Navigating Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding under the NDIS can feel overwhelming especially when eligibility rules seem unclear.
Many participants often ask about NDIS SIL eligibility and wonder whether their needs, living situation, or support goals meet the criteria for SIL eligibility.
In this guide, we simplify the process and explain who qualifies for SIL under the Supported Independent Living NDIS framework.
You’ll learn about the key eligibility requirements, how assessments work, what evidence you’ll need, and how to apply successfully, all based on official NDIA guidance and real participant examples across Sydney and NSW.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the most important types of support offered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In simple terms, SIL helps people living with disability receive daily assistance in their homes so they can live as independently as possible. It’s not about paying for the house or rent, it’s about funding the personal support you receive inside that home.
For example, if a participant lives in a shared home with others and needs help with tasks such as showering, dressing, cooking, cleaning, or taking medication, SIL covers the cost of the support workers who provide that help.
The participant still pays for their rent, food, and utilities separately, just like anyone else. The goal of SIL is to promote independence while ensuring participants have the right level of care and supervision to live safely and comfortably.
SIL and NDIS Home & Living Supports
SIL is part of the broader NDIS “Home and Living” support category, which helps participants choose the right type of living arrangement based on their needs, goals, and level of independence. Other Home and Living options can include:
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): funding for the housing itself when someone needs a specially designed or modified home.
- Individualised Living Options (ILO): flexible, tailored support arrangements that focus on living where, how, and with whom you choose.
SIL Vs SDA
While Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are both part of the NDIS Home and Living supports, they fund very different things.
SIL focuses on the personal support you receive inside the home, such as help with daily activities, personal care, or supervision from support workers.
In contrast, SDA funds the physical home or building itself, designed for people with very high support needs who require specialist housing features like wider doorways, hoists, or accessible bathrooms.
In simple terms, SIL is about the support you get, and SDA is about the place you live. Many participants may receive both SIL and SDA funding, allowing them to live in a specially designed home with the right level of daily support to live safely and independently.
How SIL Works Under the NDIS
SIL sits under the Home and Living supports category within the NDIS. This category focuses on giving participants greater choice and control over where they live and the type of assistance they receive. SIL is usually funded through the Core Supports budget in a participant’s plan.
This means the funding is designed to cover personal supports, not the property itself. The NDIA may also approve SIL as part of a participant’s broader home and living solution when it’s considered reasonable and necessary for their needs.
When someone receives SIL funding, it typically includes ongoing, 24/7 support, depending on their level of need. Some participants may live in a shared arrangement where several residents each receive a portion of daily assistance from a rostered team.
Others may live on their own with drop-in or overnight support. Every arrangement is unique and based on the participant’s assessed level of independence and safety.
Here’s what SIL can look like in practice:
- Personalised support levels: Some participants receive full 24-hour support, while others may only need help during specific times of day.
- Shared living environments: Several participants live together and share the support team, which helps reduce costs and encourages community living.
- Individual living arrangements: Participants who prefer more privacy may receive SIL funding for one-on-one support in their own home.
- Skill development focus: Support workers not only assist with daily tasks but also help participants learn new skills, from cooking safely to budgeting or cleaning independently.
- Collaborative team support: Providers roster trained support workers who understand each participant’s routines, preferences, and behavioural needs to ensure consistency and safety.
Who is Eligible for Supported Independent Living?
To qualify for Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS, participants must meet several key eligibility requirements that reflect both their disability-related needs and their readiness for independent living.
The NDIA considers factors such as age, residency, functional capacity, and whether SIL is a reasonable and necessary support under the NDIS Act. This section outlines the complete SIL eligibility checklist to help you understand who is eligible for SIL and how approval is determined.
Age and Residency Requirements
Before the NDIA can assess your support needs, you must meet the basic NDIS SIL eligibility requirements related to age and residency. These form the foundation of your access to the NDIS and all funded supports, including SIL.
You may be eligible for Supported Independent Living if:
- You are between 9 and 65 years of age at the time of application.
- You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa (SCV).
- You live in Australia permanently.
- Your disability support needs are not primarily related to ageing.
