Important Update: Changes to NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) Requirements from 1 July 2026

Important Update: Changes to NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) Requirements from 1 July 2026

A plain-language guide to SIL 2026 changes, and eligibility 

From 1 July 2026, new Practice Standards will apply to providers delivering Supported Independent Living services. These standards outline the level of care and service participants should expect, with a focus on safe, person-centred, and consistent support. They also strengthen provider accountability and encourage continuous improvement across SIL services. 

This guide covers all of it, simply and clearly. 

What’s Changing: SIL Requirements and Provider Responsibilities from 1 July 2026

Mandatory SIL Provider Registration — from 1 July 2026, dedicated Practice Standards for Supported Independent Living take effect. These standards set clear expectations for every provider delivering SIL services, describing what good, safe support should look like in the home. They are designed to strengthen consistent service delivery, protect the quality and safety of participants, and improve accountability right across the sector.

📅 Mandatory SIL Provider Registration — from 1 July 2026, dedicated Practice Standards for Supported Independent Living take effect. These standards set clear expectations for every provider delivering SIL services, describing what good, safe support should look like in the home. They are designed to strengthen consistent service delivery, protect the quality and safety of participants, and improve accountability right across the sector.

What this means for participants:

  • Higher safety standards across all SIL providers
  • Providers must meet the new NDIS Practice Standards for SIL delivery
  • If your current SIL provider is unregistered, check their registration status now

What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

SIL is NDIS funding that covers the cost of daily support workers for participants who need ongoing help to live as independently as possible. It funds the people who support you in your home, not the home itself.

SIL covers your support workers. SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) covers the physical housing. They are separate NDIS funding items but often work alongside each other.

Common supports funded under SIL include: 

  • Personal care — bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management 
  • Meal preparation and household tasks 
  • Overnight support and active overnight care 
  • Skill development to build greater independence over time 

Understanding SIL Requirements and Provider Responsibilities 

📅  Mandatory SIL Provider Registration — from 1 July 2026 

SIL providers are required to meet the applicable NDIS quality and safeguarding requirements. Participants should confirm that their provider meets current NDIS requirements and standards before entering into a service agreement. 

What this means for participants: 

  • Higher safety standards across all SIL providers 
  • Providers must meet NDIS Practice Standards for SIL delivery 
  • If your current SIL provider is unregistered, check their registration status now 

SIL vs SDA: The Difference That Matters

SIL — Supports the People
✓ Funds daily support workers
✓ Personal care and daily living assistance
✓ Overnight support if required
✓ Funded under Core Supports in your plan		SDA — Supports the Housing
✗ Funds the specialist physical housing
✗ For very high physical support needs
✗ Separate application and assessment process
✗ Not available to all SIL participants

Who Is Eligible for SIL?

SIL funding may be considered by the NDIA where evidence shows that a participant requires ongoing support to live safely, build independence, and work towards their goals. While every application is assessed on an individual basis, SIL may be appropriate where:

  • A disability significantly affects the participant’s ability to manage daily tasks independently
  • Regular and ongoing support is required rather than occasional assistance
  • Living without structured support may present safety or wellbeing concerns
  • The participant’s support needs cannot be adequately met through lower-intensity supports alone

📋  Eligibility is assessed on functional need, not diagnosis. Evidence from an occupational therapist and other relevant health professionals may assist the NDIA in assessing whether SIL funding is appropriate for a participant’s circumstances.

How the SIL Application Process Works

1

Confirm NDIS Participation

You must already have an active NDIS plan before applying for SIL. If you are not yet a participant, that is the starting point.

2

Functional Capacity Assessment

An occupational therapist assesses how your disability impacts daily life. This report must specifically demonstrate why SIL is needed rather than a lower level of support.

3

Raise SIL at Your Planning Meeting

If SIL is relevant to your circumstances, it can be discussed during your planning or reassessment process. Raise it directly, with your OT report and any other supporting evidence from your treating team.

4

Roster of Care

Your chosen SIL provider prepares a Roster of Care — a detailed document mapping your required support across every time block of the day and week. This is submitted to the NDIA.

5

NDIA Decision

The NDIA reviews all evidence and approves or declines the SIL funding request. If approved, the funding appears in your Core Supports budget.

 

SIL in South Australia: How Senami Can Help 

Senami is a registered NDIS provider offering supported independent living support and related services across South Australia. 

We support SIL participants with: 

  • Understanding the SIL application process and evidence requirements 
  • Coordinating support alongside SDA or community-based arrangements 
  • Access to counselling and therapeutic services as part of a holistic support plan 
  • Understanding provider requirements and navigating NDIS processes 

Is Supported Independent Living the Right Option for You?

SIL works best when it is built around your goals, not just your support needs. The right provider will help you build greater independence over time, not just manage your immediate care.

If you are exploring SIL for the first time, or reviewing your current arrangements ahead of the 2026 changes, speaking with an experienced registered provider is the best place to start.

Contact us today to discuss your situation, explore your options, and find out how Supported Independent Living can be tailored to your needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Participants are generally involved in decisions about their living arrangements and support options, subject to their approved supports and individual circumstances. You can live in a shared house, your own home, or specialist accommodation. Your SIL provider supports you in your chosen living arrangement.

Many providers are already working through the registration process, so there is no need to be alarmed if your SIL provider is not yet registered. If your provider decides not to register and a change of provider is needed, starting early helps make the transition smoother and reduces stress. Your provider should work with you, your family, or other authorised representatives to make sure you continue receiving the support you need. You can also contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or My NDIS Contact for support.

No. SIL covers support worker costs only. Rent, utilities, and general living expenses are your own responsibility, or may be covered by SDA funding if you are eligible for that separately.

In limited circumstances, yes — but this requires specific NDIA approval and is generally restricted to situations where no other suitable provider is available. It is not the standard arrangement.

SIL funding may be reassessed during future planning, reassessment, or review processes. Decisions are based on individual circumstances and supporting evidence available to the NDIA at that time. Update your Roster of Care with your provider and ensure your occupational therapy report reflects your current needs before each review to protect your funding level.

You can search the NDIS provider finder on ndis.gov.au or contact Senami directly. Before entering into a service agreement, it is important to understand the provider's qualifications, experience, and any NDIS requirements that apply to the supports they deliver.

You can search the NDIS provider finder on ndis.gov.au or contact Senami directly. Before entering into a service agreement, it is important to understand the provider's qualifications, experience, and any NDIS requirements that apply to the supports they deliver. 
Category: Blogs
July 13, 2026 | senami

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