NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL): Homes, Vacancies & Support
Looking for Supported Independent Living (SIL) through the NDIS? My Care Link Australia helps NDIS participants, families, and Support Coordinators connect with vetted providers offering SIL support in shared homes and individual living arrangements across Australia. Submit an enquiry to start your free matching request.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding designed to help participants with higher support needs live as independently as possible in their own home or in shared accommodation.
SIL covers the support workers and assistance you need with everyday tasks around the clock — including personal care, cooking, meal planning, household chores, medication administration, and overnight support.
It is crucial to understand that SIL pays for the support services delivered to you, not the physical house or rent itself. Rent, utilities, and grocery costs are paid separately as day-to-day living expenses, while specialised physical accommodation may be covered under Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Who is Eligible for NDIS SIL Funding?
SIL is intended for NDIS participants who require significant, regular person-to-person assistance throughout the day and night to live safely. During your NDIS planning or review meeting, the NDIA assesses your support needs, allied health reports, and living goals.
To approve SIL, the NDIA typically requires a Roster of Care (RoC) and an allied health functional assessment (such as from an occupational therapist) demonstrating that around-the-clock or intensive daily support is reasonable and necessary.
Whether you are transitioning out of family care, moving from hospital, or seeking a change from your current home, having the right evidence prepared makes a vital difference.
- Assistance with morning and evening self-care routines.
- 24/7 on-site or active overnight support where required.
- Skill-building to increase personal independence with cooking, cleaning, and budgeting.
- Support to access the local community and attend social activities.
- Positive behaviour support and complex health management.
Shared Homes vs Individual SIL Living Arrangements
SIL support is delivered in two main arrangements, and knowing your preference helps our team match you with the right providers:
Shared SIL Accommodation: You live with 1 to 4 other compatible NDIS participants. Shared houses offer companionship, shared communal areas, and cost-effective shared staffing ratios (such as 1:2 or 1:3 support).
Individual / 1:1 SIL: In specific circumstances where living with others is not suitable for your sensory, behavioural, or complex medical needs, SIL can be funded for an individual home, granny flat, or private villa with dedicated 1:1 staffing.
If your daily support needs are less frequent, NDIS support workers or NDIS personal care may be a closer fit for living in your existing home.
SIL vs SDA vs ILO: What is the Difference?
Navigating NDIS housing terminology can be confusing. Here is how the key supports differ:
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) — pays for the support workers and daily assistance you receive inside the home.
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — pays for the accessible bricks-and-mortar building (e.g. wheelchair-accessible design, ceiling hoists, high physical support features). You can read our complete SIL vs SDA guide to learn how they work together.
- Individualised Living Options (ILO) — an alternative, flexible model focusing on living with a host family, housemate, or bespoke mentor arrangement rather than rostered shift workers.
How My Care Link Australia Matches You with Verified SIL Providers
Finding an available SIL home with the right housemate mix and suitable staffing ratios can take weeks of calling providers. My Care Link Australia simplifies this with a free, independent matching service.
You tell us your preferred location, assessed support ratios, and any specific accessibility or cultural requirements. Our team checks capacity with vetted providers in your target area and connects you directly with matching vacancies.
We assist participants, families, plan nominees, and Support Coordinators with zero fees or obligations. Learn more about how provider matching works or contact our matching team to discuss your situation.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) near you
My Care Link Australia connects people with disability-support services right across Australia, from capital cities to regional and remote communities. Where a provider can support you depends on their own coverage and capacity, so we ask for your location as part of your enquiry rather than promising that support is available in a particular suburb. Tell us the area you live in — or the area you would like to move to, if you are considering a change of housing — and our team will use that as the starting point for the search. You can also browse supported independent living by major city below.
Common questions about SIL and the NDIS
How is SIL funded in an NDIS plan?
SIL is funded under the Core Support budget under 'Assistance with Daily Life'. Your plan includes a specific annual allocation based on an approved Roster of Care (RoC) submitted by you or your provider.
Do I have to pay rent and food if I live in a SIL house?
Yes. NDIS SIL funding only covers the care staff and support services. Every participant pays their own day-to-day living costs, including reasonable rent contribution (usually covered by the Disability Support Pension and Commonwealth Rent Assistance) and utilities/board.
What is a Roster of Care (RoC)?
A Roster of Care is a detailed hourly schedule showing how support workers are shared across all residents in a SIL home throughout a typical week, including individual 1:1 hours and active or sleepover night shifts.
Can Support Coordinators enquire on behalf of participants?
Yes. Many of our matching requests come directly from Support Coordinators and hospital discharge planners searching for immediate vacancies, transition options, or specific housemate compatibility.
Are SIL providers NDIS registered?
Most SIL providers are NDIS-registered because delivering high-intensity 24/7 support requires formal audit compliance. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use a registered provider. We clarify registration status when presenting matched options.
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