Who is Eligible for Supported Independent Living (SIL) under NDIS?

May 23, 2025

Finding the right support to live more independently is a big deal, especially for someone with a disability working towards greater freedom, stability and confidence in everyday life. That’s where Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS comes in.

But what exactly is SIL? And more importantly, who qualifies for it?

If you or someone you care about is exploring the NDIS and wondering if SIL might be a good fit, this blog breaks it all down. We’ll explain what SIL is, who can access it, what eligibility looks like under the NDIS, and what to expect next.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living is a type of support offered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It helps a person with a disability live as independently as possible, often in a shared living environment with regular help from trained support workers.

This assistance can include:

• Help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, personal care or taking medication
  
• Building skills to live more independently
  
• Support to participate in the community
  
• Assistance during overnight stays if needed
  

SIL is most often delivered in a shared home where the person lives with other NDIS participants, though it can sometimes be available in individual settings too.

It’s important to note that SIL is not about the home itself—it’s about the support provided in that home. The accommodation is typically arranged separately, although some providers, like Interaction, can help with both.

Looking for supported independent living in Parramatta or Castle Hill? Interaction provides a range of accommodation options for people with disabilities. Our team can help you find the right living situation, whether it’s independent living or a shared living environment.

Why is SIL Important?

Living more independently is something many people strive for, and that’s no different for someone with a lived disability. SIL helps individuals build capacity, gain more confidence, and feel more in control of their daily lives.

With the right support in place, a person can:

• Experience greater independence
  
• Make choices about how they live and who they live with
  
• Learn and practise everyday life skills
  
• Feel safer and more supported in their home environment
  
• Reduce reliance on family carers
  

For families and carers, SIL also offers peace of mind—knowing that their loved one is supported, safe and encouraged to thrive.

Who is SIL Designed For?

SIL is not for everyone, and it’s not meant to be the only way to live independently. It is usually designed for people with a disability who have higher support needs and require help throughout the day (and sometimes at night) with daily living activities.

It is most commonly suited to people who:

• Are aged 18 and over
  
• Have complex or high support needs that require paid support workers on a regular basis
  
• Need help with personal care, managing behaviour, or accessing the community
  
• Want to live in a shared arrangement with other participants
  
• Cannot live independently or with informal supports alone
  

SIL vs. SDA vs. ILO: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get confused between the different types of supports offered under the NDIS. Let’s clear that up:

• SIL (Supported Independent Living): Covers the cost of support services (like help with cooking, cleaning, or personal care), not the accommodation itself.
  
• SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation): Refers to the specially designed housing itself, built for people with extreme functional impairment or very high needs.
  
• ILO (Individualised Living Options): A flexible support arrangement for people who want to live alone, with friends, or in other non-shared models. ILOs focus more on choice and control in living arrangements.
  

You can receive SIL funding with or without SDA, depending on your needs and situation.

Am I Eligible for SIL under the NDIS?

Now to the big question—who qualifies for SIL under the NDIS?

The NDIS will look at your situation to decide whether SIL is a “reasonable and necessary” support, based on your goals, needs, and the support systems you already have.

Here’s what they consider:

1. Level of Support Needs

The NDIS will look at how much and what type of help you need. SIL is generally approved for people who:

• Need 24/7 care or regular active support, especially overnight
  
• Need help with most or all activities of daily living
  
• Require supervision or help managing complex behaviours
  
• Can’t live independently or rely only on informal supports like family
  

2. Functional Capacity

This refers to how your disability affects your ability to perform everyday tasks. The NDIS may ask questions like:

• Can you safely manage your own medication, meals or personal hygiene?
  
• Do you need reminders or supervision to complete basic tasks?
  
• Do you need help managing your emotions or behaviours in a home setting?
  

3. Current Living Situation

The NDIS wants to know if your current living arrangement is safe, suitable, or sustainable long-term. For example:

• Are your informal carers feeling overwhelmed?
  
• Are you living in a hospital, at a group home, or somewhere temporary?
  
• Have you expressed a goal to move out or live more independently?
  

4. Your NDIS Goals

SIL must align with your NDIS goals. If you’ve identified a goal like “I want to live independently,” “I want to develop life skills,” or “I want to live with peers,” this can support your case.

