The bottom line: Supported Independent Living (SIL)
is an NDIS service that helps adults with disability live independently
in their own home or shared accommodation while receiving practical
support with everyday tasks. Unlike group homes, you choose where you
live and who supports you.
What Is
Supported Independent Living (SIL) in 2026?
SIL is one of the most misunderstood NDIS services — and in 2026,
it’s more important than ever as the NDIS continues to evolve under new
legislation. Let’s clarify what it actually means.
SIL = Your choice of accommodation + Funded support workers
who help with daily living.
You might live in: – Your own rental home (alone or with housemates
of your choice) – A house you own – Shared accommodation with other NDIS
participants – A supported living residence (but you chose it)
You receive support for: – Personal care (showering, dressing,
toileting) – Meal preparation and eating – Household tasks and budgeting
– Medication management – Community access and participation –
Behavioural support (if needed)
What SIL is NOT: – A government-run institution or
group home – Aged care or residential facility – A hostel or assigned
bed in a facility
The key difference: In SIL, you (or your representative)
choose your accommodation and your support provider. You are not
assigned to a facility.
2026 Update:
What’s Changed with SIL Under the NDIS?
The NDIS underwent significant reform in 2024–2025 under the NDIS
Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Act 2024. Key
changes affecting SIL participants in 2026:
- Strengthened participant rights — SIL providers
must now meet updated NDIS Practice Standards with enhanced participant
safeguards - Improved SIL assessment process — The NDIA has
simplified the Supported Independent Living Vacancy Tool (SILVT) and
Roster of Care requirements - Budget clarity — NDIS pricing for SIL supports is
now published in the 2025–26 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
document - Focus on independence outcomes — Plans now require
documented goals showing how SIL supports will build skills and
independence over time
Always check ndis.gov.au for
the current SIL pricing and eligibility guidelines.
Who Can Access SIL?
NDIS Participation
You must be an NDIS participant. If you’re not yet in the NDIS, visit
ndis.gov.au to check eligibility.
Age and Support Needs
- Typically an adult transitioning from school-based to adult support
services - You have significant support needs requiring daily or overnight
assistance - You want to live more independently — away from the family home or
full-time care setting
Funding Requirements
SIL requires adequate core support funding in your NDIS plan. The
NDIA typically allocates SIL when: – Core support costs justify it (SIL
funding typically starts from $30,000 per year for lower-intensity
support, with complex 24/7 packages often reaching $180,000–$250,000+
annually — refer to the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2025–26 at
ndis.gov.au for accurate figures) – Personal care or community access is
a major assessed need – The participant cannot remain safely at home
with informal supports
If your plan doesn’t have sufficient core funding, the NDIA will
discuss alternatives such as Supported Decision Making or Home and
Living supports.
How SIL Funding Works
SIL funding involves three streams:
1. Core Support (Your NDIS
Plan)
Your NDIS plan allocates funding for personal care, daily living
assistance, community access, and related supports. This is your
allocation, based on your goals and functional assessment.
Example: James’s NDIS plan allocates $72,000 per
year for core support. This funds his SIL support worker hours across
the week.
2. Accommodation
Accommodation costs (rent, utilities, maintenance) generally come
from the participant’s income, Disability Support Pension, or housing
assistance. SIL funds the support, not the housing
itself.
Exception: Some SIL providers offer shared
accommodation packages where property costs are bundled into the service
agreement — always clarify this upfront.
3. Support Coordination
(Optional)
If your plan includes Support Coordination or Specialist Support
Coordination, your coordinator can help you find, negotiate, and manage
your SIL arrangement.
SIL vs. Other NDIS
Housing Options in 2026
| Option | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SIL | Support workers in your home (any setting) | High support needs, daily/overnight assistance |
| SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) | Purpose-built accessible housing funded by NDIS | Extreme functional impairment or very high support needs |
| Individualised Living Options (ILO) | Flexible, self-directed living supports tailored to the participant | Participants wanting a personalised alternative to SIL or SDA |
| Home and Living Supports | In-home daily support (lower intensity than SIL) | Moderate support needs |
| Respite / Short-Term Accommodation | Short-term support away from home | Giving carers a break; trial of independence |
Finding SIL
Accommodation in Western Sydney
SADC Disability Services supports participants across Parramatta,
Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown, and Greater Western Sydney. Our team
can help you:
- Identify your living goals — Do you want to live
alone, with a friend, or in shared housing? - Map your support requirements — How many hours per
week? Overnight support? Behaviour support? - Find appropriate accommodation — We maintain
relationships with housing providers across Sydney - Draft your Roster of Care — Required by the NDIA
for SIL approval - Connect with your LAC or Support Coordinator — To
get SIL formally included in your plan
The SIL Application
Process (Step by Step)
- NDIS plan includes SIL funding request — Raised at
your planning meeting with evidence of support needs - NDIA assessment — Functional assessment,
occupational therapy reports, and goal documentation submitted - Roster of Care approved — Detailed breakdown of
daily support hours reviewed by NDIA - SIL provider selected — You choose your registered
SIL provider (SADC or another) - Service agreement signed — Outlines support hours,
rates, and your rights - Move in and support begins — Your SIL workers start
according to the agreed roster
Tip: Having a Support Coordinator significantly
speeds up the SIL application process. Ask your LAC if you qualify for
Specialist Support Coordination.
What to Look for in a SIL
Provider
Not all SIL providers are equal. When choosing, ask:
- Are you a registered NDIS provider with current
NDIS Commission certification? - What is your staff-to-participant ratio overnight
and on weekends? - How do you handle behavioural support or medical
emergencies? - Can I change my support worker if the match isn’t
right? - What does your quality review process look
like? - Are your workers trained in positive behaviour
support and trauma-informed care?
SADC Disability Services holds current NDIS registration, employs
workers with Certificate III/IV in Individual Support, and is committed
to participant-led support planning.
Common Questions About SIL
in 2026
Q: Can I keep my current support workers if I move into
SIL? A: In most cases, yes — if your preferred workers are
employed by your chosen SIL provider. If they’re independent workers,
this depends on your plan management type.
Q: What happens if my SIL provider isn’t working
out? A: You can change providers. Give notice as per your
service agreement. Your Support Coordinator or LAC can assist with the
transition.
Q: Does SIL funding cover overnight support? A: Yes,
if the NDIA has assessed and approved overnight support in your Roster
of Care. This is a separate overnight rate under NDIS Pricing
Arrangements.
Q: Can I trial SIL before committing? A: Yes.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA/respite) lets you trial independent living
arrangements. This can strengthen your case for SIL funding in your next
plan review.
Q: How do I get SIL added to my NDIS plan? A: Raise
it at your next planning meeting, supported by evidence from your allied
health team (OT, psychologist, or support worker reports). A Support
Coordinator can help build this case.
SADC
and Supported Independent Living in Western Sydney
SADC Disability Services is a registered NDIS provider offering
Supported Independent Living, Support Coordination, and Daily Living
supports across Greater Western Sydney — including Parramatta,
Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown, and Canterbury-Bankstown.
Our SIL team will help you: – Understand your funding and what it
covers – Find appropriate housing and housemate matches – Build your
Roster of Care for NDIA approval – Connect you with allied health
professionals for assessments – Support you to live the life you
choose
Contact SADC Disability Services: 📞 1300 242 492 🌐
sadcdisabilityservices.com.au 📍 Serving Parramatta, Liverpool,
Fairfield, Campbelltown, and all of Greater Western Sydney
Last updated: March 2026. NDIS policies change regularly. Always
verify current information at ndis.gov.au or speak with your Support
Coordinator.