For many people with disabilities, living independently is a dream. The good news? The SIL NDIS model is here to make that dream come true. SIL or Supported Independent Living facilitates day-to-day support to participants
Assessing how SIL in NDIS works is essential if you are a resident, provider or family looking to make the most of the world of NDIS. It’s more than the funds— it’s building safe, supported homes where people can thrive.
What is SIL Under the NDIS?
Supported Independent Living in NDIS is a form of support that enables participants to live as independently as possible while receiving the support they need. It is primarily for those who require around-the-clock support in shared or individual living.
The SIL NDIS framework funds services like:
- Help with cooking and meals
- Daily personal care, like bathing or dressing
- Medication management
- Overnight supervision
- Household chores
The goal? To let participants live in a home-like setting, with the right level of help and the freedom to make daily choices.
Who Is SIL For?
SIL isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s best suited for people with higher support needs. These are individuals who:
- Need daily help with most personal tasks
- Can live with others in a shared space
- Would benefit from stable, ongoing support
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will assess each participant’s situation before approving SIL. The decision is based on functional assessments, support needs, goals, and available housing options.
How Does SIL Work in Practice?
SIL usually takes place in shared homes, also called group homes. Participants live with one or more housemates and receive support from a team of trained staff.
Depending on the participant’s needs, this might include:
- One-on-one support
- Shared support among residents
- Overnight on-call staff
Some participants also live on their own with SIL funding. The key is that they still need consistent support to live independently.
Benefits of SIL NDIS for Participants
A SIL model offers a number of benefits well beyond physical care.
1. Increased Confidence and Autonomy
SIL encourages individuals to live their day-to-day lives and make choices, set goals, and develop skills to take control of their lives.
2. Social Inclusion
Living together in a shared space often entails making social connections and figuring out how to get along with people.
3. Consistent, Reliable Support
Participants receive care from a team that is familiar with their needs, routines, and preferences, alleviating stress for families.
What’s the Provider’s Role in SIL?
Registered providers are responsible for delivering high-quality, compliant SIL services.
They must:
- Create personalised support plans
- Train staff to follow NDIS Practice Standards
- Report on participant progress
- Maintain a safe and inclusive environment
- Work closely with families and support coordinators
Providers also assist participants in gaining confidence as they work towards self-sufficiency rather than doing everything for them. It’s a delicate balance that demands experience as well as empathy.
How is SIL funded through NDIS?
SIL is considered “core support” in a participant’s NDIS plan. But funding doesn’t come automatically; it has to be requested and justified.
The money is for staffing hours only, not to pay for housing, food, or utilities. Participants generally pay rent and other costs individually, sometimes using Disability Support Pension or other supports.
NDIS planners work with participants, providers, and allied health professionals to decide the number of support hours needed. This leads to a Roster of Care (RoC), which outlines the service plan and associated costs.
Challenges and Opportunities
While SIL is a powerful tool, it comes with challenges. Participants may face:
- Delays in approvals
- Limited housing options
- Difficulty finding suitable housemates
But the opportunities are vast. With the right provider, beneficiaries don’t just get care — they get community, purpose, and control.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the workings of SIL NDIS is the answer to better lives for individuals with disabilities. It’s not just a program; it is a path to a whole lot more independence.
Whether you’re a participant, a support coordinator, or a provider who works with a participant, understanding the SIL model helps to provide successful support to participants.
