How to Apply for Supported Independent Living (SIL) Under NDIS
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with disabilities live more independently—usually in a shared home with other participants. SIL provides 24/7 support from trained staff to help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and community access.
If you're considering SIL as part of your NDIS plan, this guide from Choice Support Plus will walk you through how to apply, step by step.
SIL is a Capacity Building support under the NDIS. It's designed for people with higher support needs who require help every day to live in a shared or group living environment. SIL covers:
Help with daily living like cooking, cleaning, and personal care
Support workers available 24/7 (including overnight assistance)
Building life skills and independence
Assistance with community access and goal achievement
SIL is not housing or rent—it’s the funding that covers the support services you receive in the home.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Step 1: Determine if SIL is Right for You
Before applying, think about whether SIL suits your needs and lifestyle. SIL is generally for people who:
Need support throughout the day (and possibly at night)
Want to live more independently but still need regular assistance
Would benefit from living with others in a supported shared home
If you're unsure, talk to your NDIS Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or a provider like Choice Support Plus to explore your options.
To apply for SIL funding, the NDIS needs strong supporting evidence to show:
Your support needs
Why you need 24/7 or frequent daily support
That SIL is the most suitable option for your goals
Evidence may include:
A Functional Assessment Report (often from an occupational therapist)
A Behaviour Support Plan (if you require behavioural support)
Health or medical reports from specialists or GPs
A SIL Housing Assessment from a registered SIL provider
A written Statement of Goals and Preferences from you or your guardian
💡 Tip: The more detailed and clear your documentation, the stronger your application.
Step 2: Gather the Right Evidence
Once you have your evidence ready, the next step is to talk to your NDIS planner or LAC. Let them know:
You're interested in SIL
Why it's important for your goals and independence
That you've gathered the required assessments
They may suggest adding SIL to your next plan review, or submitting a Change of Circumstances request if your needs have changed significantly.
Step 3: Talk to Your NDIS Planner
While SIL funding is about the support services—not the housing itself—you’ll also need to find a suitable home where SIL services can be delivered.
At Choice Support Plus, we can:
Help you find a SIL-ready home that suits your needs
Match you with compatible housemates
Design a rostered support model based on your preferences
Work with your planner to help get the right supports approved
Step 4: Explore Housing Options
Step 5: Submit a SIL Quote to the NDIS
To finalise your application, a registered SIL provider (like Choice Support Plus) will submit a detailed quote to the NDIS. This quote includes:
The support roster (how many hours and staff are needed)
The type of support provided each day
The cost of delivering the support
The NDIS will assess whether this quote is reasonable and necessary based on your needs and funding availability.
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Once the SIL quote is submitted, the NDIS will review the application. This can take several weeks, so it’s important to:
Respond quickly if they request more information
Stay in touch with your planner or support coordinator
Work closely with your chosen SIL provider
Once approved, SIL will be included in your NDIS plan, and you can move into your new home with the right supports in place.
Supported Independent Living is more than just a service—it's a pathway to a more independent and empowered life. Let us help you take the next step.