Eden Independence · About SIL
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
SIL is NDIS funding for support workers to help eligible participants with daily tasks in their home and build greater independence. It is not funding for the house itself.
SIL in plain language
Support workers, daily life and skill development
SIL is generally for people with high support needs who need a substantial level of support or supervision in their home across the day and week. The NDIA decides what is funded for each participant.
Can be shared or individual
A participant may share support workers with housemates or receive individual support, depending on assessed needs and funding.
Focuses on independence
Support should help a person participate in daily routines, make choices and build skills—not take over unnecessarily.
Requires the right fit
Provider approach, team consistency, communication, housemates and living arrangements all affect the experience.
Possible support areas
What SIL support may include
Actual funded supports depend on the participant’s plan and assessed disability-related needs.
Personal care
Help or supervision with showering, dressing, grooming, eating and other personal routines.
Household tasks
Support with meals, cleaning, laundry, shopping and maintaining routines in the home.
Skills and confidence
Learning and practising tasks that support greater independence and personal goals.
Safety and supervision
Planned support or supervision across the day and overnight where it is included in funding.
Communication
Using the participant’s preferred communication methods, routines and decision supports.
Appointments and participation
Support connected to everyday living, appointments and community participation when funded.
SIL and SDA
Two different parts of home and living
SIL: support in the home
- Funds eligible support workers
- Focuses on daily tasks and independence
- Does not pay rent or ordinary household bills
- Can be delivered in different types of housing
- Provider is chosen under a service agreement
SDA: the specialist dwelling
- Funds an eligible enrolled specialist home
- Is for a smaller group with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
- Does not include personal care workers
- Participant pays rent contribution and living costs
- May appear alongside SIL in a plan
Exploring SIL
A practical decision pathway
Describe needs
Document daily activities, support frequency, risks, goals and current living arrangements.
Explore options
Discuss SIL and other home and living supports with your my NDIS contact.
Provide evidence
Relevant treating professionals provide current information about function and support needs.
Receive a decision
The NDIA decides what home and living supports meet current funding criteria.
Choose carefully
Compare providers, teams, housing, housemates, costs, agreements and transition plans.
Choosing a SIL provider in Sydney
Questions to ask before choosing a home and support team
Support and safety
- What support ratio is available during the day?
- Is overnight support active or inactive?
- Can workers meet high-intensity or behaviour-support needs?
- How are incidents, medication and emergencies managed?
Home and household
- Is the property accessible for mobility and equipment?
- Who are the possible housemates and how is compatibility assessed?
- What tenancy, rent and household costs are separate from SIL?
- How will the move and transition be planned?
Common questions
Supported Independent Living questions
Who is Supported Independent Living for?
SIL is generally for people with higher support needs who require help or supervision at home throughout the day and night. The NDIA decides whether SIL meets the participant’s disability-related needs and funding criteria.
Does SIL provide 24/7 support?
SIL is designed for participants who need some level of support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The actual roster, shared ratio and active or inactive overnight support depend on the participant’s assessed needs and plan.
Does SIL pay rent, groceries or utilities?
No. SIL funds eligible disability supports. Rent, board, groceries, electricity, water, internet, vehicle costs and other ordinary living expenses are separate.
Do I have to live with other NDIS participants?
Not always. SIL is commonly delivered in shared homes where participants share support, but it may also be funded for a person living alone when that arrangement meets their assessed needs.
What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
SIL pays for disability support workers and assistance in the home. SDA funds an eligible specialist dwelling. A participant may have SIL without SDA, or have both supports in the same plan.
Can I choose or change my SIL provider?
Participants have provider choice. Check the service agreement, notice period, transition plan, tenancy arrangements and whether housing and support are offered by separate organisations.
What changed for SIL providers in July 2026?
New SIL registration and claiming rules started on 1 July 2026. New SIL providers must be registered, and existing unregistered providers delivering SIL before that date must apply for registration by 1 October 2026 to continue. Participants should ask whether a provider is registered or has applied.
Where does Eden Ability provide SIL support?
Eden Ability is based in Mascot and accepts SIL enquiries across Sydney, including Bondi, Randwick, Maroubra, Mascot and nearby Eastern Suburbs communities. A referral is assessed against current vacancies, household compatibility, accessibility and support requirements.
Where can I read official SIL information?
Read the current NDIS participant guide to SIL and the 2026 registration update.
Talk with Eden Independence
Discuss SIL support or a current vacancy.
Share the participant’s location, daily support needs, preferred living arrangement and timeframe.
General information only. The NDIA determines SIL funding and current requirements can change.