Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Personalised support to help you live confidently and independently.
STEPS provides personalised Supported Independent Living services on the Sunshine Coast. Our experienced support teams work alongside each participant to understand their goals, routines, and preferences. If you’re exploring independent living for yourself, a family member, or someone you support, STEPS is here to help you every step of the way.
What is Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living is a type of support funded by the NDIS, helping people with a disability live as independently as possible while receiving assistance with daily tasks and personal care as needed in their own home.
STEPS provides SIL services in shared accommodation, where participants live with other housemates and receive support from trained staff. STEPS can provide SIL services in your own home, shared living arrangements, Individualised Living Options (ILO), and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) for people with higher support needs. Most STEPS homes have 24/7 on-site support, with select accommodations offering drop-in support only.
Drop-in support
For participants who do not need around-the-clock care, STEPS offers drop-in day support accommodation that provides help with:
- Household chores
- Medication Management
- Community access
- Appointment support
- Everyday routines
- Meal preparation and grocery shopping
24/7 on-site support
Some NDIS participants require continuous assistance that is accessible at any time of day. In 24/7 SIL homes, trained STEPS support workers are always available to provide:
- Personal care and hygiene support
- Medication assistance
- Health and safety monitoring
- Positive Behaviour support
- Crisis management and wellbeing checks
These homes offer reassurance to participants and families who need high-level, consistent care.
NDIS funding and SIL eligibility
Supported Independent Living is funded under Assistance with Daily Life (Core Supports) in your NDIS plan. It covers the cost of the support staff and assistance – not rent, utilities, or personal expenses. Navigating NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re exploring home and living supports for the first time. STEPS provides expert guidance throughout the whole process.
Who is Supported Independent Living for
SIL is designed for people with a disability who want to live more independently while still receiving the right level of support to feel safe, confident and supported in their home.
SIL may be best suited to individuals who:
- Require regular assistance with daily living tasks
- Benefit from having trained support workers available in the home
- Have higher or complex support needs
- Enjoy living with others in shared accommodation
- Want to develop their independence and life skills
Every person’s situation is different, which is why STEPS takes the time to understand each participant’s strengths, preferences and long-term goals before recommending SIL. We work closely with the participants, their family, stakeholders and support workers to ensure each living arrangement is well-matched. If you’re unsure whether SIL is the right fit, our team can help you explore your choices and make an informed decision.
How to access Supported Independent Living with STEPS
STEPS makes accessing SIL easy, even if you are navigating NDIS services for the first time. We welcome enquiries and referrals from participants and their families, carers, and disability support professionals.
For NDIS participants
If you are an NDIS participant exploring Supported Independent Living, our team is here to help you understand whether SIL suits your needs, review your current plan, explore available homes, and prepare for assessments and reviews. We take the time to listen to you, your goals and your preferences, and we will work with you to find a living arrangement that feels right.
For family and loved ones
Choosing the right living arrangement for a loved one with a disability can be a very challenging experience, often surrounded by complicated emotions. That’s why we work closely with all families and carers to provide clear information, answer any questions, discuss the participant’s individual goals, and support the transition to the SIL household.
For Support Coordinators and professionals
STEPS works collaboratively with Support Coordinators and health professionals to make sure each participant receives coordinated high-quality support. We assist with vacancy matching, referrals, documentation, transition planning, and ongoing communication. Our focus is on building strong professional partnerships with disability professionals in our Sunshine Coast community to support positive long-term outcomes for your clients.
Current vacancies for Supported Independent Living
STEPS SIL dwellings are entirely furnished, excluding bedrooms. We currently offer SIL housing on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and in Hobart, Tasmania.
Seeking tenants for Banya residence
There are two vacancies in our four-bedroom Banya Supported Independent Living home (drop-in day support only) for NDIS participants with approved funding.
The two people residing here, one man and one woman, are courteous and tidy. They enjoy spending time with their support workers and look forward to welcoming two new members to the household.
Seeking tenants for Nirimba residence
STEPS is currently accepting enquiries for a brand-new SIL house in Nirimba, which will house three NDIS participants with approved funding.
The home is new and has a backyard and alfresco area, open-plan kitchen and living/dining area with a separate lounge, and plenty of space for the residents to make their own.
The STEPS SIL difference
Choosing the right Supported Independent Living provider is a big decision. We know your criteria goes beyond our services and funding; it’s really about trust, safety, and knowing that someone you care about will be supported with dignity and respect.
Behind every enquiry we receive is a unique person, a family, and a story. Moving into SIL accommodation can be both exciting and daunting, so we are committed to making this transition as positive and stress-free as possible.
A not-for-profit provider with purpose
STEPS is a not-for-profit organisation committed to creating positive social impact across our communities. Every service we deliver is guided by our mission to support people with a disability to live independent and fulfilling lives. Our focus is always on long-term outcomes and quality support. When you choose STEPS, you choose a provider that reinvests in people, disability and education programs, and community.
Experienced, compassionate support team
Our Supported Independent Living (SIL) services are delivered by experienced and caring Support Workers who are passionate about making a positive difference. We prioritise continuity of staff wherever possible, helping our participants feel comfortable and secure in their home environment. Our teams receive ongoing training and professional support, leading to high-quality care.
Getting started
To begin your Supported Independent Living journey with STEPS, reach out to our friendly Customer Care Team.
Call us: 1300 131 965
Email us: customercare@stepsgroup.com.au
Call us: 1300 131 965
Email us: customercare@stepsgroup.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Supported Independent Living and STEPS’ SIL services. If you have any additional questions, our friendly Customer Care Team is always happy to talk.
1. What is the difference between Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Support?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the personal care and daily living support provided to participants in their home. NDIS funding covers the cost of the support workers who assist with everyday tasks.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) relates to the physical building or dwelling itself. SDA funding is used for homes that are specially designed for people with complex physical needs.
Many NDIS participants receive SIL services while living in SDA housing, but the two supports are separately funded and managed. STEPS only offers Supported Independent Living services.
2. Do I need specific NDIS funding to access SIL?
Yes. Supported Independent Living is funded through the NDIS under Assistance with Daily Life (Core Supports).
Please note that this funds the support staff and assistance – not rent, utilities, or personal expenses.
3. Can I choose where I live and who I live with?
STEPS aims to match participants with homes and housemates that suit their lifestyle and support needs.
Prospective SIL participants are invited to inspect the home and meet the other tenants as part of the application process.
4. What if SIL is not the right option for me?
Supported Independent Living is not the best option for everyone. If SIL proves not to be the best fit for you, STEPS will help you explore alternative options, such as lower-level in-home assistance.
Our focus is always on helping participants find the most appropriate support for their needs and goals.
5. What costs are not covered by SIL funding?
Supported Independent Living funding covers the cost of support staff only.
Participants are generally responsible for their share of rent, utilities, food, personal items, and other day-to-day costs.
6. How long does it take to move into a SIL home?
Timeframes can vary depending on availability, funding approval and individual circumstances.
Some participants may be able to move quickly if a suitable vacancy is available, while others may need to wait for funding reviews or onboarding processes. Our team will keep you informed and support you throughout the process.
7. What support is available overnight?
Most STEPS SIL homes offer 24/7 on-site support. Some are drop-in day support only.
SIL housing with 24/7 support means at least one support worker will always be on site to assist participants as needed.
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