For a lot of families, the words Support Independent Living first come up at a planning meeting, and nobody quite explains what daily life looks like afterwards. The official name is Supported Independent Living, or SIL. It's NDIS funding for paid staff who help a person with everyday tasks in their own home, often around the clock.

What SIL doesn't pay for is the house. Rent, groceries and bills are separate. That split confuses people more than anything else, so keep it in mind as you read.

SIL tends to suit adults with higher support needs who want to live away from the family home, either with housemates or on their own. Some move in their twenties. Others move later, when an ageing parent can't keep up the daily care.

This article explains how Support Independent Living works in practice for people in Adelaide, Salisbury, Blair Athol, Kilkenny, Hillcrest, Melrose Park, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Hobart. It walks through a typical day, clears up a few myths and maps out how to get SIL into a plan.

What a day can look like

Every house runs differently, but most days follow a rough rhythm. Here's how a typical one might go.

Morning

A support worker helps with showering, dressing and medication. Breakfast is made together where possible, because building skills is part of the point.

Daytime

Some residents head to work, TAFE or a day program. Others stay home, and staff help with shopping, appointments or a walk to the local park.

Evening

Housemates might cook together, with staff helping. There's time for TV, phone calls with family and getting ready for bed.

Overnight

Depending on the plan, a worker is either awake all night (active) or sleeping on site and available if needed (sleepover).

Myths worth clearing up

These come up at almost every first meeting with families. Here's what's actually true.

Myth: SIL means a big group home. Fact: Most SIL homes are ordinary houses with a few housemates. Some people receive SIL living on their own.

Myth: The SIL provider is also your landlord. Fact: Not necessarily. Your tenancy and your support agreement are separate, and the home may be owned by a different organisation.

Myth: Staff do everything for you. Fact: Good support helps people do as much as they can for themselves, with help where it's needed.

Myth: Once you move in, you're stuck with that provider. Fact: You can change your SIL provider. Whether you can stay in the same home depends on who owns or leases it.

The road to SIL funding

Getting SIL into a plan takes a few steps. Most families find it easier knowing the order upfront.

1. Talk about the goal. Tell your support coordinator or my NDIS contact you want to live more independently.

2. Gather evidence. The NDIA usually wants reports on daily support needs, often a functional capacity assessment from an occupational therapist.

3. Find a provider and a home. The provider puts together a quote showing the support hours and how they're shared between housemates.

4. Wait for the NDIA's decision. Timeframes vary. Missing reports slow things down, so check everything is in before you submit.

5. Plan the move. Visit the house a few times, meet the staff and agree on a start date.

One more thing to check. From 1 July 2026, SIL providers have to begin moving to mandatory registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Ask any provider where they are in that process.

Not quite ready for SIL?

Moving out is a big step, and it's fine to take it slowly. There are other options to try first.

Short stays away from home can be a good test. Respite for NDIS participants, funded as short-term accommodation, lets someone spend a weekend or a week in a supported house before committing to anything. If you're searching for respite care near me, ask whether the provider also offers SIL, so the faces stay familiar if you move later.

The NDIS also funds other home and living options, such as individualised living options, for people who'd rather live with a host or family member than in a staffed house.

A note for regional families

Support in Port Augusta, Whyalla and Mount Gambier depends heavily on local staff. Ask how many workers live in town and what happens when someone calls in sick. Hobart, Murray Bridge and Mount Barker families should ask the same, especially about overnight cover.

FAQs

Who pays the rent in a SIL home?
The resident does, from their own income. Some people live in Specialist Disability Accommodation, which has its own separate funding.

Can I get SIL if I'm living with my parents?
SIL is for support in a home away from your informal carers. While you're still living with family, other supports such as in-home help or respite are more usual.

Do I have to share a house?
No, but shared living is more common. The NDIA will look at whether living alone is reasonable for your support needs.

How do I find NDIS services near me that offer SIL?
Search the NDIS Commission's provider register by postcode and ask your support coordinator which providers have homes in your area.

Can I keep my day program after moving?
Usually, yes. Day programs are funded separately from SIL, so you can often keep the same routine.

Moving out is a big change for everyone in the family. A few visits, plenty of questions and a slow start usually make it easier.