Moving Into Supported Independent Living: What to Expect

Moving into your own home is one of the biggest milestones the NDIS can help you reach. Supported Independent Living (SIL) pairs a modern, accessible property with the support you need to live there confidently — whether that's a few hours a day or around-the-clock care.

It starts with the right home — and the right people

A house only becomes a home when the people inside it feel right together. That's why housemate matching is central to good SIL. Providers should profile potential housemates on age, interests, routines and support needs before anyone moves in.

• Flat-level access, wide hallways and modified bathrooms
• Smart-home features that support independence
• Housemates matched for a harmonious, respectful household

Understanding the support model

SIL support can be delivered in a few ways depending on your needs. Knowing the difference helps you plan with your coordinator.

• Active night support — a worker stays awake to help through the night
• Sleepover support — a worker is on-site for overnight needs
• Daytime rostered support — shared or one-to-one during the day

SIL isn't about doing everything for you. The best homes actively coach residents to run their own space — laundry, cooking, decorating — building real independence.

The funding process

SIL funding is based on a Roster of Care that reflects your genuine daily support needs. Your provider's intake team should work alongside your Support Coordinator to gather clinical evidence, complete Functional Capacity Assessments and submit a strong case to the NDIA.

Settling in

The first few weeks are about rhythm — learning the household routines, getting to know your workers and housemates, and shaping the space to feel like yours. A good provider checks in often, adjusts quickly, and keeps your family in the loop. Before long, it simply feels like home.

Thinking about SIL? We can walk you through vacancies, the funding pathway and what daily life really looks like.