Supported Independent Living (SIL) in the Northern Rivers: What It Is and How to Get It
Supported Independent Living in the Northern Rivers: What It Is and How to Get It
If you have high daily support needs and are thinking about living more independently, Supported Independent Living could be the pathway that changes what is possible for you. Here is what it involves in Ballina, Lismore, and the Northern Rivers.
What SIL Is
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding for the support workers and assistance that help you manage daily life in a home setting. It is not about the house itself, that is separate. SIL is about the people who are there to support you: personal care, meals, medication, overnight help, household routines, and building the skills to do more independently over time.
SIL is for people whose support needs are too high to be met through standard part-day hours alone. It is funded under Core Supports in your NDIS plan.
Source: ndis.gov.au: Supported Independent Living
SIL versus SDA, Know the Difference
SIL is the support. SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is the physical dwelling, built to specialist standards for a small group of participants with extreme functional impairment. Most SIL participants live in standard community housing, often shared with others who also have disabilities. You do not need SDA to access SIL.
How to Get SIL in Your Plan
- Get a thorough functional assessment from an occupational therapist, this documents what you need support with across every area of daily life and is the foundation of any SIL application
- Research registered SIL providers in the Northern Rivers, ask about current vacancies, house locations, and how housemates are matched
- Work with your chosen provider to prepare a detailed SIL quote for the NDIS
- The NDIS reviews the evidence and determines what level of SIL funding is appropriate
SIL is a registration-required support. Since 1 April 2026, delivering registration-required supports without being registered is a criminal offence. Confirm any SIL provider’s registration before proceeding.
Source: ndis.gov.au/news/11506
SIL in the Northern Rivers: What to Expect
The Northern Rivers has a smaller SIL provider market than major cities. Ask providers directly: Where are your current properties in Ballina or Lismore? How do you manage staff turnover and shift cover? How do you approach housemate matching? These are fair questions, and a good provider will answer them honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get SIL included in my NDIS plan?
You need an assessment of your support needs, usually from an occupational therapist or support coordinator. This evidence is submitted to the NDIS as part of your planning meeting.
Can I live alone with SIL support?
Yes. Individual SIL, where you live alone and have support workers coming in, is an option. Shared SIL, living with others who also have NDIS funding, is another common arrangement.
Is SIL available in Ballina and Lismore?
Yes. Greater Support provides SIL services across the Northern Rivers including Ballina and Lismore. Contact us to discuss what is available and what might work for your situation.
Greater Support in the Northern Rivers
We work with NDIS participants across Ballina, Lismore, and the wider Northern Rivers region. If you are exploring SIL or trying to understand whether it is the right pathway, we are happy to have that conversation with you. Contact us today.
