What does SIL funding actually cover under the NDIS?

12 June 2026
man stirring pot on stove

Key Points

  • SIL supports daily living for people with higher support needs
  • It covers help with tasks like personal care, cooking, and routines
  • SIL does not cover rent or housing costs
  • Eligibility depends on your support needs and NDIS plan
  • SIL and SDA are different and often confused

Summary

Supported Independent Living (SIL) helps people with disability live more independently with daily support. This guide explains what SIL funding covers, what it does not include, and how it differs from Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Outline

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding that provides daily support to help you live as independently as possible. It covers help with everyday tasks like personal care, cooking, and routines, while also building your skills over time. If you need regular support at home, SIL may be part of your NDIS plan.

What is SIL in the NDIS?

SIL stands for Supported Independent Living.

It is funding that helps you with everyday tasks and ongoing support needs, so you can live as independently as possible.

This support is usually provided in a shared home or supported living environment, but may also be available in other living arrangements depending on your needs.

SIL is one of several home and living supports available under the NDIS, and other options may be more suitable depending on your situation.

What does SIL cover?

SIL funding covers support with daily living tasks, such as:

  • personal care (showering, dressing)
  • cooking and meal preparation
  • cleaning and household tasks
  • help with routines and daily structure
  • supervision for safety and wellbeing
  • support to build everyday living skills

It may also include support to:

  • attend appointments
  • access the community
  • follow behaviour support plans

The goal is to help you live more independently over time.

What does SIL not cover?

SIL funding does not cover:

  • rent or mortgage payments
  • utility bills
  • groceries
  • personal expenses

It only covers the support, not the cost of living itself.

Who is eligible for SIL?

SIL is generally for people who:

  • need support throughout most of the day
  • require overnight support
  • have higher or complex support needs

In many cases, this means support is needed 7 days a week, including overnight.

Eligibility is based on your NDIS plan, your goals, and an assessment of your daily support needs.

SIL vs SDA: what’s the difference?

This is a common point of confusion.

  • SIL = support services (help with daily living)
  • SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) = housing

SDA funding covers the cost of the home itself, while SIL covers the support you receive inside it.

You may receive one or both, depending on your needs.

How do you get SIL in your NDIS plan?

To receive SIL funding, you need to show that it is the right support for your needs.

This usually involves:

  • assessments or reports about your support needs
  • information about your daily routine
  • your goals for independent living

The NDIS will look at whether SIL is the best option compared to other supports.

You may also work with a support coordinator or provider to develop a plan that outlines the level of support you need.

How Kirinari can help

At Kirinari, we provide supported living services that help you live independently with the right level of care. We can help you:

  • understand your NDIS plan
  • find suitable SIL accommodation
  • access available housing vacancies
  • build a support plan that works for you

You can learn more about in-home care services here and supported living services at Kirinari here.

Or to view our current accommodation vacancies here.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.

At Kirinari, we deliver trusted Supported Independent Living (SIL) options throughout regional New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. Whether you are searching for a home in Orange, Dubbo, Albury, Tamworth, Broken Hill, Forster, Wagga Wagga, or Port Macquarie, or looking across the border in Wodonga or Hobart, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.

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