How Supported Independent Living is Transforming Lives Across Australia

Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, comfortable and meaningful way. For many people living with disabilities, having the right assistance at home can make everyday life more manageable while supporting independence and well-being.

Supported independent living is one way the NDIS helps make this possible. In this guide by the team at Lumia Care, we explore how supported independent living is transforming lives across Australia.  

What is supported independent living​?

Supported independent living (often called SIL) is a type of NDIS support that helps people with disability live in their own home while receiving assistance with daily tasks. It's typically suited to people who require a higher level of support throughout the day, including overnight assistance. Some people choose to live with other NDIS participants and share supports, while others may receive SIL support while living on their own. 

SIL offers a balance between living independently and having help nearby when it’s needed. The support is shaped around your routine, lifestyle and what matters most to you.

What types of support are provided under supported independent living​?

SIL generally covers personal support that helps with everyday routines and building practical living skills. Depending on your situation, this may include:

• Assistance with personal care, such as getting dressed, showering or grooming

• Support with meal preparation, cooking, cleaning and household routines

• Help developing life skills that support independent living

• Assistance following a behaviour support plan, where one is in place

• Support to build social skills and confidence

• Supervision or guidance to help maintain personal safety at home

• Help with medication reminders or administration

• Assistance attending medical appointments

• Support to access the community, such as visiting family or attending activities

What supported independent living does not include

While SIL provides important day-to-day support, it does not cover general living expenses. For example, SIL funding does not usually include:

• Rent or accommodation costs

• Groceries and everyday household items

• Utility bills such as electricity, gas, water, internet or phone services

• Vehicle or travel costs not related to support needs

Because each NDIS plan is different, the exact services available will always depend on individual needs and approved funding.

How SIL benefits families and loved ones

For many families, one of the biggest benefits is peace of mind. Knowing their loved one is living in a safe environment with trained support workers available when needed can reduce constant worry about safety, health or daily care.

SIL services can also help reduce caregiver burnout. With professional support in place, family members who have been providing round-the-clock care can regain balance in their own lives. When daily tasks like grooming, meal preparation or laundry are handled by support workers, families have more time to strengthen relationships and simply enjoy each other’s company.

How the NDIS decides on SIL funding

The NDIS reviews relevant information to determine what level of support can be considered reasonable and necessary:

• Your current living situation and what you would like your future home and living arrangements to look like

• The support you currently receive and the level of assistance you may need going forward

• Your independent living skills and opportunities to develop these further

• Any assessments or reports from qualified professionals that explain your functional capacity or support requirements

• Other home and living options you may have explored

How to apply for supported independent living under NDIS

1.Attend an NDIS planning meeting 

The process typically begins with an NDIS planning or plan review meeting. During this conversation, you’ll talk about your current living situation, the support you receive now and your goals for living more independently.

2.Provide essential documentation

The NDIS will usually require supporting evidence, such as allied health reports, assessments of your disability support needs or reports about your routines and challenges.

3.Choose a supported independent living provider

A reliable provider will take time to listen to your goals and create a support plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

4.Create your SIL support plan

Your NDIS plan should outline your required level of support, the type of living arrangement (such as shared or individual housing) and how SIL funding will be used to assist you in daily life.

5.Establish a roster of care

Your provider will help you develop a roster of care, which outlines when and how support will be provided throughout the week. This schedule breaks your support into 30-minute blocks, matching your routine and the activities you need help with. 

Using your SIL funding 

Once supported independent living funding is approved in your NDIS plan, the next step is usually to create a service agreement with your chosen provider, which outlines the type of support you’ll receive, how they'll be delivered and the costs involved. In many cases, the SIL funding from your NDIS plan is paid directly to the provider. You may also choose to self-manage your funding, pay providers directly or work with a plan manager who can organise payments on your behalf.

Explore NDIS supported independent living services at Lumia Care

Understanding what independent supported living is can make it easier to explore the right living arrangements and support options. At Lumia Care, we provide SIL services, disability support and clinical care across Australia. We help participants make the most of their NDIS plan and enhance their quality of life.

Explore our shared living vacancies or speak with our team to learn how we can assist in building a more independent and fulfilling life.