Choosing the right home and living supports is an important decision for you, your family and your support network. If you are exploring SIL accommodation, supported independent living or NDIS housing in Melbourne, it helps to understand what the funding covers, which options may suit your goals and how the 2026 NDIS reforms affect providers.
You are the expert in your own life. Our role is to help you navigate your choices with clear information, respectful support and a focus on your independence, dignity and quality of life.
What is SIL accommodation?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support for people who need regular assistance with daily living at home. SIL may be delivered in a shared home with other NDIS participants, or in another living arrangement that provides the level of support you need.
SIL is not the house itself. It is the paid support that helps you live as independently as possible.
Depending on your goals and assessed needs, SIL may include:
- Personal care, showering, dressing and daily hygiene
- Meal preparation, cooking and household routines
- Medication prompts and health-related daily support
- Assistance with cleaning, laundry and shopping
- Support with communication, decision-making and safety
- Overnight support or active overnight assistance
- Building daily living skills and confidence
- Support to access the community and participate in activities
The purpose of NDIS independent living support is not to take over your life. It is to provide the right assistance so you can make choices, develop skills, maintain relationships and work towards your own definition of a meaningful life.
You can read the NDIS overview of Supported Independent Living for participants.
Who may benefit from supported independent living?
SIL is generally considered for adults with higher daily support needs who require ongoing assistance to live safely and participate in household life. You may need support with personal activities, supervision, communication, mobility, emotional regulation or building your capacity for greater independence.
SIL may be suitable if:
- You want to move out of the family home
- You need regular support throughout the day or night
- You would like to live with other people but need structured assistance
- Your current living arrangement is no longer safe or sustainable
- You want to develop skills for cooking, budgeting, cleaning or community access
- Your family or informal carers need more sustainable support
- You need a consistent support team to help manage daily routines
SIL is not automatically the right option for everyone. Other home and living supports may include an ordinary rental with individual supports, Individualised Living Options (ILO), short-term accommodation, respite or a combination of supports.
Your NDIS plan, functional capacity evidence, personal goals and reasonable and necessary criteria all matter. A support coordinator, allied health professional or experienced provider can help you explore the options without assuming that one model suits every participant.
SIL versus SDA: what is the difference?
SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are separate parts of the NDIS.
The simplest explanation is:
- SDA is the specialised home
- SIL is the support provided in or around the home
SDA is designed for a smaller group of participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who require specialist housing. The dwelling may include features such as high physical accessibility, robust design, improved access for support workers or technology-ready infrastructure.
SIL funding pays for person-to-person support. It does not pay for the building.
| SIL funding | SDA funding |
|---|---|
| Pays for daily living assistance and support workers | Pays towards the cost of specialised housing |
| Usually funded under Core Supports | Funded under Capital Supports |
| May be delivered in ordinary or specialist housing | Requires an eligible, enrolled SDA dwelling |
| Can include personal care, supervision and skill-building | Does not pay for support workers |
| Does not cover rent, groceries or ordinary utilities | Does not replace rent or personal living costs |
You may receive SIL without SDA if your support needs can be met in ordinary housing. You may also receive both if you need a specialised dwelling and substantial daily support.
When comparing SDA providers, ask whether the property is enrolled with the NDIA, which design category applies and what tenancy arrangements are offered. You should also understand that your SDA provider and SIL provider may be different organisations.
The NDIS provides further information about Specialist Disability Accommodation.
What changed for SIL under the NDIS reforms in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, SIL became a mandatory registered support. Providers delivering NDIS-funded SIL must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission under the relevant registration requirements.
The 2026 changes also introduced a new SIL registration group:
- 0138 – Assistance with Supported Independent Living
This change strengthens oversight of SIL services and supports clearer expectations around safeguarding, governance, worker screening, supported decision-making, tenancy arrangements and quality standards.
If you are choosing an NDIS SIL provider in Melbourne, confirm that the organisation is registered for the relevant SIL support. This applies whether your plan is agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed, subject to the NDIS rules and transition arrangements that apply to the provider.
