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Supported Independent Living

Our Approach to SIL!

At Melbourne Disability Services we believe SIL should be a great experience that supports your capacity building journey so you can maintain your current independence skills and work on obtaining new ones all whilst receiving your daily support. You should feel comfortable, safe and confident in your NDIS SIL accommodation, you should be proud to call it your home.

MDS offers a nurturing environment that fosters capacity building, promotes your independence and provides you with opportunities to pursue your goals and interests. We take a person centred approach to your care so you can have access to appropriate, effective and quality support.

Living with Other People and Sharing Supports

When living with other residents and sharing supports, we take extra steps by; considering many aspects of you and your lifestyle; listening to what you want and what you’re looking for in a home; asking you plenty of questions so we can match you with the right housemates that you will likely get along with such as people of similar age and interests so you can live with people you enjoy being around.

Let us know what your future home looks like!

SIL and SDA

We specialise in delivering person centred supported accommodation services to NDIS participants. We take a holistic approach when setting up your personal support system, taking into account many aspects of your lifestyle. We work with you to paint a picture of what your new home looks like to try and match you with the right Special Disability Accommodation and the right housemates.

We endeavour to support our participant’s independent living through tailored supports and EMPOWERING them to make CHOICES and take CONTROL of their NDIS Supports.

Your Home.  Your Choice.  Your Control.

Our Supported Accommodation services are built on the foundation of delivering supported housing solutions that promote our participants independence, choice and control. Our accommodation team at MDS will work with you and your Support Coordinator to find a place you can call home and set-up supports that seamlessly fit in with your lifestyle.

Our SIL Process

Step 1

Speak to a SIL Specialist

You can contact us at 03 8351 9901, SIL@melbournedisabilityservices.com.au or complete the enquiry form and make a detailed inquiry.

Step 2

Book an Intake Consultation

You will be introduced to a team member and discuss what you are looking for in your new home. We’ll offer you inspections for any suitable homes that we may have.

Step 3

Inspect Our homes

Come along with your family member, support coordinator or support person to inspect our properties and meet some of our proud residents

Step 4

Smooth Transition

We will work closely with your current support team and facilitate a smooth transition. 

Express Your Interest Here!
First Name *
Surname *
Email *
Phone Number *
Age *
Gender *
Current Location *
Postcode *
Preferred Location *
Your Disabilities / Impairment *
Do you have a current NDIS plan? *
Do you require a wheelchair accessible home? *
Do you require overnight support? *
How did you hear about us?
Enquiry
* Required fields

FAQ's

1. What is NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support designed for people with disabilities who need help with daily tasks while living in a shared or independent home. SIL provides assistance with personal care, household tasks, and skill development, helping

2. Who is eligible for NDIS SIL funding?

To be eligible for NDIS SIL funding, you must:

  • Be an NDIS participant with an approved plan.
  • Have a permanent and significant disability requiring daily support.
  • Need assistance with personal care, household tasks, or social activities.
  • Live in or be willing to live in a shared or independent supported home.

Your eligibility is assessed by the NDIS planning team, who will determine if SIL is the right support for your needs.

3. How do I apply for NDIS SIL funding?

Applying for SIL funding involves these steps:

  1. Speak to your support coordinator or NDIS planner.
  2. Get an assessment to determine your daily support needs.
  3. Provide evidence from therapists, doctors, or caregivers to justify SIL funding.
  4. Submit your request during your NDIS plan review or planning meeting.
  5. Wait for approval – NDIS will assess your needs and decide if SIL is suitable for you.

A support coordinator can help navigate the process to ensure you receive the right funding.

4. What services are included in SIL?

  • SIL provides daily living support in a shared or independent home, including
  • Personal care – Assistance with showering, dressing, and grooming.
  • Household tasks – Cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
  • Medication management – Ensuring you take the right medications at the right time.
  • Skill development – Help with budgeting, meal planning, and social skills.
  • Community participation – Support to access local services and social activities.

The level of support varies based on individual needs and NDIS funding.

5. Can I choose my own SIL provider?

Yes! As an NDIS participant, you have full choice and control over selecting your SIL provider. When choosing a provider, consider:

  • Their experience in SIL support.
  • Whether they have vacancies in your preferred location.
  • If their staff are qualified and experienced.
  • Their reputation and reviews from other NDIS participants.

It’s important to choose a provider that aligns with your goals and support needs.

6. What factors affect my SIL funding?

Your NDIS SIL funding is based on several factors, including:
  • Level of support needed – Low, medium, or high support levels.
  • Number of housemates – Shared housing typically costs less.
  • Support requirements – Whether you need 24/7 support or specific hours.
  • NDIS assessment – Based on functional assessments and reports from health professionals.
Providing strong evidence of your support needs can help secure the right funding.

7. How can I find NDIS SIL vacancies near me?

To find SIL vacancies, you can:
  • Search online – Many SIL providers list vacancies on their websites.
  • Ask your support coordinator – They have access to available SIL homes.
  • Use NDIS housing platforms – Websites like NDIS Housing Hub list SIL vacancies.
  • Contact SIL providers directly – Many have waitlists and upcoming openings.
Adding your location to your search (e.g., "NDIS SIL vacancies in [your city]") can help find options near you.

8. What should I look for in a SIL provider?

When choosing an When choosing an NDIS SIL provider, look for:
  • Experienced and qualified support staff.
  • A safe and comfortable home environment.
  • Support that aligns with your needs and goals.
  • Flexibility in services and 24/7 support availability.
  • Positive reviews and testimonials from other NDIS participants.
Taking the time to research and visit different providers can help you find the best match.

9. Can I receive SIL funding while living alone?

SIL is typically for shared housing, but in some cases, you may qualify for SIL funding while living alone if:

  • You have high support needs requiring 24/7 care.
  • A shared living environment is not suitable for your condition.
  • NDIS assesses that living alone is the best option for your independence.

Speak with your support coordinator to see if individual SIL funding is right for you.

10. How long does it take to get approved for SIL?

The NDIS SIL approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on:

  • How quickly you submit supporting evidence.
  • The complexity of your support needs.
  • NDIS review times and their current backlog.

To speed up approval, ensure you provide a clear case for SIL funding with professional reports from therapists or doctors.

11. What is the difference between SIL and SDA?

SIL (Supported Independent Living) focuses on support services, while SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is about the physical home itself.

  • SIL: Covers daily support workers, personal care, and household assistance.
  • SDA: Provides specially designed homes for those with high physical support needs.

Many participants receive both SDA and SIL if they require specialized housing and support.

12. What happens if I’m not happy with my SIL provider?

If you’re unhappy with your SIL provider, you can:
  • Raise your concerns with them directly.
  • Speak to your support coordinator for guidance.
  • Find a new SIL provider that better meets your needs.
  • Report serious concerns to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

You have the right to change providers if your current support is not working for you.