NDIS SIL Cost Estimator — How Much Does Supported Independent Living Cost?

What Is NDIS Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the most significant supports available through the NDIS. It provides funding for support workers to assist participants with daily tasks in a residential setting — typically a shared house with other NDIS participants, or an individual home. SIL is designed for people who require frequent or continuous support to live safely and as independently as possible.

Unlike community support or in-home support hours, SIL is a residential arrangement where the support is embedded in the place you live. Support workers can assist with personal care, meal preparation, medication management, household tasks, and accessing the community. The level of support — from a few hours of daytime assistance to 24/7 active overnight support — is individually assessed based on your functional needs and documented in a Roster of Care.

SIL is not suitable for everyone. It is targeted at participants whose support needs cannot reasonably be met through in-home supports in their existing home. The NDIA assesses SIL funding based on functional capacity, safety risks, the availability of informal supports, and whether SIL represents the most cost-effective and appropriate option to meet your goals. Working with a support coordinator who has SIL experience is highly recommended.

How SIL Funding Is Approved

1. 1

   Functional Assessment

   An occupational therapist or other qualified allied health professional completes a detailed assessment of your functional capacity — what you can and cannot do independently across self-care, mobility, communication, and daily living. This report is the primary evidence for your SIL application.

2. 2

   SIL Quote (Roster of Care)

   Your prospective SIL provider prepares a Roster of Care — a detailed breakdown of the support hours and staffing required across a typical week. This document quantifies the cost of your support and forms the basis of the NDIA's funding decision.

3. 3

   NDIA Assessment

   The NDIA's specialist SIL team reviews your functional evidence and Roster of Care. They assess whether SIL is reasonable and necessary, whether the requested hours are justified, and whether the cost is value for money compared to alternative support arrangements.

4. 4

   Plan Approval

   If approved, SIL funding is written into your NDIS plan as a stated support — it is specific to your SIL provider and cannot be redirected to other services. Your plan will show the approved SIL budget rather than individual support hours.

5. 5

   Move-In

   Once your plan is approved and a suitable property and vacancy are confirmed, you move into your SIL arrangement. Your support coordinator or the SIL provider coordinates the transition, including any home modifications, equipment setup, and handover of support.

SIL vs SDA: What's the Difference?

What Does SIL Include?

Frequently Asked Questions About SIL