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What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living with Kanda builds skills and confidence in a safe and comfortable home environment.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of NDIS funding. SIL helps people living with disability to live as independently as possible with daily support in a home environment. Trained staff provide help where it is needed.

The goals of SIL are:

  • to keep people safe and comfortable
  • to build skills and confidence over time.

SIL is designed for people who need regular help with everyday tasks. This might include getting dressed, preparing meals, managing medication or keeping the household running. It provides you with a stable home with the right level of support so that you can enjoy a good quality of life.

How SIL works: daily support and accommodation

In most cases, SIL involves living in a house with other people who also receive support, though private options are also available. Support workers are available throughout the day and night. They help with routines and reminders, help with personal care and step in whenever something unexpected happens.

SIL funding covers the support component, not the physical house itself. 

Some people live in homes owned by providers. Others live in a rental or private home. SIL supports can be provided in your own home or in an SDA registered property.

Did you know? Kanda has a range of supported independent living vacancies in multiple locations. View vacancies and find more information at Our Current SIL Vacancies page.

Am I eligible for SIL funding?

When assessing your application for SIL funding, the NDIA will look at how much help you need with personal care, mobility, cooking, cleaning, medication and other daily tasks.

You may be eligible for SIL funding if you need help with daily living and overnight support from a disability support worker. 

The decision is based on evidence. Evidence can be in the form of reports from occupational therapists, doctors or behaviour specialists. The NDIA also considers whether SIL is a good use of funding when compared to other support options.

Read more about supported independent living on the NDIS website.

How to apply for Supported Independent Living – step by step

Step 1. Set goals and gather evidence

As a first step, you’ll need to attend an NDIS planning meeting. Your NDIS Support Coordinator can help you. The planning meeting is where you talk to the NDIA about your goals and life skills you’d like to gain or improve, as well as your daily support needs. This meeting will help determine whether SIL is the right support funding for your needs.

If you don’t yet have an NDIS Support Coordinator, talk to the team at Kanda about how we can help.

Step 2. Gather evidence from trusted professionals

The NDIA needs evidence of your support requirements so they can make a funding decision. Evidence can be reports and assessments from allied health professionals such as occupational therapists (OTs). They assess your daily needs and write reports that show why SIL is the right support option for you.

Step 3. Choose a SIL provider and get a quote

Work with a provider that suits you, to arrange a formal SIL quote for the supports you require. The quote outlines the level of support, staffing hours and pricing. Work with a provider who will listen to your needs and work with you.

Step 4. Develop a roster of care

A roster of care provides details of the support you’ll need at different times of the day. A roster of care gives a picture of your support routine, day and night. It’s an important part of what you’ll submit to the NDIA for funding approval.

Step 5. Approval and moving in

Your support coordinator will submit your Home and Living request to the NDIA with all your gathered evidence and the provider’s quote. When the NDIA has approved the funding,  you can start arranging the move. With Kanda as your support provider, the Kanda team will help with the transition into SIL. They will introduce you to housemates, help you set up routines, and help you settle into your new home.

How can SIL help you?

Supported independent living offers personal and domestic support. Many SIL homes offer round-the-clock care – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This helps you and provides your family with peace of mind.

Supported independent living with Kanda builds skills and independence. Learn life skills like cooking, planning and even ways to stay engaged in your community. SIL gives you the chance to learn at your own pace, and pursue your interests, building skills and resilience along the way.

Shared living SIL homes can be a great place to find and build a sense of community and friendship.

Supported independent living can be an antidote for loneliness, especially if you are an older adult or someone transitioning out of the family home.

Is Supported Independent Living right for you?

If you or a family member needs help throughout the day and can’t live independently without support, SIL may be suitable. You and your family could start by asking a few simple questions:

  • Do I need daily supervision or support?
  • Is it safe for me to live alone?
  • Would structured support help me feel more stable?
  • Could supported independent living help me learn new skills and build independence?