If you are over 65 years old or do not meet the residency requirements, you may be referred to aged care or community-based services instead of NDIS-funded supports.
In short, SIL is designed for people living with disability, not age-related decline, who meet the core eligibility standards to access the NDIS.
Disability-Related Needs
Once you meet the basic criteria, the NDIA will assess whether your daily support needs justify funding under Supported Independent Living (SIL).
You may be eligible if:
- You have high daily living support needs that require regular, ongoing, or 24-hour assistance.
- You need help with personal care such as showering, dressing, grooming, or toileting.
- You require support to manage meals, medication, or household tasks safely.
- You need behavioural support or supervision due to cognitive, emotional, or sensory challenges.
- You require constant or overnight supervision to maintain your well-being and safety.
The NDIA focuses on the level, frequency, and consistency of your support needs. If your daily living needs can be met through lower-intensity supports like drop-in or community-based assistance, your application for SIL may not be approved.
The goal is to ensure that NDIS SIL funding matches your actual level of support required to live safely and independently, not more, and not less.
Functional Capacity and Support Needs
Your functional capacity refers to how independently you can manage everyday life activities and where you need support. During the SIL eligibility assessment, the NDIA considers:
- How well you can perform personal care tasks such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
- Your mobility and safety in your home environment.
- Your decision-making capacity and ability to manage daily routines.
- Whether you have informal supports (family, friends, or community networks) who can assist you.
- Whether your needs could be met through less intensive supports rather than 24/7 assistance.
To support your application, the NDIA may request a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) and evidence from allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or psychologists.
These reports help demonstrate your eligibility for Supported Independent Living and ensure SIL is the most appropriate type of funding for your situation.
Reasonable and Necessary Criteria
Even if you meet the age, residency, and support needs criteria, SIL must also meet the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” test to be approved.
Your SIL support must:
- Be directly related to your disability.
- Represent value for money for the NDIS.
- Be likely to maintain or improve your independence, safety, and well-being.
- Not duplicate supports available from other service systems (like health, housing, or aged care).
The NDIA will carefully review your goals, functional assessments, and supporting evidence to determine whether SIL approval conditions are met.
Summary: SIL Eligibility Checklist
Here’s a quick SIL eligibility checklist to guide you:
- Aged 9–65 years and living in Australia.
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected SCV holder.
- Disability support needs that are not age-related.
- High daily living support needs or 24-hour assistance.
- Functional capacity assessment showing need for ongoing supervision.
- SIL meets NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria.
How the NDIS Assesses Your SIL Eligibility?
The SIL assessment process helps the NDIA decide if Supported Independent Living is the right type of support for you. It ensures your funding matches your daily living needs and goals for independence.
Step 1: Home and Living Form
Start by completing the NDIA Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form. This outlines your current living situation, goals, and preferred housing options, such as SIL or ILO.
Step 2: Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
A registered therapist (usually an occupational therapist or psychologist) completes a Functional Capacity Assessment. This NDIS functional capacity report shows how you manage everyday tasks and where you need support or supervision.
Step 3: Provide Supporting Evidence
Submit support logs, OT or psychologist reports, and daily care records to show your ongoing needs. These help the NDIA understand your level of assistance and whether 24/7 support is required.
Step 4: NDIA Review
The NDIA Home and Living assessment team reviews your evidence to determine how NDIS decides SIL eligibility. They assess whether SIL:
- Meets the reasonable and necessary criteria
- Supports your NDIS goals and independence
- Represents value for money
If approved, SIL will appear in your plan as part of your NDIS Home and Living supports.
Note: Strong evidence from your FCA, Home and Living Form, and professional reports helps the NDIA make an informed decision about your SIL eligibility, ensuring you receive the right supports to live safely and independently.
What Evidence Do You Need for SIL Approval?
Getting Supported Independent Living (SIL) approved under the NDIS requires strong, clear evidence that your support needs are both reasonable and necessary.
The NDIA carefully reviews documentation that proves your disability has a permanent and significant impact on daily life, and that SIL will help you achieve greater independence.