5. Other Support Options

SIL is considered when other housing or support options, like ILO or drop-in supports, aren’t enough to meet your needs. It’s often used when informal supports (like family or friends) can’t safely or reasonably provide the level of help required.

How Do I Apply for SIL?

The process of getting SIL starts with a conversation with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. You’ll usually need:

1. A Home and Living Supports Request form (this outlines your preferred living goals and needs)
   
2. Functional assessments—like an OT or behaviour support report—to demonstrate the level of support you require
   
3. A detailed SIL quote from a registered provider (like Interaction), outlining the supports and staff hours needed
   
4. Evidence of your goals and current challenges (this might include your NDIS plan, support letters, or carer statements)
   

Once submitted, the NDIA will review your request and determine if SIL is a “reasonable and necessary” support in your case.

Searching for supported independent living in Sydney? Our staff are enthusiastic, experienced, and qualified. We are ready to assist you in finding supported independent living. We believe that finding the right accommodation has countless positive benefits, and we’re here to make sure that this transition is as smooth and seamless as possible.

What Happens After SIL is Approved?

If your application is successful, SIL funding will be included in your NDIS plan under the “Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living” budget.

From here, you can:

• Choose your SIL provider (Interaction is a registered SIL provider and can help you through this process)
  
• Meet potential housemates or explore available shared homes
  
• Start transitioning into your new living environment with the right supports in place
  

Some people move in gradually through short-term stays or trial periods, which can be a great way to ease the transition.

Can I Still Be Involved in Choosing Where and How I Live?

Absolutely. In fact, the NDIS is designed to support choice and control, and SIL is no different.

You have the right to:

• Choose where you live and who you live with
  
• Choose your SIL provider
  
• Be involved in decision-making around your supports
  
• Express your goals, preferences and concerns
  
• Change providers if you’re not happy
  

At Interaction, we work with each individual (and their support network) to ensure they feel comfortable, respected and involved at every step.

Need supported independent living in Penrith or Blacktown?. At Interaction, we take pride in helping individuals find stable, supported accommodation. Supported Accommodation can be funded through your NDIS plan and is designed to provide practical and flexible assistance to support your living goals.

What If I Don’t Qualify for SIL?

If the NDIA decides SIL isn’t right for you, don’t worry—there are still other options. You might be eligible for:

• ILO (Individualised Living Options) for more flexible arrangements
  
• Drop-in supports to help you at home
  
• Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding if housing is the main challenge
  
• Carer supports or in-home help tailored to your needs
  

A good support coordinator can help you explore alternatives that fit your lifestyle and goals.

Is SIL Right for You?

Supported Independent Living can be life-changing for someone with a lived disability who wants to live more independently, build skills, and enjoy a stable, supportive home life.

To be eligible under the NDIS, you generally need to:

• Be over 18
  
• Have high or complex support needs
  
• Need regular assistance with daily tasks
  
• Have goals related to independent living
  
• Be in a situation where informal supports alone are not enough
  

It all starts with understanding your goals—and finding the right support to help you reach them.

Ready to Explore Supported Independent Living?

At Interaction, we’ve been supporting people with a disability to live more independently for over 40 years.

Whether you’re exploring SIL for the first time or need help navigating the NDIS application process, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We offer:

• Personalised support
  
• Registered NDIS SIL services
  
• Access to a range of shared living options across NSW
  
• Compassionate, professional teams who truly care
  

Let’s talk about what independence could look like for you.

Visit interactionservices.org or get in touch with our friendly team today. We’re here to help you feel empowered, informed and supported—every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SIL if I don’t need 24/7 support?

SIL is generally for people who need high-level, ongoing support. If you only need occasional help, other options like Individualised Living Options (ILO) or drop-in supports might be more suitable

Can I live alone and still get SIL?

Yes, SIL can be funded for people living alone if their support needs justify it, but most SIL arrangements are shared to maximise value for money and social connection

What if my needs change?

Your SIL funding can be reviewed and adjusted if your support needs increase or decrease. You can request a plan review through the NDIA

How long does it take to get SIL funding?

The process can take several months, depending on how quickly assessments are completed and how complex your needs are. Working with a support coordinator can help speed things up.