SIL vs Group Home: What's the Difference?
SIL vs group home explained: why SIL is support not a house, how modern shared living differs from legacy group homes, and how to get more choice.
People often use 'SIL' and 'group home' as if they mean the same thing, and that confusion can steer you toward a home with less choice than you're entitled to. In truth, one is a type of funding and the other is a type of living arrangement. This guide untangles SIL vs group home, so you can understand what you're really choosing and ask for the control you deserve.
The core difference in one line
What SIL is
What a group home is
SIL vs group home, side by side
Where they overlap
Getting more choice, whichever you're in
Which is right for you?
Frequently asked questions
Is SIL the same as a group home?
No. SIL is NDIS funding for the support that comes into a home; a group home is a type of shared dwelling. You can receive SIL while living in a group home, but you can also receive SIL living alone or with housemates you choose. They're separate decisions.
Can I get SIL without living in a group home?
Yes. SIL funds support, not a specific house. You can receive SIL living on your own, with a partner, or in a small shared home you choose. You're not required to live in a traditional group home to access supported independent living funding.
Why are legacy group homes criticised?
The Disability Royal Commission found traditional group homes too often gave residents little say over who they lived with, who supported them, or how their day ran. The concern is loss of choice and control — the institutional culture — rather than shared living itself.
Can I change my support without moving house?
Yes, where housing and support are separate. Because SIL funds the support, not the dwelling, you can usually change your SIL provider while staying in the same home. If your housing and support are bundled by one provider, ask your support coordinator how to separate them.