NDIS Group Homes in Sydney: SIL Costs, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026 Guide)

If you or a loved one is living with a disability and thinking about moving into a supported home, you’ve probably searched for “group homes near me” or “disability group homes in Sydney.” You’re not alone — it’s one of the most common searches from NDIS participants and their families across Australia.

Under the NDIS, what most people call a “group home” is officially known as Supported Independent Living (SIL). It’s a funded support that helps people with significant disabilities live in a shared home with 24/7 care, while building independence and participating in community life.

But finding the right group home can feel overwhelming. How do you know if you’re eligible? How much does it cost? What does daily life actually look like? And how do you even apply?

In this complete guide, we answer all of these questions and more — specifically for NDIS participants and families in Sydney looking for group home options in 2026.

What Are NDIS Group Homes?

An NDIS group home is a shared living arrangement where two or more NDIS participants live together in a house or apartment, with access to on-site support workers who help with daily tasks.

Think of it as a regular home — with bedrooms, a shared kitchen, living areas, and a garden — where trained support staff are available around the clock to assist residents with whatever they need.

Under the NDIS, group homes fall under Supported Independent Living (SIL), which is the funding that covers the support you receive in the home. This includes help with:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
• Meal preparation and eating
• Medication management
• Household tasks (cleaning, laundry)
• Overnight supervision and support
• Community access and social participation
• Skill development and building independence

It’s important to understand that SIL pays for the support, not the house itself. If you need specially designed, accessible housing, that may be funded separately through Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

For a broader overview of all NDIS accommodation options, read our guide to NDIS accommodation options.

SIL vs SDA vs ILO: Understanding the Difference

One of the most confusing parts of NDIS housing is the alphabet soup of acronyms. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Support Type	What It Covers	Best For
SIL (Supported Independent Living)	The support staff and daily care you receive in the home — personal care, meals, supervision, skill building	Participants who need daily or 24/7 support to live independently
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)	The house itself — purpose-built or modified housing with accessibility features	Participants with very high physical support needs or extreme functional impairment
ILO (Individualised Living Options)	The design and setup of a personalised living arrangement — can include informal supports like family and friends	Participants who want a flexible, non-traditional living arrangement

In simple terms: SIL pays for the people who help you. SDA pays for the place you live. ILO helps you design your own arrangement.

Many group home residents have both SIL and SDA funding in their plan — SIL for the support and SDA for the accommodation. However, you can also receive SIL in a non-SDA property (such as a regular rental home).

At OneJesus Care, we offer SIL, SDA, and ILO supports — so we can help you find the right combination for your needs. Our SDA-certified rooms meet High Physical Need Support standards with LHA Platinum level facilities.

Who Is Eligible for SIL (Group Home) Funding?

SIL funding is available to NDIS participants with significant support needs who require regular or 24/7 assistance with daily living. The NDIA assesses eligibility based on several factors:

You May Be Eligible If:

• You are an active NDIS participant with a current plan
• Your plan includes a home and living goal (this should be listed as one of your top goals)
• You have significant functional support needs that affect daily tasks like personal care, meals, and household management
• Your support needs cannot reasonably be met by family, informal supports, or other community services alone
• You need ongoing, regular paid support to live safely and independently
• SIL support will help increase your independence, safety, or community participation

Evidence You Will Need

The NDIA requires strong evidence to approve SIL funding. You will typically need:

1. A functional capacity assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT) — this is the most important report and can require 15–20 hours of OT funding from your Improved Daily Living budget
2. Medical reports from your GP, specialists, or allied health professionals
3. Therapy assessments (physiotherapy, psychology, speech therapy, etc.)
4. Details of your current support arrangements and why they are no longer adequate
5. A risk assessment outlining any safety concerns in your current living situation
6. Your housing preferences — location, housemates, type of home

For more information on how the NDIS assesses home and living requests, visit the NDIS Home and Living page.

