What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding for help with everyday tasks at home, such as personal care, cooking and cleaning, so a participant can live as independently as possible. It is usually delivered in a shared home with other participants, often with support available around the clock. SIL pays for the support workers, not the house.
What SIL pays for
SIL funds the support a participant needs to live at home. Depending on the plan, that can include:
- help with personal care, like showering and dressing
- help with cooking, cleaning and other household tasks
- building skills to do more things independently
- overnight support, either active (staff awake) or sleepover
What SIL doesn't pay for
- The house itself. Specialist housing can be funded separately as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
- Rent, board, groceries and bills. Participants usually pay these from their own income.
Who SIL is for
SIL is generally for participants who need a significant amount of help at home each day. Whether it's in a plan depends on the participant's goals and support needs, as assessed by the NDIA.
SIL providers must now be registered
Since 1 July 2026, providers delivering SIL must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, except for some providers covered by transitional arrangements. See mandatory SIL registration explained, or use our registration checker.
Common questions
Does SIL pay for rent?
No. SIL funds support workers. Rent, board and day-to-day living costs are usually paid by the participant.
Is SIL the same as SDA?
No. SIL is the support. SDA is specialist housing. A participant can have one without the other, or both.
Do SIL providers have to be registered?
Yes, since 1 July 2026, except providers covered by transitional arrangements while their registration application is decided.
Last reviewed 4 November 2026. General information only, not advice. Check the NDIS and NDIS Commission websites for official guidance.