30 Years of Support
For Purpose – Locally Operated
Child, Youth & Family Accredited
Registered NDIS Provider
With our Supported Independent Living Melbourne service, our team supports you to create the ideal home, where you can live life on your own terms for the long term.
At Ability Assist, we partner with trusted SDA providers to offer more than just a place to live—we offer homes where you can thrive. Located across Melbourne’s outer western and northern suburbs, our modern, fully furnished homes support shared living arrangements with the right balance of independence and day-to-day support.
Each home features accessible layouts, spacious kitchens, multiple disability-friendly bathrooms, and inviting outdoor areas—all fully wheelchair and mobility accessible. Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests, build life skills, and connect with your local community.
What is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is when you live in shared housing with other people or on your own with assisted living support from us.
We can tailor your SIL support to align with your needs and goals, providing assistance with:
- Round-the-clock support, including overnight care (active or inactive)
- Living on your own for the first time
- Learning to live well with room mates
- Taking care of the household
- Getting ready for each day, and keeping well
- Building new skills in and outside your home.
Current SDA vacancies
Together with our SDA partners, we offer shared and Supported Independent Living across Northern and Western Melbourne – find our current vacancies here.
Proudly partnered
To find out more:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access Supported Independent Living Melbourne services?
To access Supported Independent Living (SIL), your provider must be registered with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Ability Assist is a registered NDIS provider and accredited Child, Youth and Family organisation, offering high-quality SIL services across Melbourne.
We support everything from personal care and transport to skill-building, cooking and 24/7 assistance—designed to help you live more independently.
What’s the difference between SIL and SDA?
SIL (Supported Independent Living) refers to the daily support you receive—like help with personal care, cooking or community access—while SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) refers to the physical housing itself, designed for people with high support needs.
Both work together: SDA is the accessible home, and SIL is the support you receive while living there.
Can I live independently using SIL support?
Yes, SIL is available whether you live in shared accommodation or on your own. The NDIA must assess that SIL is a reasonable and necessary support based on your needs.
👉 See examples of reasonable and necessary supports on the NDIS website
How much does SIL cost, and what’s included?
SIL is funded by the NDIS and the amount you receive depends on your support needs. This funding covers personal care, medication, help with meals, skill-building, and 24-hour support if needed.
It does not cover rent, utilities, food, transport or other day-to-day expenses.
👉 Contact us for a friendly chat about your SIL options and what’s included.
How does SIL NDIS funding work?
SIL funding falls under the Core Supports category in your NDIS plan. It’s designed to cover the support you need for daily life, such as personal care, transport to appointments, social participation and independent living.
Rent, food and personal expenses are not covered.
Are the SIL homes owned by Ability Assist?
Ability Assist partners with SDA providers like Access Living to offer a variety of purpose-built, accessible homes across Melbourne. These homes are located in vibrant, newly established communities and available for eligible NDIS participants.
Can I choose my support workers?
Yes. Under the NDIS, you have the right to choose who supports you. At Ability Assist, we work closely with you to build a team of support workers who suit your personality, preferences and support needs.
Can I choose who I live with?
Absolutely. We know how important it is to live with housemates you get along with. We carefully match people based on personality and support needs—and you’ll have opportunities to meet before moving in.
We also offer flexibility if your situation changes.
How do I switch my NDIS provider?
Switching NDIS providers is easier than it sounds. Whether you want more tailored support or a better fit, you have the right to change providers at any time.
Get In Touch
I’m interested – what do I do now?
We offer shared and supported assisted living in most states and territories.
If you are interested in our Supported Independent Living, please get in touch. We want to work with you to find your forever home. There may be upcoming vacancies that suit your needs.
Is this service in my NDIS plan?
In your SIL NDIS plan, Supported Independent Living is funded by the Core Supports budget, under ‘Assistance with Daily Life.’
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is for people who need specialist housing. It is assessed separately and funded under the Capital Supports Budget.
