Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is an NDIS service that pays for people to help you at home. It is designed for people who need a lot of help throughout the day and night. In the Northern Territory and Western Australia, SIL is a key way to help people with disabilities stay out of hospitals and live in the community.
Understanding the Basics of SIL Support
SIL is about the help you get, not the house you live in. It funds support workers to come to your home and help with daily tasks. This is different from other types of funding that might pay for the building itself.
We provide expert SIL care for families across Darwin, Palmerston, and Perth. Our focus is on making sure you feel safe and capable in your own space. You can learn more about our SIL services in WA and how we match workers to your needs.
What Does SIL Funding Cover?
The NDIS gives you SIL funding to pay for a team of workers. These workers help with the things you cannot do easily on your own.
Personal Care: Help with showering, dressing, and taking your medicine.
Meals and Cleaning: Support with cooking healthy food and keeping your house tidy.
Skill Building: Learning how to use the bus in Darwin or how to save your money.
Staying Social: Helping you go to appointments or visit friends in your local area.
It is important to remember that SIL does not pay for your rent. It also does not pay for your groceries or your power bills. It only pays for the "human" support.
Who Can Get SIL in the Northern Territory?
SIL is for participants who need help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This often includes someone staying with you overnight.
You might be eligible if you live with a psychosocial disability, autism, or a physical disability. We specialise in mental health support. We use an evidence-based approach to help you grow. As part of the Australian Scientific Research and Development program, we use the latest facts to provide top-tier care in the NT.
The Difference Between SIL and SDA
Many people get confused between SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). It is easier to think of it like this:
SIL is the People: The staff who help you cook, clean, and shower.
SDA is the Place: The special house with ramps or wide doors.
You can get SIL while living in a normal rental home or with your family. You do not have to live in a special SDA house to get SIL help. Our Northern Territory team can help you figure out which one you need.
New Changes to SIL in 2026
The NDIS is changing how they decide on SIL budgets this year. They now use a tool called the I-CAN assessment. This looks at what you can do and where you need a hand.
Instead of a provider just giving a quote, the NDIS sets a budget based on your real needs. This makes it fairer for everyone in places like Perth and regional Victoria. We stay up to date with these rules to make sure your funding is "Reasonable and Necessary."
How to Apply for SIL Support
Getting SIL in your plan takes a few steps. You need to show the NDIS that you really need this level of care to stay safe.
Functional Assessment: An Occupational Therapist writes a report about your daily life.
Roster of Care: We help you create a weekly schedule that shows every hour of help you need.
Planning Meeting: You talk to the NDIS about your goal to live independently.
We help parents and participants gather this evidence. We know that the paperwork can be hard. We are here to walk beside you through the whole process.
Why Choose NDHS for Your SIL Journey
We are a fully registered NDIS provider with a heart for families. We are owned and operated by a family that knows what it is like to live with different abilities.
Whether you are in a quiet suburb of Darwin or a busy part of Victoria, we bring care that feels like family. We do not just tick boxes. We help you build a life that you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SIL if I live with my parents?
Yes, you can get SIL help while living at home. It can help you learn the skills you need to move out one day.
Do I have to share a house to get SIL?
Not always. While many people share SIL supports to save money, some people get individual SIL funding if their needs are very high.
How much does SIL cost?
The NDIS pays the provider directly for SIL. There is no cost to you for the support workers. You only pay for your own rent and food.
Can NDHS help me find a SIL house in Darwin?
Yes, we often have vacancies in the Northern Territory. Contact our Darwin office to see what is available right now.
Is SIL the same as respite?
No. Respite is for short stays. SIL is for your permanent, everyday living support.
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