Supported Independent Living

By Author: ndmhs
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Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a core service funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), designed to assist people with disability in leading more independent, empowered lives. Through structured, personalised support delivered in the home, SIL enables individuals—particularly those with higher support needs—to develop essential life skills and participate meaningfully in their communities.

This article explores the fundamentals of SIL, who it’s designed for, how it differs from other NDIS supports, and the positive impact it continues to make across Australia.

What Does Supported Independent Living Involve?
SIL is a long-term NDIS support that provides help with daily living tasks for individuals who need regular, ongoing assistance. Support is typically provided in a shared home environment with other NDIS participants, although some individuals may receive SIL while living on their own.

Services offered through SIL can include:

Personal care such as dressing, hygiene and grooming

Meal preparation and support with nutrition

Help with cleaning, laundry ...
... and maintaining the household

Assistance with taking medication and managing routines

24/7 or overnight support where required

Importantly, SIL is not about funding the house itself—it funds the support delivered in the home to help participants live more independently.

Who Is SIL Best Suited For?
SIL is generally appropriate for participants who:

Have high or complex support needs that require daily or constant supervision

Are unable to live independently or with informal supports alone

Prefer a stable living arrangement with access to trained staff

Are aiming to develop independent living skills over time

Eligibility for SIL is determined during a participant’s planning process with the NDIA, where individual goals, capacity, living arrangements and available informal supports are reviewed. A functional assessment is usually conducted to support decision-making.

Current Landscape and Statistics
According to the NDIS Quarterly Report (December 2023):

Over 31,000 people across Australia have SIL funded in their NDIS plans

Around 70% of SIL recipients live in shared homes with one or more other participants

On average, SIL support packages range from $150,000 to $300,000 annually, depending on the complexity of support required

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has highlighted the positive impact SIL has on quality of life, social participation and individual development when delivered in a well-supported environment.

How SIL Compares to Other NDIS Housing Supports
SIL is one of several home and living options under the NDIS, each tailored to specific support needs and preferences.

Individualised Living Options (ILO) provide a more flexible, informal approach to living support. Participants with lower support needs may live in their own homes or with friends or host families, receiving targeted assistance without 24/7 care.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built homes designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA includes physical design features such as wheelchair accessibility, hoists and assistive technology. SDA covers the cost of the building—not the support services provided within it—so SDA and SIL are often funded together.

Short Term Accommodation (STA), also known as respite, offers temporary housing and care for participants during times of transition or when regular carers are unavailable. STA is intended as a short-term solution and is not suitable for ongoing living arrangements.

In-home support through Core Supports may help participants with daily activities while living alone or with family. These supports are scheduled and typically do not include overnight or continuous assistance, making them distinct from SIL.

In summary, SIL stands apart due to its intensity, structure and long-term nature. It is designed for people who need consistent, hands-on support to live independently and safely.

Advantages of Supported Independent Living
SIL provides a range of individual and social benefits for participants:

Fosters Independence
Participants receive support in a way that encourages them to develop confidence, self-care routines, and decision-making skills.

Individualised and Person-Centred
Support plans are tailored around each person’s goals, interests, culture, and daily routines, ensuring services meet their specific lifestyle.

Enhanced Wellbeing and Engagement
In a 2022 NDIA survey, 82% of SIL participants reported improvements in managing everyday tasks, and 74% noted increased social engagement and quality of life.

Safe, Stable Living Environment
Trained staff, consistent routines, and appropriate housing create a secure foundation where participants can thrive.

How to Choose a SIL Provider
Selecting the right SIL provider is crucial to the participant’s long-term outcomes and satisfaction. When considering a provider, it's essential to look for:

NDIS registration and compliance with quality and safeguarding standards

Staff experience, qualifications and understanding of diverse needs

Flexible support models tailored to the participant’s preferences and cultural background

Transparent service agreements outlining costs, responsibilities and support plans

Opportunities for community participation and skill-building

It’s recommended that participants and their families tour available homes, speak with existing clients, and ask detailed questions about the provider’s approach to care.

Current Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Although SIL offers invaluable support, there are challenges in delivering it consistently across the country. In regional and remote areas, housing shortages and limited provider options can delay access to suitable homes. A nationwide shortage of qualified support workers also puts pressure on services and impacts continuity of care.

Furthermore, there is a growing need for culturally appropriate and trauma-informed supports, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

To address these challenges, the Australian Government has introduced workforce capability initiatives, housing strategies and regional development programs focused on expanding access to high-quality SIL supports.

Conclusion
Supported Independent Living plays a vital role in enabling Australians with disability to live with dignity, independence and purpose. With structured supports delivered in a home-like environment, SIL empowers individuals to pursue their goals, strengthen their life skills and connect with their communities.

As the NDIS continues to grow and evolve, it is critical to ensure SIL remains flexible, inclusive, and responsive to participant needs. When done well, SIL is more than just support—it is the foundation for a fulfilling and self-directed life.