Core Documentation
- Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA): Completed by an Occupational Therapist or specialist, this report outlines how your disability affects daily activities such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, and mobility.
- Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form: This NDIA form provides an overview of your living situation, support requirements, and independence goals.
- Roster of Care (ROC): Prepared by your SIL provider, this document details the number of support hours and staff ratios you require. For example, 1:1 assistance with personal care or 1:3 support for shared household tasks.
Supporting Evidence
Additional materials can strengthen your application:
- Professional letters from your GP, psychologist, or therapists explaining why SIL is essential for your well-being.
- Medical reports or summaries confirming your diagnosis and how it impacts daily functioning.
- Daily Support Needs Report outlining the level of assistance required across your routine tasks.
Note: All documents must show that the requested support is reasonable and necessary, aligns with your NDIS goals for independence, and that your current living arrangement is unsuitable without structured daily support.
SIL Funding Pathway: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Supported Independent Living (SIL) approved through the NDIS involves clear steps from gathering evidence to NDIA approval. A Support Coordinator is your key guide throughout the process. Here is the step-by-step SIL funding process;
Prepare and Gather Evidence
You must be a NDIS participant with a permanent and significant disability needing daily or 24/7 support. Collect essential documents, including:
- Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from an Occupational Therapist
- Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form or Daily Support Needs Report
- Professional reports from your GP, psychologist, or behaviour specialist
- Daily living logs and clear home and living goals in your NDIS plan
Work with a Support Coordinator or LAC
Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator helps you explore housing options (SIL, ILO, SDA), prepare documentation, and connect with suitable SIL providers.
Choose a Provider and Create a Roster of Care (RoC)
Your chosen provider develops a Roster of Care showing daily support hours and staff ratios. This document supports your SIL quote submission to the NDIA.
Submit to the NDIA
Your provider and Support Coordinator submit all evidence and the SIL quote for the NDIA assessment. The NDIA reviews whether SIL is reasonable, necessary, and cost-effective for your needs.
Approval and Implementation
If approved, SIL funding is added to your plan under Core Supports Assistance with Daily Life. You’ll sign a Service Agreement, and support can begin in your chosen home.
KEY POINTS
- SIL funds support worker assistance; not rent, groceries, or bills.
- Plans are reviewed annually or when needs change.
- If declined, you can request an internal review or appeal through the AAT.
What’s Included (and Not Included) in SIL
Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS funds the supports you receive at home, not the cost of your home or everyday living expenses. It’s designed to help you build independence and live safely, whether in a shared or individual setting.
What SIL Funding Covers
- Daily living support: Help with showering, dressing, cooking, and cleaning.
- Skill development: Learning household management, budgeting, and using public transport.
- Overnight supervision: Assistance during the night for higher support needs.
- Community access: Support to join social or community activities.
- Support worker time: Pays for the staff providing daily and overnight care.
What SIL Funding Does Not Cover
- Accommodation costs: Rent, mortgage, or housing-related expenses.
- Utilities and groceries: Electricity, gas, water, internet, and food.
- Transport: Fares, fuel, or vehicle costs.
- General living expenses: Personal items or non-disability-related activities.
- Medication and medical costs: Covered by Medicare or health systems.
- Assistive technology or equipment: Funded separately under other NDIS categories.
Note: If you need funding for the home itself, that falls under Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), a separate NDIS category that covers the cost of accessible housing. In short, SIL funds the people who support you, not the property or everyday bills.
Common Reasons for SIL Rejection (and How to Avoid Them)
Many NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) applications are rejected because the evidence doesn’t clearly show that SIL is the most reasonable and necessary support for the participant’s needs.
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Insufficient evidence: Missing or outdated reports from OTs, GPs, or support workers that fail to show how the disability affects daily life and why 24/7 support is needed.
- Not meeting “reasonable and necessary” criteria: The NDIA may view other options (like ILO or drop-in supports) as more suitable or cost-effective.
- No clear Roster of Care (RoC): A detailed RoC is essential to justify the number of support hours required each day.
- Inconsistent information: Conflicting details between medical or allied health reports can raise doubt about your support needs.
