Many people across Victoria want to stay in the home they know and love. For families and participants, home is more than a place to live. It’s where routines feel familiar, where culture and language feel safe and where support feels less stressful. Because of this, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Can I use SIL funding in my own home?”
The short answer is yes in some situations, but not in all. The NDIS needs to understand your support needs, the type of home you live in and the evidence you provide. Each situation is considered on its own.
This guide explains the rules in clear language so you know what to expect before you apply. It also explains what the NDIS looks for and how QP Care can support you through the process.
What SIL Funding Actually Covers
Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is a type of NDIS funding for people who need help with daily tasks every day. It is for participants with higher support needs who require ongoing support during the day and night.
SIL can include:
- Help with personal care
- Support with meals and cooking
- Help with daily routines
- Medication support
- Assistance with cleaning and home tasks
- Overnight support when needed
- Support to build independence
SIL is not about the home itself. The NDIS does not fund rent or mortgage payments. SIL is only for the support workers who help you live safely.
To receive SIL, the NDIS must be confident that you need 24 hour care or something close to it. This is why they ask for assessments and detailed information.
Can I Use SIL Funding In My Own Home?
The NDIS can fund SIL in different types of homes. What matters most is whether the home is safe and whether you need daily support at a high level. There are three common situations that people ask about. These include homes that families own, rental homes and homes where a participant lives alone.
Each situation has different rules, and the NDIS will look at your individual needs before making a decision.
A. Using SIL in a Home You Own or Your Family Owns
This is one of the most common situations. Many families ask if SIL can be delivered in a home that has been part of the family for years. This may be a home that a participant grew up in or a home that offers cultural comfort or support from relatives.
When it is usually approved
SIL is more likely to be approved in an owned home when:
- The participant has high support needs
- There is a need for support during the day and night
- Strong assessments show that SIL is the best option
- The home is safe and suitable for staff
- The home has space for overnight or active night support
The NDIS does not cover any costs related to the property itself. This includes rent, mortgage payments or renovations. The NDIS only checks whether the home allows support workers to provide safe care.
What you may need to provide
The NDIS will ask for assessments and information that explain your daily support needs. This can include:
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Functional capacity reports
- A detailed roster of care
- A home safety assessment
- Reports from your Support Coordinator
- Information from family or carers
These documents help the NDIS understand why you need 24 hour support and why SIL is reasonable in your home.
Why families choose this option
Families often choose SIL in an owned home because it feels safe and familiar. Many participants feel more independent in their own environment. It may also be important for cultural or religious reasons. In some CALD families, living together is part of daily life. SIL in an owned home can support these preferences.
B. Using SIL in a Rental or in Public Housing
Some participants live in private rentals or public housing. These homes can also be suitable for SIL if the property meets safety requirements.
When it can be approved
SIL can be approved in a rental when:
- You have high and ongoing support needs
- The home is safe and appropriate for support workers
- Your landlord agrees to support staff entering the property
- The home can support overnight care
- The environment is stable and safe
Public housing properties follow the same rules. The NDIS will want to make sure the home is suitable before approving SIL.
Important to know
There are a few key points to remember:
- The NDIS does not pay rent
- The NDIS does not cover bond or tenancy fees
- The NDIS does not guarantee long term access to the home
- If you move to a new place, the NDIS may need to review your SIL funding
None of these points mean you cannot receive SIL in a rental. It only means the NDIS may need updated information if your living situation changes.
Why people choose this option
Participants may choose to stay in a rental because it’s close to family, community, transport or medical services. Public housing may also be the only stable housing option a person has. SIL can be added to these homes when the support needs are clear.
C. Using SIL When You Live Alone
This is the most complex scenario. Many participants want to stay in their own home on their own and still receive SIL. In these cases, the NDIS must consider both the participant’s needs and the cost of delivering SIL by one to one support.
Is it usually approved?
In most cases, SIL for people who live alone is not approved. This is because SIL is designed as a shared support model. It is meant for homes where two or more participants live together and share the cost of support.
When it can be considered
The NDIS may consider SIL in a single occupancy home when:
- The participant has complex medical needs
- There are behaviour support needs
- Shared living is unsafe for the participant
- There are cultural or family reasons to live alone
- No suitable SIL homes exist in the local area
- There is strong evidence that 24 hour one to one support is necessary
These decisions require detailed documents from therapists and other professionals.
Why this option is rare
SIL in a single person home is more expensive because the participant receives all support without sharing the cost with others. Because of this, the NDIS approves it only when there is strong evidence that shared living is not safe or suitable.
What the NDIS Looks For When Approving SIL at Home
The NDIS needs to see clear information about your needs before they approve SIL in any home.
They usually ask for:
- A functional capacity assessment
- OT reports that describe daily routines
- A roster of care that shows how support will be provided
- Behaviour support plans if needed
- Risk assessments
- A home safety check
- Evidence that other support models are not enough
The NDIS reads these documents to understand if SIL is the most reasonable support option.
If SIL Is Not Approved For Your Home
If the NDIS decides SIL is not suitable at your address, you still have other options. These supports can help you stay safe while working toward a long term plan.
These options may include:
- Daily living supports through Core
- Independent Living Options
- Increased in home support
- Medium Term Accommodation
- Short Term Accommodation
- Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Capacity building supports to increase skills
Your Support Coordinator can help you explore these options and prepare new assessments when you are ready to apply again..
How QP Care Can Support You
QP Care works with participants across Melbourne’s North West who want to understand their housing and support options. Our team is experienced in SIL, STA, MTA and other NDIS supports. We also have multilingual staff who understand cultural expectations and family structures.
We help participants by:
- Organising assessments
- Gathering evidence for SIL applications
- Working with families to understand goals
- Helping you explore different housing choices
- Supporting transitions from hospital or aged care
- Providing culturally responsive care
- Working closely with the NDIS, planners and allied health professionals
Our goal is to support you to live in a home that feels right for you. We want you to feel safe, respected and confident about your choices.
FAQs About Using SIL Funding In Your Own Home
1. Can I use SIL if I want to live alone?
Sometimes, but not often. It depends on your support needs and safety.
2. Does the NDIS pay my rent or mortgage?
No. SIL only covers your support. Housing costs are separate.
3. Can I use SIL in a home owned by my parents?
Yes, if it is safe for support workers and meets the NDIS criteria.
4. Can I use SIL in a rental home?
Yes. The landlord must agree and the home must be suitable.
5. What if my home is not suitable for SIL?
You may be able to use MTA or other supports until a better option is found.
Need Help Understanding Your SIL Options?
If you want to know whether SIL can be provided in your home, QP Care can guide you. We offer free consultations for new participants and provide support in many languages. Our team will walk you through your options and help you choose the best path forward.
