SIL stands for Supported Independent Living. It describes funded assistance with daily life, not a type of building or a promise of a housing vacancy.
That distinction can make conversations about home and living easier. You can discuss where you want to live separately from the support you need there.
SIL is for a high level of daily support
The NDIA describes SIL for people needing help or supervision across the day and night. It may involve assistance with personal care, meals and other daily routines.
A few visiting support hours are not automatically SIL. Other home support options may be more suitable, depending on the person’s assessed needs and funding.
What it doesn’t pay for
SIL does not pay rent, groceries or ordinary household bills. Ask for the support costs and living costs separately when considering an arrangement.
If a provider advertises “SIL accommodation”, find out who provides the home, who provides the workers and which agreement covers each service.
SIL and SDA have different roles
SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. It is specially designed housing for eligible people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
A person can receive assistance in an ordinary home, or have separately approved SDA and support. See our SDA and SIL comparison for the questions to ask.
Where to go next
The NDIA’s current SIL page explains the funding type. Your my NDIS contact can discuss how it applies to your situation.
If you already have a proposed living arrangement, write down the assistance needed during the day and overnight. Ask a provider how its service would meet that need, including worker preparation, shared support, privacy and changes.
For an Adelaide enquiry, you can talk with Vana Care’s team about the requested support. We’ll review funding and practical capacity before agreeing on any arrangement.
