SIL Support Ratios Explained: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 2:1
SIL support ratios explained: what 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 mean, when two workers (2:1) are funded, and how ratios change across the day in your roster of care.
If you are looking at Supported Independent Living, you will keep hearing about support ratios — 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, sometimes 2:1. They sound technical, but the idea is simple: how many people share a worker, or how many workers you need. This guide explains each ratio, when they apply, and how they shift across your day.
What a support ratio actually means
1:1 support
1:2 and 1:3 shared support
2:1: when two workers support one person
How ratios change across the day
Overnight: active support versus sleepover
How your ratio is decided
Where this fits in the bigger picture
Frequently asked questions
What does a 1:3 support ratio mean in SIL?
A 1:3 ratio means one worker supports three people living together at the same time. It is used during periods when housemates with compatible needs can safely share a worker, such as quieter parts of the day. It costs less per person than 1:1, which stretches everyone's budget further.
When does the NDIS fund two workers (2:1)?
The NDIS funds 2:1 support when evidence shows one worker cannot safely deliver a task alone — for example, a complex transfer, high-risk behaviour, or care needing two pairs of hands at once. It is usually scoped to specific tasks rather than the whole day, because two workers cost roughly double…
Do support ratios stay the same all day?
No. Most rosters shift ratios across the day — for example, 1:1 for morning personal care and 1:3 during a calm afternoon. The roster of care maps this hour by hour so the funded support matches what actually happens, including different overnight arrangements.
What is the difference between active overnight and sleepover support?
Active overnight means a worker is awake and helping through the night for regular tasks like repositioning or seizure response, funded like daytime support. A sleepover means the worker sleeps on-site and is available if needed, funded at a lower rate. The right one depends on how often you…