Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood can be a big life milestone. For young people with disability, it can come with extra questions and challenges about daily living, independence and support.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the ways the NDIS helps young adults build the skills and confidence they need to live more independently, while still receiving personalised support.

In this blog, we explore the benefits of SIL, how it supports young people in their transition to adulthood and practical ways to navigate the journey with confidence.

What is Supported Independent Living?

Supported Independent Living, often called SIL, is a funded support under the NDIS that helps people with disability live as independently as possible. It covers the everyday support people need to live in their own home or a shared setting. Learn more about Supported Independent Living here .

The benefits of SIL for young people

Skill development and autonomy

A key benefit of SIL is helping build independent living skills for young adults . Rather than doing things for someone, SIL support workers help them learn and practise skills.

This might look like:

• budgeting, managing money and paying bills
• learning to prepare meals and follow household routines
• handling personal care with confidence
• improving communication and social participation

These everyday skills give young adults real independence and help them feel confident about their future.

A safe and supportive environment

SIL homes are set up with accessibility and safety in mind. Support is tailored to each person’s needs as outlined in their NDIS plan. For many families, knowing skilled support is available when needed brings peace of mind.

Rise SIL homes are staffed by trained support workers who understand how to help people maintain independence while staying safe and supported.

Social connection and community participation

Living in a supportive environment gives young adults the chance to build friendships and feel part of a community . SIL arrangements often involve shared living or opportunities to connect with others, which helps people grow both socially and emotionally.

Being part of a supportive home and community can reduce isolation and make transitioning to adulthood feel more positive and empowering.

Personalised and flexible support

SIL isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s tailored to each person’s goals and support needs , and the level of assistance can change as someone grows more confident and capable. Whether someone needs intensive support or help at specific times of day, SIL can adapt within each person’s NDIS funding.

Helping the transition to adulthood

Supporting independent living for young people involves both practical and emotional adjustments. Here are some ways to make the transition smoother:

• Start early and build skills step by step: Preparing for independent living doesn’t begin the week before a move-in date. Starting early with skill development like budgeting, cooking and self-care helps young adults feel ready and less anxious about the change.
• Involve the young person in planning: The best outcomes happen when the young adult is involved in decisions about where they live, who they live with and what goals they want to work towards. This builds choice and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with your SIL provider: Open communication between families, SIL providers and support coordinators ensures a tailored approach that matches both support needs and personal goals. Choosing the right provider matters, as it has a real impact on quality of life and long-term independence.

Ready to explore independent living for young adults?

Supported Independent Living can be a meaningful step towards independence, confidence and community participation for young adults with disability. With personalised support and skill building, SIL helps people make the transition to adult life with dignity and choice.

If you’d like to talk about how SIL might support your young person’s goals, our team is here to help . Get in touch with us to discuss your situation, explore options and start planning with confidence.