver burden - not doing everything yourself
- ✅ Future planning - your family member building a life they can sustain
- ✅ Relationship preservation - moving from "carer" to "supporter"
Common Questions About SIL
Q: Does my participant have to live alone for SIL?
A: No. SIL works in shared houses (with housemates), group homes, or individual apartments. It's about independence, not isolation.
Q: What if my participant isn't ready for full independence?
A: SIL is flexible. You might start with just a few hours per week while they build skills. As confidence grows, hours can increase - or decrease if needed.
Q: Can I choose my support provider?
A: Yes. You can hire any registered NDIS provider (like Link Support Services). You choose who you work with.
Q: What if SIL isn't working out?
A: You can change providers, adjust hours, or request a plan review. NDIS plans are flexible.
Q: How do I get SIL in my plan?
A: Talk to your NDIS planner at your next planning meeting. Explain your goals around independence. If it's a realistic goal, SIL funding can be included.
Q: Does SIL cost extra on top of my NDIS plan?
A: No. If SIL is in your plan, it's already funded. You're not paying extra - the NDIS is.
Getting Started with SIL
If SIL sounds right for you or your family member, here's the next step:
1. Talk to your support coordinator or NDIS planner - explain your independence goals
2. Ask for SIL to be included in your next plan
3. Find a provider - we recommend getting quotes from 2-3 providers (like Link Support Services)
4. Start small - begin with a few hours per week and build from there
5. Review and adjust - as skills grow, your support can change
Link Support Services - SIL Support in Melbourne
If you're in Melbourne (Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, western suburbs) and interested in SIL support, we'd love to help.
We've supported dozens of families through the SIL journey - helping participants build independence, develop life skills, and move toward their goals.
Learn about our SIL services
Get in touch: 0433 266 438
Final Thought
SIL isn't just a funding type - it's an investment in independence, confidence, and a future your family member can build.
If that resonates with you, reach out. We're here to help.
Questions about SIL for your situation? Contact us 0433 266 438
Link Support Services
Linking Care, Community, and Possibility
Contact Us
0433 266 438
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