What SIL Funding Covers (and What It Doesn't)
What does SIL funding cover? A clear guide to what Supported Independent Living pays for, and what it never covers, like rent, food and bills.
When Supported Independent Living lands in your plan, one question matters more than any other: what does SIL funding actually pay for? Getting this clear early prevents nasty surprises — like assuming SIL covers your rent when it never does. This guide sets out plainly what SIL covers, what you pay for yourself, and where the common misunderstandings hide.
What SIL is, in one paragraph
What SIL funding covers
What SIL funding does NOT cover
The grey areas worth understanding
How your SIL amount is worked out
Paying for the home part
Avoiding surprises
Frequently asked questions
What does SIL funding cover?
SIL covers support workers' time to help you live at home: personal care, daily living tasks, supervision including overnight support, and building independence like cooking and budgeting. It pays for people and their time — not your housing, food or bills, which you cover separately.
Does SIL pay my rent?
No. SIL never pays rent or board. You cover those from your own income, usually the Disability Support Pension plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance if you're eligible. If someone tells you SIL covers your rent, treat it as a warning sign — it funds support only.
Does SIL cover groceries and bills?
No. Groceries, utilities like electricity and internet, furniture and general household costs are everyday living expenses you pay yourself. SIL funds only the support you receive. The worker's time helping you shop or cook may be funded, but the food and bills are yours.
How is my SIL amount decided?
It's built from a roster of care — how much support you need across a typical week, how much is shared with housemates, and how much is one-to-one. An occupational therapist's home and living assessment and a clear picture of your day help justify the funded hours.