Supported Independent Living — or SIL — is one of the most significant and valuable supports available through the NDIS. But it is also one of the most misunderstood. This guide explains what SIL is, who it is for, and how to access it in Ballarat.
What Is SIL?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is funding for the support and supervision you need to live in your own home or shared accommodation. It funds the cost of support workers — not the accommodation itself.
SIL helps participants who need significant support to live as independently as possible, whether that is in a shared house with other NDIS participants or in their own home.
What Does SIL Fund?
SIL funding covers the cost of support workers who help you with:
- Personal care — showering, dressing, grooming
- Meal preparation and eating
- Medication management
- Household tasks
- Community access and social activities
- Overnight and 24-hour support
- Building your capacity for greater independence
What SIL Does NOT Fund
SIL does not pay for your rent, food, utilities, or the physical building you live in. These costs are your responsibility (or may be covered by other funding sources like SDA — see below).
SIL vs SDA — What Is the Difference?
This is a common source of confusion:
- SIL (Supported Independent Living) = the support workers who help you live there
- SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) = the accessible, purpose-built home itself
Some participants receive both SIL and SDA funding — SDA for the housing and SIL for the support staff within it. Others receive SIL only, living in regular rental accommodation with support workers coming in.
Who Is Eligible for SIL?
SIL is for NDIS participants who need daily support to live safely and as independently as possible. Eligibility is assessed based on:
- The level of daily support you require
- Your ability to live independently without intensive support
- The impact of your disability on your capacity for self-care and daily living
An Occupational Therapist assessment and a SIL Needs Assessment are usually required as part of the application.
How to Get SIL in Your NDIS Plan
- Get an OT assessment documenting your support needs
- Have a SIL Needs Assessment completed (your provider can help organise this)
- At your planning meeting, specifically request SIL funding and provide the evidence
- If approved, SIL will appear as a line item in your Core Supports budget
- Choose a registered SIL provider — like Gentle Grid — and sign a service agreement
SIL in Ballarat — How Gentle Grid Can Help
Gentle Grid provides Supported Independent Living support in Ballarat, including overnight and 24-hour care, daily task assistance, and personal care in shared and individual living settings.
Our locally based team knows Ballarat well and can support participants to live in their own community, close to family and friends.
Contact us today to discuss SIL options or call (03) 9961 6007.