TACSS Attends the Perth SIL Summit 2026: Understanding the New Changes to Supported Independent Living (SIL)

True Angels Care & Support Services (TACSS), our team recently attended the Perth SIL Summit 2026 to stay informed about upcoming changes to Supported Independent Living (SIL) and what these changes may mean for participants and their families.

The NDIS is introducing reforms to strengthen the quality, consistency and safety of SIL services across Australia. While these changes mainly affect providers, they are ultimately designed to benefit participants.

We understand that NDIS updates can sometimes be overwhelming, so we wanted to break down some of the key information in a simple and practical way.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS-funded support designed for people with higher support needs who require ongoing assistance throughout the day and, in some cases, overnight.

SIL is not simply about having somewhere to live. It is about receiving the right supports to help you live as independently as possible in your home.

Supports may include:

• Personal care

• Assistance with household tasks

• Meal preparation

• Medication support

• Building daily living skills

• Community participation

• Supervision and support when required

It is important to know that SIL is different from receiving a few hours of support each week. SIL is intended for participants who require a coordinated program of ongoing supports.

What is changing?

From 1 July 2026, Supported Independent Living will move from being grouped with several other support categories into its own dedicated registration group called Registration Group 138 – Assistance with Supported Independent Living.

The NDIS is also introducing new SIL Practice Standards specifically designed for SIL environments.

These standards were developed through consultation with people with disability and place a strong focus on:

• Participant rights

• Participant choice and control

• Participant safety

• Respecting participants' voices

• Defining what quality support should look like in a person's home

What do these changes mean for participants?

Although these changes mainly apply to providers, participants may experience several benefits.

Better quality and consistency

SIL providers will be expected to meet standards that are specifically designed for Supported Independent Living services.

Greater focus on participant rights

Participants should continue to be actively involved in decisions about their home, routines, goals and supports.

Improved transparency

Families and participants may find it easier to understand what quality SIL support should look like and what they should expect from their provider.

Stronger safeguards

There will be greater emphasis on accountability, quality systems and ensuring providers can demonstrate safe and effective practices.

Will participants lose their SIL funding?

No. These changes do not automatically change a participant's NDIS plan or SIL funding.

However, if a SIL provider chooses not to become registered under the new requirements, participants may eventually need support to transition to another provider that meets the new requirements.

If this situation arises, participants will be supported through the process.

Questions participants and families can ask their SIL provider

As these changes are introduced, participants and families may wish to ask:

• How do you involve participants in decisions about their own home?

• How do you support participant choice and independence?

• How do you ensure participant safety?

• How do you train and support your staff?

• How do you manage feedback and complaints?

• How do you personalise supports around each participant's goals and preferences?

Asking questions is an important part of exercising your choice and control under the NDIS.

What this means for TACSS

At TACSS, attending events such as the Perth SIL Summit is part of our commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

We believe a SIL home should never feel like a facility. It should feel like home.

As the NDIS continues to evolve, we remain committed to providing safe, respectful and person-centred supports that empower participants to live meaningful and independent lives.

Most importantly, we will continue to place participants, their goals and their wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information only and is based on information discussed at the Perth SIL Summit 2026 and current NDIS Commission reforms at the time of writing. Participants should speak with the NDIS, their support coordinator or their provider for advice specific to their circumstances.