At Kanda, we understand the benefits and challenges of SIL. Talk to us about your needs and goals. We can offer information and support to help you find the supported independent living situation that suits you best.

What kind of SIL support does Kanda provide?

Kanda offers SIL support for personal care, daily living assistance, household management, domestic support, medication management and health support.

Some examples of the support that Kanda provides for supported independent living are:

  • grocery shopping and meal preparation
  • light house chores
  • personal care, such as showering, dressing, grooming, toileting
  • travel assistance
  • appointment support
  • medication management
  • leisure and hobbies
  • community engagement.

Read more about Supported Independent Living at Kanda.

Have you considered Kanda as your SIL provider?

Kanda offers person-centred care, stability and strong communication. Our homes are welcoming, our staff are trained in trauma-informed practice and we work closely with families to ensure the best possible outcome.

Talk to our team to find out more

Frequently asked questions

Supported Independent Living (SIL), is a type of NDIS funding that helps people with disability live as independently as possible. It provides daily support in a safe and comfortable home environment, where trained staff assist with personal care, household tasks, medication, and other routines to build confidence and life skills.

The goal of Supported Independent Living is to help people stay safe, comfortable, and supported while learning new skills and becoming more confident in their daily lives. SIL gives you the opportunity to live as independently as possible with the right level of help.

The NDIS will allocate funding for SIL in your NDIS plan. The actual price you pay will depend on your support needs, the assessments provided by allied health professionals like Occupational Therapists, and the roster of care for your household.
For example, the roster of care will consider the number of participants in the home and whether overnight support is required. Your SIL provider will use this information when preparing a quote.
SIL funding pays for the support staff and the daily assistance they provide. It does not cover rent, groceries, electricity, personal items or the physical home. These costs are still the responsibility of the participants (you and your housemates).

You may be eligible for SIL if you need regular assistance with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, preparing meals, taking medication, or maintaining your home. The NDIA assesses your needs and reviews supporting evidence from health professionals to determine if SIL is the right funding option for you.

SIL can be provided in shared homes, private rentals, or properties registered under Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Most people live with others who also receive support, though private options are available depending on your needs and goals.

No, SIL funding only covers the support you receive, not the cost of the physical property. Some people live in homes owned by providers, while others rent or own their own homes. The support component of SIL focuses on the care and assistance you receive each day.

The application process begins with your NDIS planning meeting, where you discuss your goals and support needs. You’ll need to provide evidence from professionals such as occupational therapists to support your request. After choosing a SIL provider and obtaining a quote, your Support Coordinator submits the documents to the NDIA for approval. Once approved, you can begin planning your move into SIL accommodation.

You should work with a SIL provider that you are 100% comfortable with. A good SIL provider offers choice and control with a focus of working with you to find the best fit for staffing and meeting your preferences. Your SIL provider will provide clear communication, offer flexible routines and a safe, welcoming home that you love.

Kanda provides personalised support including personal care, meal preparation, household management, medication assistance, community engagement, and help with appointments and travel. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you’re safe, comfortable, and supported.

Yes, Supported Independent Living supports can be delivered in your own home if that arrangement best suits your needs and NDIS plan. Kanda can work with you to create a tailored support schedule that aligns with your goals and living situation.

Shared SIL homes give you the chance to live with others, build friendships, and be part of a community. This social connection can help reduce loneliness and provide a greater sense of belonging while maintaining your independence with support when needed.

When you transition to supported independent living, it might take some time to adjust. Give yourself time to get used to shared living, changes to routine and feeling comfortable with new staff. If you have concerns or you don’t feel comfortable at first, talk to your SIL provider - they may have some ways to help make the transition to SIL easier.

Kanda has a range of supported independent living vacancies across multiple locations. Our team can help you explore available homes, match you with suitable housemates, and guide you through the transition process. You can view current vacancies on our website or speak with our team to learn more.