How Much Does SIL Cost in 2025–2026?

SIL is one of the most significant funding categories in the NDIS. The amount you receive depends on the level and intensity of support you need.

Annual SIL Funding Ranges (2025–26)

Support Level	Annual Funding Range	Typical Needs
Low Support	$80,000 – $120,000	Minimal daily assistance — some help with personal care, meals, or household tasks
Medium Support	$120,000 – $200,000	Regular daily support — help with most daily tasks, some overnight assistance
High Support	$200,000 – $320,000	Intensive 24/7 support — significant personal care, supervision, and behavioural support
Very High / Complex	$320,000+	Complex disability with medical needs — 1:1 or 2:1 support ratios, clinical care

These ranges are indicative and based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2025–26. Your actual funding will depend on your assessed support needs, living arrangement, and shared vs. individual support ratios.

What Affects Your SIL Funding Amount?

• Severity of functional impairment: Higher needs = more funding
• Behavioural support complexity: Participants requiring behavioural support may receive additional funding
• Medical care requirements: Complex medical needs can increase your allocation
• Shared vs. individual support: Shared support arrangements (e.g., 1 worker for 3 participants) are more cost-effective than 1:1 support
• Geographic location: Rates may vary slightly based on your area

What Does SIL Funding Cover?

• Support worker wages (the largest cost component)
• Personal care assistance
• Meal preparation and support
• Medication management
• Household task assistance
• Community access support
• Overnight and active night support

What SIL Does NOT Cover

• Rent or accommodation costs (covered by SDA or paid privately)
• Food and groceries
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
• Personal items and clothing

What Does Daily Life in an NDIS Group Home Look Like?

If you’ve never lived in a group home before, it’s natural to wonder what day-to-day life is actually like. The answer is simple: it’s designed to feel like home.

A Typical Day

Every resident’s routine is personalised based on their goals, preferences, and support needs. But here’s what a typical day might include:

• Morning: Support with personal care (showering, dressing, grooming), breakfast preparation, and medication
• Daytime: Community activities, day programs, skill-building sessions, social outings, or simply relaxing at home
• Afternoon: Shared household tasks, cooking dinner together, pursuing hobbies and interests
• Evening: Social time with housemates, entertainment, and winding down
• Overnight: Active or sleepover support available for participants who need it

The Social Side

One of the biggest benefits of group home living is the social connection. Living with peers creates a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere. Residents often form genuine friendships, support each other, and enjoy shared activities — from movie nights to cooking together to going on community outings.

Independence and Choice

A good group home doesn’t take away your independence — it builds it. Support workers are there to help you develop life skills, make your own choices, and work toward your NDIS goals. You decide what to eat, when to go out, what activities to join, and how you spend your time.

Want to know what the first year in SIL looks like? Read our detailed guide: Starting SIL: Your First Year in Supported Independent Living.

How to Apply for SIL: Step-by-Step

Applying for SIL funding is a process that takes planning and preparation. Here’s how to navigate it:

Step 1: Set a Home and Living Goal in Your NDIS Plan

Before you can apply for SIL, your NDIS plan needs to include a home and living goal. This should be listed as one of your top priorities — ideally your first or second goal. If you don’t have this goal yet, request a plan review to add it.

Step 2: Get a Functional Capacity Assessment

This is the most critical step. You’ll need an Occupational Therapist (OT) to complete a comprehensive functional assessment that documents:

• Your daily support needs and functional limitations
• Why your current living arrangement is no longer suitable
• How SIL will help you achieve your goals
• The level and type of support required

This assessment typically requires 15–20 hours of OT time, funded through your Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) budget.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence

Alongside the OT assessment, collect:

• Medical reports from your GP and specialists
• Allied health assessments (physio, psychology, speech therapy)
• Details of your current support arrangements
• Risk assessments if applicable
• Your housing and lifestyle preferences

Step 4: Submit a Home and Living Request

Work with your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to submit a formal Home and Living support request to the NDIA. This is where all your evidence comes together.

