What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is one of the most common types of NDIS support — but it's often misunderstood. In simple terms, SIL is support to help you live as independently as possible in your own home.

What SIL actually covers

SIL funds the day-to-day assistance you need to live well at home. This can include help with:

• Personal care, like showering and getting dressed
• Preparing meals and managing the kitchen
• Household tasks such as cleaning and laundry
• Building everyday skills like budgeting and routines
• Overnight or 24/7 support where it's needed

Who is SIL for?

SIL is generally for people with higher support needs who require assistance throughout the day or night. It's often provided in shared homes, where a few people live together with support on hand — but it can also be tailored to individual living arrangements.

SIL vs other supports

It's worth knowing that SIL covers the support you receive at home — not the rent or the property itself. Housing costs are usually handled separately (sometimes through Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA). SIL is about the people and assistance, not the bricks and mortar.

Is SIL right for you?

Everyone's situation is different. The right level of support depends on your goals, your daily needs, and how much independence you're working towards. A good provider will take the time to understand all of this before recommending anything.

How we can help

At Doeboe Care, we deliver SIL with a focus on dignity, choice, and genuine independence — matching you with consistent support workers who take the time to know you.

Want to know if SIL fits your plan? Contact our team for a friendly, no-obligation chat.