NDIS Guides

What Is SIL? Supported Independent Living Explained

July 31, 2026

What is SIL? Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding for a support worker to help you at home, around the clock. It is support, not housing. This guide explains what SIL funds, who it suits, how it differs from SDA, and how to get started, in plain English for Western Sydney families.

Quick summary

SIL is funding for a support worker, not a house.
It can cover help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It suits people who need a high level of support at home all the time.
SIL is the support. SDA is the home. Many people have both.
From 1 July 2026, SIL providers must be registered with the NDIS Commission.

What is SIL, exactly?

Supported Independent Living is funding for a support worker to help you for up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The support worker helps or supervises the day-to-day tasks in your home. According to the NDIS, SIL is designed to help you live as independently as possible while building your skills.

You might share a support worker with others in your home. Or you might have your own worker. It depends on how much support you need. The key point is simple. SIL pays for the people who help you, not the house you live in.

Who is SIL for?

SIL is for people who need a high level of support at home all the time. A support worker can help with daily tasks like:

Personal care, showering and getting dressed
Eating and cooking meals
Household tasks, like cleaning
Building social skills and attending appointments

The NDIS looks at whether you need a lot of support. As a guide, SIL may suit you if you need active support for more than 8 hours a day, plus some supervision the rest of the time. In short, you need help across the full 24 hours.

SIL might not be the right fit if you only need a few hours of support a day or week. It is also not SIL if you choose and manage your own support workers. In those cases, the NDIS may look at other supports instead.

SIL vs SDA: what is the difference?

This is the question almost everyone asks, and the answer is simpler than it sounds:

SIL is the support. Funding for the workers who help you.
SDA is the home. The specialist building, with features for high support needs.

SDA does not cover the support you get inside the home. SIL is not the house itself. Some people have both in their plan, one paying for the home and the other for the people. You can read our full guide, What Is SDA?, to see how they work together.

Where can you live with SIL?

You can receive SIL whether you live with other NDIS participants or on your own. It depends on your support needs. Many SIL arrangements are shared homes, where you have your own private bedroom and share some support. Sometimes living on your own is the better fit.

If you are not sure what suits you, talk it through. Your support coordinator, treating health professional or NDIS planner can help you weigh up the options.

An important change for 2026

There is one update worth knowing. From 1 July 2026, all providers delivering SIL must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Your plan and funding do not change because of this. If you organise or employ your own support workers, you do not need to do anything either.

Still, it is a good reason to check that your provider is registered. Registration means extra safeguards for you. If you are unsure, simply ask your provider where they stand.

Frequently asked questions

What does SIL stand for?

SIL stands for Supported Independent Living. It is NDIS funding for support workers to help you at home, up to 24 hours a day, so you can live as independently as possible.

Is SIL the same as SDA?

No. SIL is the funding for your support workers. SDA is the specialist home itself. They do different jobs, and many people have both in their plan.

Who is eligible for SIL?

SIL is for people who need a high level of support at home all the time. As a guide, that often means active support for more than 8 hours a day, plus supervision across the rest of the 24 hours.

Does SIL pay for my rent?

No. SIL pays for support workers, not housing or rent. If you need a specialist home, SDA funds that separately, and you pay your own rent and bills.

Can I choose my own support workers with SIL?

SIL is usually delivered by a provider. If you prefer to choose and manage your own workers, the NDIS may look at other support options that fit that choice better.

How do I get SIL in my NDIS plan?

You add SIL through your NDIS planning process. Your support coordinator and treating health professionals can provide evidence of your support needs. Talk to your my NDIS contact about how to ask for home and living supports.

How 1 Care Connect can help

1 Care Connect is a registered NDIS provider supporting families across Western Sydney and regional New South Wales. Our Supported Independent Living homes are nurse-led, so our nurses look after clinical needs alongside everyday support. We also match you with a consistent team who know you and stay with you.

If you would like to explore your SIL options, or you are looking for a home, we would be glad to help. You can learn more about our SIL support, browse current vacancies, or get in touch.