Step 5: Choose a Registered SIL Provider

While your application is being assessed, start researching SIL providers. Visit homes, ask questions, and find a provider that matches your needs, values, and preferences. More on this below.

Step 6: Provider Submits a SIL Quote and Roster of Care

Once you’ve chosen a provider, they will submit a SIL Quote and Roster of Care to the NDIA. This outlines exactly what support you’ll receive, the staffing ratios, and the costs involved.

Step 7: NDIA Assessment and Approval

The NDIA’s SIL team reviews all evidence and determines your funding. This process can take several weeks to several months, so start early.

Step 8: Move In and Start Your New Life

Once approved, work with your provider to plan your move-in date, meet your housemates, and settle into your new home.

Important timeline: Pre-planning and preparing reports can take up to 6 months. If SIL is a goal for you or your family, start the process as soon as possible.

How to Choose the Right Group Home in Sydney

Choosing where you’ll live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here’s what to look for and what questions to ask:

What to Look For

• Location: Is the home close to family, shops, parks, public transport, and medical facilities? A well-connected location greatly enhances independence
• Home environment: Does it feel warm, clean, safe, and welcoming? Visit in person if you can
• Housemate compatibility: Do current residents have similar lifestyles, routines, and communication styles? Compatibility is key to a harmonious home
• Staff quality: Are support workers experienced, qualified, and genuinely caring?
• Provider values: Does the provider put participants first? Are they mission-driven or profit-driven?
• NDIS registration: Is the provider registered with the NDIS Commission?
• Facility standards: Look for SDA certification, accessibility features, and quality accreditations

Questions to Ask a SIL Provider

1. What is the staffing ratio during the day and overnight?
2. How do you match housemates to ensure compatibility?
3. What activities and programs do you offer for residents?
4. How do you handle emergencies and incidents?
5. What costs are covered by NDIS and what do I pay out of pocket (rent, food, utilities)?
6. How do you communicate with families? How often will I receive updates?
7. Can I visit the home and meet current residents before deciding?
8. What happens if it’s not the right fit? Can I move to a different home?
9. How do you support residents to build independence and reach their goals?
10. Are your staff trained in specific disability areas relevant to my needs (e.g., autism, physical disability, complex behaviours)?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Provider avoids answering questions or is vague about costs
• No opportunity to visit the home before moving in
• High staff turnover or inconsistent support workers
• Poor communication with families
• Unclean or poorly maintained facilities
• Lack of person-centred planning or cookie-cutter approach

Tip: If possible, speak with current residents or their families. Word of mouth gives you honest insight into what life is really like in that home.

Important 2026 Update: Mandatory SIL Provider Registration

From 1 July 2026, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will introduce mandatory registration for all SIL providers. This means:

• The NDIS will only fund SIL support through Registered providers after this date
• If your current provider is unregistered, you may need to transition to a registered provider before the deadline
• Registered providers must meet strict quality and safeguard standards

What this means for you: If you’re currently with an unregistered SIL provider, start planning your transition now to avoid any disruption to your funding or support.

OneJesus Care is a fully registered NDIS provider — so you can be confident your SIL funding is secure.

Group Homes in Sydney & Western Sydney: Your Options

Sydney and Western Sydney have a growing number of NDIS group homes catering to different needs. When searching for a group home in this area, consider:

Types of Group Home Arrangements

• Shared SIL homes (2–5 residents): The most common arrangement. Participants share a house with support workers on-site. Each resident has their own bedroom with shared living spaces
• SIL + SDA homes: Purpose-built, fully accessible homes with 24/7 support. These meet the highest standards of accessibility and are ideal for participants with high physical support needs
• Individual SIL: For participants who prefer to live alone but still need daily support. Less common but available for those who meet the criteria

Key Areas in Sydney

NDIS group homes are available across Sydney, including:

• Western Sydney: Green Valley, Wakeley, Cecil Hills, Elizabeth Hills, Fairfield, and surrounding suburbs
• South-Western Sydney: Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden
• Greater Sydney: Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, and more

You can search for registered group home providers using the NDIS Provider Finder.

