If you or someone you support has an NDIS plan, you’ve probably come across the term “Supported Independent Living,” or SIL. It’s one of the most talked-about — and sometimes misunderstood — supports available under the NDIS. Here’s a plain-English guide to what it actually means, who it’s for, and how Eden Support Services can help.
What does SIL actually mean?
Supported Independent Living is help with everyday tasks that’s delivered where a participant lives, usually in a shared or individual living arrangement. It’s not about doing things for someone — it’s about building the skills and confidence to do more for themselves over time, with the right level of support close by.
SIL can include help with things like:
- Personal care and daily routines
- Cooking, cleaning and household tasks
- Budgeting and managing bills
- Building social and community connections
- Overnight or 24/7 support, where needed
Who is SIL for?
SIL is generally funded for NDIS participants who need higher levels of support with daily life and are living — or want to live — independently of family, whether that’s in their own home or in a shared arrangement with other participants. It’s assessed and funded individually based on each person’s support needs, not a one-size-fits-all package.
How is SIL different from SDA?
This is one of the most common points of confusion. SIL funds the support a person receives — the people helping them each day. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funds the physical home itself, for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Many participants have SIL funding without SDA, living in standard housing with support delivered on-site.
Why registration matters right now
As of 1 July 2026, SIL providers are required to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission — this used to be optional for some providers, and no longer is. If you’re a participant or family choosing a SIL provider, it’s worth asking directly whether they’re registered, since this is now a safeguard built into the system, not just a nice-to-have.
How Eden Support Services can help
At Eden Support Services, our SIL supports are built around each participant’s own goals and pace, delivered by trained, screened staff who focus on building real independence rather than just getting tasks done. We work across Flagstone, greater Logan City, and Queensland-wide, and we’re happy to talk through what SIL could look like for you or someone you care for — no pressure, just a conversation.
If you’d like to find out more about SIL, or discuss a referral, get in touch with our team today.