- Disability not shown as significant: Evidence must demonstrate a permanent and substantial functional impact requiring constant support.
- Missing core eligibility: Rejection can occur if you don’t meet basic NDIS access criteria, such as age or residency.
Tip: To strengthen your SIL request, work closely with your Support Coordinator to prepare consistent, up-to-date documentation, including a clear RoC, functional assessments, and professional reports that align with your NDIS goals for independence.
What If You Don’t Qualify for SIL?
If your NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) application isn’t approved, there are other supports to help you live independently.
- Individualised Living Options (ILO): A flexible alternative for participants who don’t need 24/7 care. You can live with a host, friends, or on your own with regular drop-in support.
- Short-Term or Medium-Term Accommodation (STA/MTA): Temporary housing options that provide support while you transition between homes or await permanent arrangements.
- In-Home Supports (Core Funding): Use your Assistance with Daily Life budget for personal care, cleaning, cooking, and community participation without needing SIL approval.
- Capacity Building Supports: Access therapy and skill-building programs to strengthen your independence and prepare for future living options.
Not qualifying for SIL doesn’t limit your independence; it just means there are other NDIS pathways to help you reach your goals.
How to Find a SIL Provider That Fits Your Needs
Finding the right Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider is key to living safely and independently with the right level of support. Whether you’re looking for SIL providers in Sydney or across NSW, choosing a registered SIL provider who understands your goals makes all the difference.
Understand Your Needs
Start by identifying your daily support needs: personal care, household tasks, or overnight assistance, and set goals around skill-building or community participation.
Talk to your Support Coordinator for personalised guidance.
Research and Compare Providers
When you find a SIL provider near you, check that they’re NDIS-registered, have experience with people who have similar support needs, and maintain qualified, caring staff. Read reviews, ask about their approach to independence, and see how they measure progress.
Visit and Assess the Home
Tour the property to assess safety, cleanliness, and staff interaction. Ask about staffing ratios, emergency procedures, and individualised support plans. If possible, speak to residents or families for real feedback.
Consider Fit and Location
Choose a home close to family, friends, and transport. Look for a provider that promotes social inclusion, offers activities, and creates a positive, empowering culture.
Trial Before Committing
Try a short stay or respite option to experience the environment before choosing a long-term arrangement.
Affective Care is a trusted Supported Independent Living provider in NSW, offering tailored SIL options in Sydney, including Parramatta, Penrith, and Liverpool.
Our emotionally centred approach focuses on comfort, safety, and empowerment, helping you live your best, most independent life.
Real-World Examples of SIL Participants (2025 Scenarios)
Parramatta Shared Home: Mid-Level Support
Three participants share a home in Parramatta with daily personal care and overnight supervision. Each receives tailored help; one focuses on cooking skills, another gets emotional support to join community art classes, and the third, who uses a wheelchair, receives mobility and transport assistance.
The shared setting encourages independence and teamwork while maintaining safety and routine.
Liverpool SDA Apartment: High Physical Support
A participant with quadriplegia lives in a fully accessible SDA apartment in Liverpool with 24/7 SIL support.
Staff assist with hoist transfers, personal care, and medical equipment, while adaptive technology lets him control his environment independently. His goal is to build more autonomy using assistive devices and structured daily routines.
Penrith Solo Living Transition: Growing Independence
After developing strong life skills in shared housing, a participant in Penrith now lives alone with drop-in SIL support.
Staff visit daily for meal prep, cleaning, and safety checks. She’s studying at TAFE and volunteering locally, with a goal to reduce support hours as her independence grows.
Final Thoughts: Get the Right Support for Your SIL Journey
Supported Independent Living (SIL) can be truly life-changing, giving you the freedom, stability, and confidence to live more independently while receiving the right level of care.
At Affective Care, we make the process simple, transparent, and emotionally supportive. Our expert team walks beside you every step of the way, from gathering evidence and completing NDIS paperwork to helping you find the perfect home and support match.
Whether you’re preparing your first SIL request or looking to transition to a new living arrangement, our compassionate team is here to help.
Start your SIL journey today and discover how independence can feel when you’re supported with care, understanding, and expertise.