The NDIS Commission has published information about mandatory registration for SIL providers. Registration is only one part of your decision. You should also assess whether the provider is genuinely suitable for you.
Understanding SIL funding
SIL funding is based on the support you require, not on a particular house. Providers usually develop a roster of care that outlines when support is needed, the level of assistance required and how supports will be shared if you live with other participants.
Your SIL funding may account for:
- Individual support during personal activities
- Shared support in a group living arrangement
- Overnight support
- Active support during routines and community participation
- Supervision and assistance with daily living
- Support to build independence and practical skills
SIL funding does not generally cover:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries and personal items
- Electricity, internet or other ordinary household costs
- Entertainment and personal spending
- Supports that are not related to your disability needs
Your plan manager, support coordinator or provider should explain how the proposed roster of care works and how it relates to your NDIS plan. Ask questions if the arrangement is unclear. You should understand what is funded, what you contribute personally and what happens if your needs change.
How to choose the right SIL provider and support match
The right relationship is as important as the right service model. A provider may offer suitable accommodation and still not be the right fit if communication, routines, culture or personalities do not align.
When comparing a potential provider, ask:
-
How do you match support workers to participants?
Look for a provider that considers your communication style, interests, cultural background, routines, disability support needs and personal preferences. -
Can I meet the workers before support begins?
You should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in choosing your support team. -
How is my privacy and dignity protected?
Ask about personal care, visitor arrangements, private space, house rules and supported decision-making. -
What happens when a regular worker is unavailable?
Continuity matters. Ask how absences, emergencies and staff turnover are managed. -
How are housemates selected?
Shared living works best when household expectations, lifestyles, communication needs and compatibility are considered. -
What training and safeguards are in place?
Ask about worker screening, incident management, restrictive practices, medication support and emergency procedures. -
Can I change my mind?
Your service agreement should be clear about notice periods, feedback, complaints and changing providers.
iCare4U focuses on building the right support relationship from the beginning. We take time to understand who you are and aim to match you with workers who suit your goals, personality, culture, communication style and routines.
Finding support in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
Local knowledge can make daily life easier. Transport, community access, health appointments and family connections are all important when considering NDIS disability accommodation.
iCare4U supports participants across Melbourne, including the Eastern Suburbs. Our local service areas include:
- Box Hill and Whitehorse
- Doncaster and Manningham
- Glen Waverley and Monash
- Ringwood and Maroondah
- Wantirna, Knox and surrounding suburbs
Our Inner Eastern Melbourne NDIS team supports areas including Box Hill, Doncaster and Glen Waverley. Our Outer Eastern Melbourne team supports Ringwood, Wantirna and surrounding communities.
The outcome should be more than a roster of paid supports. It should be greater confidence, stronger community connection, more control over your routines and the happiness that comes from feeling at home.
“I feel more confident making choices in my own home.”
This is the kind of participant-led outcome your support arrangement should work towards.
Practical steps for participants and families
Start with your goals, not a property listing.
- Write down what you want to change in your current living situation.
- Discuss your support needs with your support coordinator, LAC, family or allied health team.
- Confirm whether SIL, SDA, ILO or another home and living option is appropriate.
- Gather relevant functional assessments and evidence for your NDIS plan or plan review.
- Shortlist registered providers with experience in your type of disability support.
- Visit homes and meet potential housemates and support workers.
- Review the roster of care, service agreement, costs and responsibilities.
- Agree on a trial or transition plan where appropriate.
- Review the arrangement regularly and speak up if your needs or goals change.
Talk with iCare4U about your next step
You do not have to navigate SIL accommodation alone. Whether you are starting an NDIS plan, preparing for a move, reviewing existing supports or helping a family member explore NDIS housing, we can talk through your situation clearly and without pressure.
iCare4U provides person-centred disability support, personal care, domestic assistance, transport, community participation, respite and support coordination across Melbourne. We take the time to understand your goals and match you with the right support relationship.
Contact iCare4U to get started or make a participant referral. You can also call 1300 422 730. Our local team will listen, explain your options and help you take the next step towards living safely, independently and confidently.