How OneJesus Care Can Help

At OneJesus Care, we know that choosing a group home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why we’re here to make the process as simple and supportive as possible.

As a 100% non-profit NDIS-registered provider, every dollar we receive goes directly back into participant care. We’re not driven by profit — we’re driven by our mission to provide compassionate, professional support to every person in our care.

What We Offer

• 24/7 Supported Independent Living (SIL) at our NDIS centre in Green Valley and through home-based care across Sydney
• SDA-certified rooms meeting High Physical Need Support standards
• LHA Platinum level facilities for the highest comfort and accessibility
• Individualised Living Options (ILO) for flexible, personalised arrangements
• Experienced, compassionate support workers who genuinely care
• A warm, inclusive environment that welcomes all people from all backgrounds and beliefs
• Help navigating the SIL application process from start to finish

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to apply for SIL funding, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Group Homes

What is the difference between a group home and SIL?

A “group home” is the common name for a shared living arrangement for people with disabilities. Under the NDIS, the funding that pays for the support you receive in a group home is called Supported Independent Living (SIL). SIL covers the support workers and daily care — not the house itself.

How much does a group home cost under the NDIS?

SIL funding typically ranges from $80,000 to $320,000+ per year, depending on your support level. This is funded through your NDIS plan. You will generally need to pay for rent, food, and utilities separately.

Can I choose who I live with?

Yes. A good provider will work with you to find compatible housemates based on lifestyle preferences, routines, communication styles, and support needs. You should always have a say in who you live with.

Can I visit a group home before moving in?

Absolutely. We strongly recommend visiting any home you’re considering. Meet the staff, see the facilities, and if possible, speak with current residents. At OneJesus Care, we welcome visits and encourage families to see our centre first-hand.

How long does it take to get SIL funding approved?

The entire process — from setting your goals and getting assessments to NDIA approval — can take up to 6 months or more. We recommend starting as early as possible.

Do I need SDA funding as well?

Not necessarily. SIL pays for the support, while SDA pays for the accommodation. You can live in a regular rental property with SIL support. However, if you have high physical support needs, you may also be eligible for SDA-certified housing. Read our guide to NDIS accommodation options for more details.

What happens if the group home isn’t the right fit?

You have the right to change providers. If a home isn’t working for you, speak with your provider and your NDIS planner about your options. Your comfort, safety, and happiness should always come first.

Will SIL providers need to be registered from 2026?

Yes. From 1 July 2026, only registered SIL providers will receive NDIS funding. If your current provider is unregistered, plan your transition early.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended as a general guide only and should not be taken as formal advice. NDIS funding amounts, eligibility criteria, and guidelines are subject to change. The funding ranges quoted in this article are indicative and based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 — your actual SIL funding will depend on your assessed support needs, living arrangement, and individual circumstances. We recommend speaking with your NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or the NDIA directly for advice tailored to your situation. OneJesus Care does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party information referenced in this article. For the most up-to-date NDIS information, please visit the official NDIS Home and Living page.

Take the First Step Today

Finding the right group home is a journey — and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re exploring your options, preparing your SIL application, or ready to find the perfect home, OneJesus Care is here for you.

Our experienced team will help you understand your eligibility, gather the right evidence, and find a home where you can thrive.

Call us today at 1800 04 CARE (1800 04 2273) for a FREE consultation, or email us at info@onejesuscare.com.au.

Visit us at our NDIS centre: 256 Green Valley Road, Green Valley 2168

Or contact us online to book an appointment.

At OneJesus Care, our focus is all on our participants. As a 100% non-profit organisation, every dollar is an investment in your independence and wellbeing. Your choice. Your control. Your home.