Open-plan kitchen and dining area in a shared home in Lara, Victoria

How to Find a SIL Vacancy in Victoria: Melbourne, Werribee and Geelong

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Finding the right Supported Independent Living (SIL) home is a big step, and it’s worth taking your time. The right home isn’t only about the house. It’s about the people you’ll live with, the support team, the location and how well it all fits the life you want.

This guide walks through how to look for a SIL vacancy in Victoria, including Melbourne, Werribee and Wyndham, and Geelong, and the questions to ask along the way.

Step 1: Check your plan

SIL is funding for support workers who help with or supervise everyday tasks at home, usually for people who need support for most or all of the day. The NDIA explains it on its What is supported independent living page.

Before you move in, SIL needs to be included in your NDIS plan. If it isn’t there yet:

  • tell your planner or local area coordinator about your home and living goals
  • gather recent evidence from your treating professionals, such as an occupational therapist, about the support you need each day
  • ask a support coordinator to help you prepare

The NDIA’s page on how to ask for home and living supports sets out the process, and the SIL operational guideline explains how funding decisions are made.

Step 2: Work out what you’re looking for

It’s much easier to spot the right vacancy when you know what matters most. Think about:

  • Location: being close to family, friends, work, day programs, health services or public transport
  • Housemates: whether you’d like to share, how many people you’d be comfortable living with, and whether you’d prefer to live on your own if your plan supports it
  • The home itself: accessibility, your own bedroom or ensuite, outdoor space, parking
  • Support: the level and type of support in your plan, including overnight support
  • Whether you need SDA: if you’re eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation, your plan will usually say which design category and location suit you

If you’re not sure whether you need SIL, SDA or both, our guide to SIL vs SDA explains the difference.

Step 3: Know where to look

SIL providers

Many SIL vacancies are filled by talking directly with SIL providers. Providers often support people in several homes and can tell you where there’s room, what the household is like and whether a new home is coming up.

The NDIA’s SDA Finder

If you’re eligible for SDA, the NDIA’s SDA Finder lets you search SDA vacancies by location, building type, design category and number of residents. The NDIA notes that not all vacancies are listed there, so it’s worth using it alongside other ways of searching.

Your support coordinator

Support coordinators work with many providers and often hear about vacancies early. They can also help you compare options and make sure a home suits what’s in your plan.

Looking for SIL in Melbourne, Werribee and Geelong

Victoria has a wide range of SIL homes, from established shared homes to newer purpose-built properties.

  • Werribee and Wyndham: growing suburbs such as Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina, with good access to services in Melbourne’s west. Our office is at 31 Princes Hwy, Werribee.
  • Melbourne: options across the north and west, where it’s often worth thinking about which suburbs keep you close to your people and services.
  • Geelong and the region: homes in and around Geelong, Lara, Grovedale, Bell Post Hill and Waurn Ponds.

Felicity Holistic Care provides SIL services in homes run by independent accommodation partners in Melbourne, Western Melbourne, Melton, Geelong, Shepparton and Ballarat. You can see examples on our SIL accommodation page. Availability changes, so please contact us for the latest.

Step 4: Visit and ask questions

Once you’ve found a home you like, visit if you can, ideally with someone you trust. Here are some questions worth asking:

About the home and housemates

  • Who else lives here, and how are new housemates matched?
  • Can I meet the other residents before deciding?
  • Can I bring my own furniture and make my room my own?

About the support

  • How is support rostered, including overnight?
  • Will I see the same support workers regularly?
  • How will you help me work towards my goals and build my skills?

About costs and agreements

  • What will I pay for rent or board, food and utilities?
  • Who provides the home, and will I have a tenancy or accommodation agreement for it?
  • What’s in the SIL service agreement?

It’s also worth checking that the SIL provider is registered. From 1 July 2026, SIL providers must register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (see the Commission’s SIL registration page), and you can look providers up on the Provider Register.

Step 5: Plan the move

Once you’ve chosen a home, you’ll usually sign a service agreement with the SIL provider and a separate agreement for the housing. Take your time to read both, and ask for anything you’re unsure about to be explained in plain language. A good provider will work with you, your family and your support coordinator to plan a move-in date and a settling-in period that feels right.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need SIL in my plan before I look for a vacancy?

You can start exploring homes at any time, but a SIL provider can only deliver SIL supports once they’re included in your NDIS plan. If SIL isn’t in your plan yet, talk to your planner, local area coordinator or support coordinator about your home and living goals.

Where can I see SDA vacancies?

The NDIA’s SDA Finder lets you search SDA vacancies by location, building type and design category. Not every vacancy is listed there, so it’s also worth asking providers and your support coordinator directly.

What costs will I pay if I move into a SIL home?

SIL doesn’t cover rent, food, utilities or personal spending, so you’ll pay those yourself. The exact amounts depend on the home and the housing arrangement, so ask for these in writing before you agree to move.

Can I choose who I live with?

You should always have a say. Good providers take time to get to know you and think carefully about how housemates are matched. At Felicity Holistic Care we consider things like age, personality, likes and dislikes when matching residents.

Does Felicity Holistic Care have vacancies right now?

Availability changes all the time, so the best way to find out is to contact us. We can tell you about current homes where we provide SIL and keep you up to date on new properties and regions.

Talk to us about SIL homes

If you’re looking for a SIL home in Melbourne, Werribee, Geelong or regional Victoria, we’d love to hear from you. We can talk you through the homes where we currently provide support and let you know when new properties become available. Contact us, call 1300 589 176, or make a referral.

This guide is general information only and is current as at September 2026. It isn’t financial or legal advice. NDIS guidelines are updated from time to time, so please check the details for your own situation with the NDIA on 1800 800 110, your planner or local area coordinator, or your support coordinator.