What Choices Do I Have in SIL? Can I Choose Who I Live With or How I’m Supported?

January 21, 2026

Moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a big step. And like any big step, it comes with a lot of questions. One of the most common ones we hear is: “Do I actually get a say in any of this?”

The short answer is yes,more than you might think.

SIL is built on the principle of choice and control. That means you’re not just slotted into a house and handed a schedule. You have real input into where you live, who you live with, how your support is delivered and what your day-to-day life looks like.

First, a Quick Recap: What Is SIL?

Supported Independent Living is an NDIS-funded support that helps you with daily tasks in your home so you can live as independently as possible. It covers things like personal care, cooking, cleaning, managing medications and getting out in the community.

SIL is designed for people who need significant, ongoing support, often for most of the day, or around the clock. It most commonly takes place in a shared living arrangement with other NDIS participants, though it can also be provided for people living on their own in some circumstances.

What SIL does not cover is your rent, groceries, utilities or other everyday living costs. Those remain your responsibility, just as they would for anyone renting a home.

Can I Choose Where I Live?

Yes. You’re not assigned a home without input. When you’re exploring SIL, you’ll typically visit potential homes before committing to anything. A good SIL provider will involve you in this process, show you what’s available, and take your preferences seriously.

Things you can consider include the location (Is it close to family? Near public transport? In a neighbourhood you like?), the size and style of the home, and whether the environment suits your physical or sensory needs. If you require specialist modifications or purpose-built accessibility features, you might also be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA),a separate but related NDIS support that funds the physical housing itself.

It’s worth knowing that SIL and SDA can work together. If you need both, the NDIS funds them separately, which actually gives you more flexibility. You can live in a home that suits your physical needs and still choose a SIL provider you connect with.

Can I Choose Who I Live With?

This is one of the questions we hear most oftenand the answer is yes, you absolutely have a say.

The NDIS is built on choice and control, and that extends to your housemates. A good SIL provider will take matching seriously. They’ll consider your personality, your daily routines, your interests and any support needs that might affect compatibility. After all, you’re sharing a home with these people. It matters.

That said, it’s worth being realistic. The matching process takes time, and it’s not always possible to find a perfect fit straight away. Providers work to make the best matches they can, but it may take a few conversations and some patience. The important thing is that you’re part of the conversation,not an afterthought.

If your living situation isn’t working out once you’ve moved in, you have options. You can raise concerns with your provider and your Support Coordinator, and work together to find a better arrangement. Your needs and wellbeing come first.

Can I Choose My Support Workers?

You have more say here than many people realise.

While your SIL provider manages the day-to-day staffing of your home, you’re entitled to provide feedback about the support workers you interact with. If a particular worker isn’t a good fit for you, for any reason, you can speak up. Maybe you want someone who speaks your language. Maybe you have a gender preference. Maybe you just click better with certain people. All of that is valid and worth raising.

The NDIS Code of Conduct requires providers to treat you with respect and dignity, and to uphold your right to make decisions about your own life. That includes who is in your home providing your support.

You also have the right to be involved in decisions about your care. If a provider dismisses your feedback about staffing, that’s something to address directly,and if needed, you can escalate concerns to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

What Is a Roster of Care, and Do I Get Input?

The Roster of Care (RoC) is a document that outlines your support needs across a typical week. It maps out what type of help you need, when you need it, and whether any of that support is shared with housemates (for example, a support worker helping everyone in the house with dinner at the same time).

The Roster of Care is important because it’s what your provider submits to the NDIA to determine how much funding you receive.

Here’s the part that matters for you: your provider must share the Roster of Care with you and get your sign-off before submitting it for funding approval. You’re not just handed a document to sign. You should be involved in developing it.

If anything in the roster doesn’t reflect your actual needs or preferences, the timing of support, the mix of shared versus individual time, the type of help provided,  speak up before you sign. It’s much easier to address things at this stage than to go back and request changes later.

If your needs change after your plan is in place, you can request a plan reassessment through the NDIA. This process is there precisely because life changes.

Can I Choose My SIL Provider?

Absolutely. Choosing your SIL provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process.

Take your time. Talk to different providers. Ask about their values, how they approach person-centred support, and what their process looks like for involving participants in decisions. Ask about their experience supporting people with similar needs to yours. Ask what happens when things go wrong.

Some providers are better at building independence and life skills over time. Others may specialise in complex support needs. Some may offer a wider range of activities and community connections,  which can make a real difference to your quality of life.

At Interaction, we’ve been supporting people with disability since 1979. We know that no two people are the same, and we take a genuinely personalised approach. You can read real stories from the people we support here

Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll enter into a Service Agreement a written contract that clearly outlines what supports are being provided, the costs involved, your rights and responsibilities and what to do if something isn’t working. Read it carefully, ask questions, and involve a trusted person if that helps.

What If Things Aren’t Working?

You’re allowed to change your SIL provider. This isn’t always a quick process, but it is an option. Your Service Agreement will outline the notice period required. Your Support Coordinator can help you manage the transition and find a new provider who’s a better fit.

You also have the right to make a complaint at any time. If you’re unhappy with the support you’re receiving, start by raising it with your provider. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.

You should never feel stuck or silenced. Speaking up is not just allowed, it’s encouraged.

Your Rights in SIL

Under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards framework, you have the right to respect, privacy, safe and competent supports, and real involvement in decisions about your care. You can ask questions, request changes, seek a second opinion, and make a complaint without fear of consequences.

Your goals shape your supports, not the other way around. If you ever feel like that balance has shifted, it’s time to speak to your Support Coordinator or reach out to us directly.

If you’re still exploring your broader NDIS options, our NDIS page has helpful information to get you oriented.

For a more detailed look at what the NDIS says about home and living supports, the NDIS Home and Living page is a reliable starting point.

Ready to Explore SIL?

You deserve a home that feels like yours. One where you’re supported the way you want to be, by people who genuinely care, in a community that fits your life.

If you’re thinking about SIL or want to explore your options, we’d love to talk. Get in touch with the Interaction team today, and let’s figure out what’s possible together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refuse a housemate I don’t get along with?

Yes. You have a say in who you share a home with, and a good provider will take your feedback seriously. If a living situation isn’t working, raise it with your provider and Support Coordinator. Finding a different arrangement is possible, though it may take some time.

Can I choose a female-only or male-only household?

Yes, you can express preferences like this during the matching process. Gender, cultural background, language, and personal values are all reasonable factors to raise with your provider.

What happens if my support needs change after my SIL plan is in place?

You can request a plan reassessment through the NDIA. You’ll typically need updated reports from an occupational therapist or other allied health professionals to support the request.

Can I have input into the daily schedule and routines in my home?

Absolutely. Your daily routines, wake-up times, meals, activities, and preferences should all be reflected in your Roster of Care. If they’re not, that’s something to raise with your provider.

Do I have to use the same provider for SIL and Support Coordination?

No. These can be separate providers, and many people choose to keep them separate. The important thing is that both providers are working in your best interests.

What if I want to change my SIL provider?

You can change providers. Check your Service Agreement for the required notice period, and talk to your Support Coordinator about managing the transition smoothly.

Is SIL the only option for people who need support at home?

No. Depending on your support needs, you may be better suited to other NDIS home and living supports, such as Assistance with Daily Life or an Individualized Living Option (ILO). Your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator can help you work out what fits best.