Key Takeaways

• SIL is NDIS-funded support for people who need regular help to live independently
• You can live alone or share a home with other NDIS participants
• SIL funding sits under Core Supports, Daily Activities, in your NDIS plan
• BB Disability is a registered NDIS provider supporting 150+ participants across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven
• Getting started does not require a complete plan, a simple conversation is enough

Supported Independent Living in Illawarra is an NDIS-funded support that helps people with disability live independently in their own home. BB Disability is a registered NDIS provider based in Dapto, supporting participants across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, and the wider Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.

1. What Is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living is a category of NDIS support that funds the help a person needs to live in their own home day to day. It covers personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and community access.

SIL is not about taking over a person’s life. It is about having the right level of support in place so you can live as independently as possible. The type and amount of support varies from person to person depending on their NDIS plan and individual needs.

2. Who Is SIL For?

SIL is for NDIS participants who need regular support to live independently. This includes people who live alone, people in shared accommodation with other participants, and people moving out of the family home for the first time.

To be eligible, the NDIS assesses whether SIL is reasonable and necessary based on your disability support needs and your goals. A Support Coordinator can help you determine whether SIL is the right fit and how to present your case at your next planning meeting.

3. Why Does Living in Illawarra Make a Difference to Your SIL Support?

Local knowledge matters in SIL support. A provider based in the Illawarra region understands the local services, transport options, community activities, and housing availability across areas like Wollongong, Dapto, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, and Moss Vale.

BB Disability is based in Dapto and delivers SIL support across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. With over 150+ participants currently supported in this region, the team has direct experience of what good local SIL support requires and how to put it in place.

4. What Does Day-to-Day SIL Support Actually Look Like?

SIL support is shaped around your individual needs and goals. It can include help with morning and evening routines, cooking and meal preparation, personal care, medication management, household tasks, and getting out into the community.

Some participants need a few hours of support each day. Others need overnight or 24-hour support. The level of support is set out in your NDIS plan and reviewed regularly to make sure it still fits your needs. To see current SIL and SDA homes available in the region, visit our Vacancies Hub.

5. How Does SIL Funding Work in Your NDIS Plan?

SIL funding is included in the Core Supports section of your NDIS plan under Daily Activities. The amount funded depends on your assessed support needs, your living situation, and your goals.

To get SIL included in your plan, you will typically need a support needs assessment and reports from your treating team. The NDIS uses this information to decide whether SIL is reasonable and necessary. A Support Coordinator can manage this process with you and improve the quality of your submission. BB Disability offers Level 2 and Level 3 Support Coordination across Wollongong, Dapto, Nowra, and surrounding areas.

6. What Makes BB Disability Different?

BB Disability has a leadership team with backgrounds in mental health nursing and mental health social work. This means the team understands the specific needs of people living with a psychosocial disability, an area that many NDIS providers do not cover well.

BB Disability is fully registered with the NDIS (registration number 4050098162), won the Health Improvement Award in 2025, and currently supports over 150+ participants across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. All enquiries receive a response within 2 working hours on any business day.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between SIL and SDA in Illawarra?

SIL is the support, meaning the day-to-day help you receive to live independently. SDA is the housing, meaning a purpose-built or modified home designed for people with high support needs. The two often work together but are funded separately in your NDIS plan. To understand how both work, visit our SDA page or check current availability on our Vacancies Hub.

Q2. How do I know if I am eligible for Supported Independent Living?

To be eligible for SIL, you need to be an NDIS participant whose disability means you need regular support to live independently. The NDIS assesses your functional capacity, living situation, and goals when making this decision. A Support Coordinator can review your current plan and help you prepare for your next planning meeting. BB Disability offers Level 2 and Level 3 Support Coordination across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Q3. Can I choose who I live with in a SIL arrangement?

Yes. You have input into who you live with in a shared SIL home. Providers match housemates based on daily routines, personalities, and support needs. If you prefer to live alone with SIL support, that is also possible depending on your NDIS funding. Check our Vacancies Hub for current options or call us to talk through what works for you.

Q4. How long does it take to get SIL approved in my NDIS plan?

SIL approval requires a support needs assessment, reports from your treating team, and a planning meeting with the NDIS. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your situation and how well prepared your documentation is. A Support Coordinator can manage this process and keep things on track. BB Disability provides this support across Wollongong, Dapto, Nowra, and surrounding areas.

Q5. Can I get SIL support if I have a psychosocial disability?

Yes. People living with a psychosocial disability are eligible for SIL if their support needs meet the NDIS criteria. BB Disability has specific experience in this area, with a leadership team from mental health nursing and mental health social work backgrounds. You can read more on our Psychosocial Recovery Coaching page.

Q6. What areas in Illawarra and Shoalhaven does BB Disability cover for SIL?

BB Disability provides SIL support across Dapto, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, and Moss Vale. If you are based in a nearby area and unsure whether we cover your location, call us on 1300 070 724 for confirmation.

Q7. What should I bring to my first conversation with BB Disability about SIL?

You do not need formal documents for an initial conversation. A copy of your current NDIS plan is helpful but not required. Come with a clear idea of your goals, your preferred living situation, and any questions you have. Contact us at 1300 070 724 or admin@bbdisability.com.au, or visit our Support Coordination page to understand how we help people through the planning process.

8. Ready to Take the First Step?

To find out whether SIL is right for you, or to check what is currently available in your area, contact BB Disability directly.

Call 1300 070 724, email admin@bbdisability.com.au, or visit our Contact Us page. You will hear back within 2 working hours on any business day.