SIL vs Living Alone With Drop-In Support: Which Works for You?
SIL vs living alone with support compared: what each means, who Supported Independent Living or drop-in support suits, and how to choose with your NDIS plan.
Deciding where and how you'll live is one of the biggest choices in your NDIS plan. Two common paths are Supported Independent Living (SIL) and living in your own place with drop-in support that comes and goes as you need it. This guide explains what each one means, who it tends to suit, and how to weigh them up calmly.
What SIL means
What living alone with drop-in support means
SIL vs drop-in support at a glance
Who SIL tends to suit
Who living alone with drop-in tends to suit
Can you combine them, or change your mind?
How to decide
Finding providers and workers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between SIL and living alone with support?
SIL funds a rostered team of workers for people who need a lot of daily and overnight help, usually in a shared home. Living alone with drop-in support means workers visit your own place for scheduled tasks and then leave. SIL is continuous cover; drop-in is booked in blocks.
Is SIL always in a shared house?
Not always, but it usually is. Sharing support with one or two housemates is what makes round-the-clock rostering affordable, so most SIL is delivered in shared homes. Solo SIL exists but needs strong evidence that your needs can't be met any other way.
Can I try living independently and move to SIL later?
Yes. Your living arrangement isn't fixed. Many people start with drop-in support and move to SIL if their needs grow, or move the other way as they build skills. A plan reassessment is the right time to change funding to match.
Does SIL pay my rent?
No. SIL funds the support workers, not your housing. You pay rent and everyday living costs yourself, the same as anyone. If you need specialist disability housing, that's funded separately through SDA — see our SIL vs SDA guide.
Related guides
- SIL vs SDA: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
- SIL vs SDA vs ILO: NDIS Home & Living Options Compared
- SIL vs Supported Residential Service (SRS): Key Differences
- Speech Therapy vs Occupational Therapy: Which Does Your Child Need?
- Stated vs Flexible Supports: What You Can and Can't Change
- Support Agency vs Independent Support Worker: Which Should You Hire?