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NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Bayswater and Melbourne's East

Moving into your own place, or into a shared home with housemates, is a big step for you and the people who care about you. Our NDIS supported independent living service gives you the daily support you need at home while you live the life you choose, with your routines, your interests and your goals at the centre.

We’re based in Bayswater and provide SIL to participants across [confirmed service areas]. If you’re exploring SIL for yourself, a family member or a participant you support, we’re here to talk it through at your pace.

What is NDIS supported independent living?

NDIS supported independent living (SIL) is help from support workers with everyday tasks in your home, so you can live as independently as possible, either on your own or with other people. It’s designed for participants with higher support needs who need a significant level of help throughout the day, and often overnight. SIL pays for the support, not the house itself: rent, board and everyday living costs are paid separately.

What SIL support includes: daily support at home

Our supported living services are built around you and the people you live with. Depending on your needs and plan, daily support at home may include:

Personal care — showering, dressing, grooming and toileting.

Household tasks — cooking, cleaning, laundry and keeping the home running.

Health and wellbeing — medication prompts, following health and mealtime plans, and getting to appointments.

Building everyday skills — budgeting, cooking, shopping and managing your own routines.

Community and social life — getting out to activities, seeing friends and family, and being part of your local community.

Overnight support — active or sleepover support, depending on what you need.

Behaviour and communication support — following any positive behaviour support plan or communication plan you have in place.

If your needs are more complex, such as help with a PEG feed, catheter care or complex bowel care, this is usually funded and delivered as high-intensity support. You can read more on our High-Intensity Support page.

SIL, SDA or ILO: what's the difference?

These three home and living supports are often confused. They’re funded differently and can be used on their own or together.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What it is Support from workers to help with daily life at home The physical home, purpose-built for people with very high needs
Who it's usually for Participants with higher support needs who need significant help through the day and often overnight Participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who meet SDA eligibility
What the NDIS funds The support workers' time The building (paid to the SDA provider)
What you usually still pay Rent, board, groceries and utilities A reasonable rent contribution and day-to-day living costs
Where you live A shared home or your own home An SDA-enrolled dwelling
Can you have it on its own? Yes, SIL can be provided in non-SDA homes Yes, but most SDA residents also need support such as SIL
Whether any of these is in your plan is decided by the NDIA based on your needs and goals. Read more on our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) page.

How SIL works with Care Expert Australia

Start with a conversation

Call 03 9798 8893 or email info@careexpert.com.au. We’ll talk about your goals, what a good day looks like, and the kind of home you’re hoping for.

Check your plan and funding

If SIL isn’t yet in your plan, your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner can talk with you about home and living options. We can share information to help, but the funding decision rests with the NDIA.

Find the right home and housemates

If you share a home, compatibility with housemates matters, so we take time to get it right.

Plan your support together

We work with you, your family and your support coordinator to set out how support will be provided across the week.

Move in and settle

Transitions take time. We’ll go at a pace that suits you, with familiar people involved where possible.

Review and adjust

As your needs and goals change, we review your support with you and keep the people you choose informed.

Choosing a SIL provider

Choosing a SIL provider is a big decision, and it’s reasonable to ask plenty of questions. Some things worth asking any provider:

  • Are you NDIS-registered for supported independent living (registration group 0138)?
  • How do you match housemates, and what happens if it isn’t working?
  • Will I have consistent support workers?
  • How are decisions made about the home, meals and routines?
  • How do you involve family and support coordinators?
  • How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?

You can check any provider’s registration on the NDIS Commission provider register.

Who may benefit from SIL

SIL may suit you if you:

  • need help with daily tasks for much of the day, and possibly overnight
  • want to move out of the family home and live more independently
  • are moving from hospital, residential aged care or another setting into the community
  • want to live with housemates in a shared home with support
  • already live in SDA and need support at home

Is SIL covered by your NDIS plan?

SIL is funded in your Core supports under Assistance with Daily Life, and only when the NDIA has included it in your plan. It’s generally for participants who need a high level of support at home. SIL does not cover rent, board, food, utilities or personal expenses.

SIL rules are changing. From 1 July 2026, providers needed to be NDIS-registered for SIL, or have applied, by 1 October 2026 to keep delivering it, and the Government is consulting on future SIL arrangements. We’ll keep you informed as things change. For official information, see the NDIS page on home and living supports.

Supported independent living in Bayswater and Melbourne's east

Our office is at 3/15 Railway Parade, Bayswater VIC 3153. We provide SIL to participants in. Being local means we can stay close to the homes we support and respond quickly when something changes.

Why choose Care Expert Australia

  • NDIS-registered for supported independent living (group 0138), or application status
  • Local team based in Bayswater, contactable on 03 9798 8893 or 0415 383 109
  • Number and location of SIL homes, or partnerships with SDA providers
  • Overnight support types offered
  • Staff training, e.g. medication administration, manual handling, positive behaviour support
  • One team for SIL alongside personal care, community participation, life skills and nursing supports

Frequently asked questions

What is SIL in the NDIS?

SIL, or supported independent living, is NDIS funding for support workers to help you with daily tasks at home so you can live as independently as possible. It covers the support, not the cost of the home.

Who is eligible for SIL?

SIL is generally for NDIS participants with higher support needs who need significant help throughout the day and often overnight. The NDIA decides whether SIL is included in your plan.

Does SIL pay for rent?

No. SIL funds the support you receive at home. Rent, board, groceries, utilities and personal expenses are paid separately, usually from your own income.

What's the difference between SIL and SDA?

SIL funds the support you receive at home, while SDA funds the home itself for people with very high support needs who meet SDA eligibility. Some people have both, and many people receive SIL in non-SDA homes.

Do SIL providers need to be NDIS-registered?

Yes. From 1 July 2026, SIL providers needed to be NDIS-registered, or have applied to register, by 1 October 2026 to keep delivering SIL. You can check a provider on the NDIS Commission’s register.

Can I choose who I live with?

Your preferences should be central to any shared living decision. We take time to understand compatibility and involve you in decisions about housemates wherever possible.

Can I live on my own with SIL?

Yes, SIL can be provided if you live alone, although it’s more often delivered in shared homes. The right arrangement depends on your needs, goals and plan.

Do you have SIL vacancies in Bayswater or Melbourne's east?

Call 03 9798 8893 to talk about current options and what might suit you.
LET’S START WITH YOU

Let’s talk about what matters to you.

Whether you’re exploring options for yourself, someone you care for or a participant you support, we’d be happy to hear from you.

Give us a call
03 9798 8893
0415 383 109
Send us an email
info@careexpert.com.au
Based in Bayswater, Victoria
3/15 Railway Parade, Bayswater VIC 3153
Please contact us to confirm appointments and service availability.

Please don’t include detailed health information or identity documents.