What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)? A Complete Guide

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS funding category that provides support with daily tasks so a participant can live as independently as possible. SIL funds the support workers who assist with everyday activities — it does not fund the physical house or rent.

SIL is designed for NDIS participants who need regular or continuous support to live in the community. This includes help with:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
• Meal preparation and cooking
• Medication management
• Household tasks (cleaning, laundry)
• Community participation and social activities
• Managing appointments and schedules
• Overnight support (active night or sleepover)

Who is SIL for?

SIL is typically for participants with high or very high support needs who require assistance throughout the day and/or overnight. It is most commonly used by participants living in shared housing (group homes or SIL households) where support is rostered across multiple residents.

Participants with lower support needs may be better suited to Individualised Living Options (ILO) or in-home supports rather than SIL.

SIL vs SDA: What's the difference?

This is one of the most common questions we receive. The key distinction:

• SIL funds the support workers — the people who help you with daily tasks
• SDA funds the physical dwelling — the purpose-built or modified house you live in

A participant can have SIL funding, SDA funding, or both. Many participants in Specialist Disability Accommodation also receive SIL support. Learn more about SDA on our Specialist Disability Accommodation page.

How SIL funding works

SIL funding is included in a participant's NDIS plan under the Core Supports budget. The amount of SIL funding depends on:

1. Support needs — assessed during an OT or functional capacity assessment
2. Support ratio — 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 (one support worker per number of residents)
3. Overnight support model — sleepover, active night, or no overnight support
4. Hours of support per day — weekday vs weekend hours
5. Leakage — an allowance for staff training, handover, and non-direct support time

SIL support ratios explained

• 1:1 — one support worker for one participant (highest intensity)
• 1:2 — one support worker for two participants
• 1:3 — one support worker for three participants
• 1:4 — one support worker for four participants

The ratio is determined by the participant's support needs and the household composition. Higher ratios (1:1) are for participants with complex needs; lower ratios (1:3 or 1:4) are for participants who can live more independently with shared support.

How to find SIL housing

Search SIL vacancies on Housing Match to find available homes from NDIS-registered providers. Each listing shows:

• The suburb and location
• Number of bedrooms and vacancies
• Accessibility features
• The SIL provider
• Support ratio and overnight model
• Weekly cost

You can filter by state, suburb, property type, and accessibility features to find a home that suits your needs.

SIL in Newcastle and the Hunter

If you're looking for SIL housing in the Hunter region, we have dedicated location pages:

• SIL Vacancies in Newcastle
• SIL Vacancies in Lake Macquarie
• SIL Vacancies on the Central Coast
• Disability Housing in the Hunter Region

How to apply for SIL housing

1. Ensure you have SIL funding in your NDIS plan. If you don't, speak to your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator about requesting a plan review.
2. Search for available SIL vacancies on Housing Match.
3. Submit an application through the platform or ask your Support Coordinator to apply on your behalf.
4. Complete a compatibility assessment. Housing Match uses AI-powered compatibility matching to assess whether a property and household are a good fit for you.
5. The provider reviews your application and contacts you or your Support Coordinator.

Find a Support Coordinator through our Provider Directory if you don't already have one.

Choosing a SIL provider

When choosing a SIL provider, consider:

• NDIS registration — ensure the provider is registered for SIL
• Experience with your disability type — look for providers with expertise in your specific needs
• Support model — do they offer the ratio and overnight model you need?
• Cultural supports — do they offer culturally appropriate care?
• Languages spoken — do staff speak your language?
• Values and philosophy — do their values align with yours?

Browse SIL providers in our directory to compare organisations and their services.

Privacy and consent

Your privacy is protected when using Housing Match. We use de-identified data for AI compatibility matching, and your consent is managed through a permanent, event-based ledger. Learn more in our Trust Centre.

Frequently asked questions

Does SIL pay for rent? No. SIL funds support workers, not rent. Rent is typically paid from the participant's own income or through Rental Assistance. If the participant lives in SDA, the SDA funding covers the dwelling cost.

Can I choose my housemates? Yes. Housing Match's compatibility matching considers household preferences, lifestyle, and housemate compatibility. You can specify preferences for gender, age, lifestyle, and pets.

What if my needs change? If your support needs change, your Support Coordinator can request an NDIS plan review. Your SIL funding can be adjusted to reflect your current needs.

Is Housing Match free? Yes. Housing Match is completely free for NDIS participants, families, and Support Coordinators. Providers pay to list properties.

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This article is for general information and does not constitute advice. For personalised guidance, speak to your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator.