Finding a place to live with the right support is about much more than a roof and a roster. It’s about where you’ll wake up each morning, who you’ll share your kitchen with, and whether the people supporting you understand how you like to live. For many participants and families, it’s one of the biggest decisions they’ll make on their NDIS journey.
Supported Independent Living, often shortened to SIL, can open the door to a more independent life. It can also feel daunting, especially if you’re moving out of the family home, leaving hospital or residential care, or changing from a provider that wasn’t working for you.
This guide explains what SIL covers, how it differs from other home and living options, what good day-to-day support looks like, and the questions to ask during a home visit or trial stay so you can choose with confidence.
What SIL Covers and What It Doesn’t
SIL is help with everyday tasks delivered in the place where you live. It’s designed for participants who need a significant level of support for much of the day, and often overnight as well. Support can include personal care, meal preparation, medication routines, household tasks, community access and building the skills you need to live more independently.
NDIS SIL funding sits under Core Supports in your plan. If you’re not sure whether it’s included, look for a “Supported Independent Living” line in your plan, or ask your support coordinator to check.
It’s important to understand what SIL funding doesn’t cover. It pays for the time and skills of your support workers, not for the home itself. Rent, groceries, utilities and personal expenses remain your responsibility, usually shared with housemates in a shared home. If you live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), the building is funded separately in your plan. In short, SDA is the home and SIL is the support provided inside it.
SIL can be delivered in different settings: a home arranged by your provider, a home you already rent, or a shared arrangement with other participants. Shared living is common, but it isn’t the only choice. Some participants live on their own with rostered support, depending on their needs and plan.
SIL, ILO and Other Home Options
SIL isn’t the only home and living support available. Individualised Living Options (ILO) offer a more flexible, tailored approach, often suited to people who need some support rather than structured rostered care throughout the day. ILO might involve living with a host family, a housemate who provides informal support, or your own home with a mix of paid and unpaid help.
SIL tends to be more structured, with workers rostered across the day, evening and overnight. It often suits people with higher or more complex daily support needs, including those who need active overnight support, complex personal care or behaviour support.
Short Term Accommodation (STA) is different again. It offers temporary stays, often used for respite or as a way to try living away from home before making a longer-term move.
The right option depends on your needs, goals and preferences. Your support coordinator, treating professionals and provider can help you compare what fits best.
What Good SIL Support Looks Like Day to Day
Every home is different, but strong SIL support tends to share some common features. These are the signs that a home and support team are working well.
- Your routine comes first. Good support follows your daily rhythm, not the staff roster. You should decide when you get up, what you eat and how you spend your time, with workers helping you do those things your way and at your pace.
- Consistent, familiar workers. Seeing the same faces each week builds trust and means workers learn the small details that make support feel natural. Strong providers minimise roster changes and make sure any relief worker is briefed before their shift.
- Workers matched to you. The best teams consider personality, interests, communication style and, where possible, cultural background and language when matching workers. A good match can make the difference between support that feels clinical and support that feels like a partnership.
- Clear coordination with your health team. If you take medication or have health needs, workers should follow clear routines agreed with your GP, nurse or other professionals. Changes should be communicated promptly so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Active support towards your goals. SIL should help you grow, not just get through each day. That might mean learning to cook a favourite meal, catching public transport, managing money or joining a local group. Regular goal reviews keep progress on track.
- Family stays involved. Moving into SIL doesn’t mean stepping away from the people you love. Families should be welcome to visit, take part in planning and share in celebrations, with SIL adding to their support rather than replacing it.
- Respect for your home and privacy. Your bedroom is your private space, and shared areas should feel welcoming for everyone.
Why Registration Matters for SIL
SIL is considered a higher-risk support because participants often rely on workers for daily personal care and safety. Providers delivering it as an NDIS registered provider must pass a detailed certification audit against the NDIS Practice Standards, which covers areas such as risk management, incident management, complaints, worker screening and the quality of supports.
Registered providers must also report serious incidents to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and remain under ongoing oversight. You can search the Commission’s NDIS Provider Register to confirm whether a provider is registered and which supports they’re approved to deliver.
Questions to Ask During a Home Visit or Trial Stay
Visiting a home and meeting the team is the best way to judge whether it suits you. When comparing any NDIS service provider for SIL, these questions help you look beyond the brochure.
- How do you match housemates? Ask whether housemates are matched for compatibility, lifestyle and house routines, and whether you can meet them before deciding. You should always have a say in who you live with.
- Can I try a stay before committing? Trial stays let you experience the home, the routines and the people before making a long-term decision.
- How is my roster of care built? Find out how support is shared between housemates, when you’ll receive one-on-one support, and how overnight support works. The roster should reflect your needs, not just the house’s needs.
- Who will support me, and how are they trained? Ask about screening, induction, ongoing training and experience with needs like yours, such as complex personal care, behaviour support or mental health.
- What happens if something isn’t working? A good provider explains how you can raise concerns, how complaints are handled and how quickly changes can be made. You should also know you can contact the NDIS Commission at any time.
- What will I pay for rent and living costs? Ask for a clear breakdown of rent, board and shared household costs so you can budget alongside your income.
- How will my goals be reviewed? Regular reviews show the provider is focused on your progress, not just keeping things the same.
Getting Started With a New Home
Most moves begin with a conversation about your goals for home and life. From there, a provider can suggest suitable homes or support arrangements, organise visits and trial stays, and work with your support coordinator to confirm funding and timing.
Before moving day, share as much as you can about your routines, preferences, health needs and what makes a good day for you. A short one-page profile is a simple way to help your new team get to know you quickly. Once you move in, expect regular check-ins as you settle, and don’t hesitate to speak up if anything needs adjusting.
SIL With Pacific Community Care
Pacific Community Care is a registered NDIS provider with offices in Hobart and Melbourne, offering Supported Independent Living in homes across Tasmania and Victoria. Support is rostered across days, evenings, overnights and active nights, with 24/7 continuous support available where needed.
Housemates are matched for compatibility and lifestyle, with trial stays before placements, and solo arrangements are also available. Workers are matched by personality and, where possible, cultural background and language, and roster changes are kept to a minimum. The team also offers Individualised Living Options, Short Term Accommodation and respite, complex care, community nursing and support coordination, so participants can access a range of supports from one provider. To talk through your options, call (03) 6316 0000.
Final Thoughts
The right supported living home should feel like yours. Understand what SIL covers, compare it with other home and living options, and take your time visiting homes, meeting housemates and asking questions. Look for consistent workers, respect for your routine, strong registration safeguards and a team focused on your goals. With the right fit, SIL can become the foundation for a more independent and connected life.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. NDIS funding decisions depend on individual circumstances, and rules can change. Please confirm details with the NDIA, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or your support coordinator before making decisions about your plan.