Moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an important milestone. For many people, it represents a chance to develop greater independence, build confidence and enjoy the stability of living in a supportive home environment.
But alongside the excitement, there are also practical considerations to think about, especially when it comes to understanding the financial side of SIL.
One of the most common questions participants and families ask us at For Care is:
“What will I need to pay for when living in a SIL home?”
Clear information makes it easier to prepare, plan and feel confident about your next steps.
SIL is funded through the NDIS and covers the support you receive inside the home. However, it does not replace the everyday living costs that all adults experience, such as rent, food and utilities.
This article explains what SIL funding covers, what it doesn’t, and the typical weekly expenses involved in living in a SIL home.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding through the NDIS covers the support you receive inside the home, such as personal care, daily routines, medication support and overnight support. It does not cover ordinary living costs like rent, utilities, groceries, transport, medications or activities and outings. Understanding these SIL living costs helps participants and families plan confidently for shared living.
What SIL Funding Covers: Your Support
SIL funding is designed to make sure you have the daily support you need to live as independently as possible. It pays for the team of support workers who assist you throughout the day and night.
This includes help with:
- personal care
- meal preparation and cooking
- daily routines
- medication support
- household tasks
- community access
- skill development
- emotional regulation
- overnight support (active or passive)
- shared support ratios such as 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3 depending on your needs
In a For Care home, the support team is rostered based on your individual goals, daily rhythms and the needs of the other participants you live with. We carefully balance consistency with flexibility, ensuring you receive reliable support from people who know you well.
What SIL Does Not Cover: Your Personal Living Costs
It is important to remember that SIL funding covers your support only. It does not pay for accommodation, utilities, day-today living expenses, or any personal items.
The NDIS considers these “ordinary living costs,” which are expenses everyone pays, regardless of disability.
These typically include:
Rent – as a tenant in a SIL home, you sign a tenancy agreement (such as an RTA Form 18). You pay rent just like any other renter. Many participants receive Centrelink Rent Assistance, which helps reduce this cost. Housemates tend to pay their own portion of the rent.
Utilities – electricity, water and internet are shared household expenses. In most SIL homes, these bills are divided evenly between housemates, making them more affordable than living alone.
Groceries and household items – participants are responsible for their share of food and everyday household essentials, including cleaning products and common-use items. Some homes choose to shop together and divide the cost; others prefer individual shopping. We support whichever arrangement suits the group best.
Furniture and personal items – Your For Care SIL home is tastefully furnished in shared living areas to create a warm, welcoming feel. In your own bedroom, you can decorate with your own furniture, linen and decorative pieces, so your space reflects your style and feels like home.
Transport – transport that is not part of your funded support. For example, catching public transport or an Uber is your own expense.
Medication costs – while support workers assist with medication routines, the medications themselves are purchased by the participant.
Activities and outings – any costs related to social outings, such as meals, tickets or entry fees, are paid by the participant.
These costs help maintain fairness across the NDIS, ensuring participants make the same contributions to their living expenses as any other adult living in a shared home.
What About SDA? Does That Change What I Pay?
Some participants receiving SIL also have SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) funding. This funding helps cover the cost of living in a highly accessible, purpose-built home designed for people with very high physical or functional needs.
However, even with SDA funding, participants still pay:
- a reasonable rent contribution
- a share of the utilities
- food and household items
- personal expenses
This is because SDA funding is paid to the housing provider (the landlord) to cover the cost of the specialised building, not the cost of living in it.
While SDA can significantly improve independence and safety, it does not remove the ordinary costs of everyday life.
How Are Living Costs Managed in a For Care SIL Home?
Starting in a new home is much easier when everyone understands how household costs work. At For Care, we take time to make sure this is explained clearly before you move in.
As part of your intake and onboarding process, we provide:
- a tenancy agreement
- a detailed breakdown of expected living costs
- information about how expenses are shared
- clarity around what is included, and what is not
- support to set up direct debits or budgeting strategies
- guidance on how household decisions are made
We also encourage open communication within the home. Participants, families and support workers work together to maintain a fair and transparent approach to shared living expenses.
This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and allows you to focus on settling into your new home and building your independence.
Why Doesn’t SIL Cover Living Costs?
The NDIS is designed to fund the support a person needs due to their disability, not the everyday cost of living. SIL funding sits separately from these costs and focuses entirely on the assistance you need to live safely and confidently. This might include personal care, medical prompting, support with routines, and overnight support.
Keeping these categories separate ensures the NDIS remains fair and consistent for all participants.
How For Care Helps You Feel Confident About Costs
We understand that talking about money can feel overwhelming, especially when moving into a new home. Our approach is centred on transparency and support.
We help participants and families feel confident by providing:
- clear explanations during the onboarding process
- written cost summaries
- ongoing communication and check-ins
- support with budgeting if this is one of your goals
- a structured, person-centred approach to planning
Our aim is to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions, feel secure in your new home, and focus on what matters most – building independence and living a meaningful life.
Final Thoughts
Living in a SIL home offers stability, community and the support you need to thrive. Understanding your personal living costs helps you prepare, plan and feel confident about your move.
If you are exploring SIL and would like guidance on funding, costs or the transition to shared living, our team at For Care is here to support you every step of the way. If you would like to explore other SIL options or simply talk through what the process involves, the team at For Care is here to support you.
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