Your home should be a place where you feel respected, safe, and free to make your own decisions. Supported Independent Living (SIL) gives many disabled people that starting point. It combines shared housing with individualized, 24-hour support to help you develop your skills, fortify your social bonds, and live more independently.
How Does SIL Appear on a Daily Basis?
- Shared residence with one to four other people
- As needed, provide on-site assistance to employees both during the day and at night.
- Assistance with personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and group activities
- Setting goals together, where you select the abilities you wish to hone
- Rent assistance and NDIS funding keep rent and household expenses affordable.
Why Choose SIL?
| Benefit | How It Helps You |
|---|---|
| Skill building | Learn to budget, cook and travel confidently |
| Social connection | Live with peers and take part in group activities |
| 24‑hour peace of mind | Staff close by if you need help at any time |
| Flexible routines | Your daily plan is built around your goals and preferences |
| Pathway to greater independence | Progress at your own pace toward living with less support |
SIL, SDA and ILO – What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) | Individualised Living Options (ILO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Paid support | Specialised building | Flexible living arrangement |
| Where you live | Shared home or apartment | Purpose‑built property with high accessibility | Your own home, host family or chosen arrangement |
| Funding in NDIS plan | Core budget – Assistance with Daily Life | Capital budget – SDA | Capacity Building – ILO |
| Who chooses the house | You and your provider | You (must match SDA design category) | You, with your circle of support |
Who Qualifies for SIL?
- You might be a good fit for SIL if you:
- I need assistance with everyday chores for at least a portion of each day.
- Desire to cohabitate with people who require similar levels of support
- Set objectives that involve developing community skills or becoming more independent.
- are at least eighteen years old (exceptions are evaluated on an individual basis).
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) determines eligibility through a thorough evaluation known as a Home and Living Supports Request.
What Does SIL Funding Cover?
| Expense | Covered by NDIS | Paid by Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Support worker wages | ✓ | – |
| Night‑time on‑call support | ✓ | – |
| Skill‑building programs | ✓ | – |
| Personal rent | – | ✓ (usually 25 per cent of Disability Support Pension plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance) |
| Groceries and personal items | – | ✓ |
| Utilities (shared portion) | – | ✓ |
Step-by-Step: SIL Application
- Collect supporting documentation, such as carer statements, daily living evaluations, and allied health reports.
- Provide your objectives and desired way of life in a Home and Living Supports Request to the NDIA.
- Attend a planning meeting to hear the NDIA’s decision and to discuss your needs.
- Receive your plan: If approved, SIL funding appears in the Assistance with Daily Life category.
- Choose a SIL provider (like Elmur) and tour available homes.
- Sign a Service Agreement outlining supports, house rules and your personalised roster of care.
- Move in and settle with help from your support team and housemates.
A Week in the Life of an Elmur SIL Resident
| Time of Day | Monday | Wednesday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast prep with a support worker | Gym session with housemate | Visit local market for fresh produce |
| Midday | Volunteer shift at Op Shop | Cooking class in community centre | Picnic in the park |
| Afternoon | Budgeting practice and grocery list | Online gaming group | House meeting – plan meals |
| Evening | Movie night in the lounge | Support worker helps with meal prep | Family visit and barbecue |
| Overnight | Sleepover staff on site | Sleepover staff on site | Sleepover staff on site |
How Elmur Makes SIL Feel Like Home
- Person‑centred plans: Your goals shape every part of support.
- Modern, accessible houses across well‑connected suburbs.
- Experienced staff trained in positive behaviour support, medication management and community inclusion.
- Flexible rosters so you can add or reduce support as your confidence grows.
- Open communication with families, guardians and support coordinators.
Key Takeaways
- Supported Independent Living delivers 24‑hour help in a shared home so you can build skills and independence.
- SIL funding sits in the Assistance with Daily Life section of an NDIS plan.
- Eligibility is assessed through a Home and Living Supports Request backed by clear evidence.
- Elmur offers personalised, flexible SIL services that feel like a real home – with the support you need to reach your goals.
Ready to explore Supported Independent Living? Contact the Elmur team to arrange a chat and house tour. Call (08) 6558 8814 or email info@elmur.com.au today.
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