The Complete Guide to Supported Independent Living (SIL) Under the NDIS

Whether you are living with a disability yourself or care for someone who does, the right assistance can be crucial for greater independence. Supported Independent Living (also known as SIL) is a type of NDIS funding that provides assistance for people with disabilities to live as independently as possible.

As an NDIS participant, family member, or support coordinator, it is crucial you know how SIL NDIS funding operates. Especially when considering accommodation and support options. This guide will explain what SIL is, who qualifies for SIL, how SIL funding works, and how to select a suitable SIL providers.

If Supported Independent Living doesn’t suit your needs, Home Care Services offers personalised support in your own home. Read to find out how SIL providers can give you or your loved one autonomy while ensuring that they get the care they need.

What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS support to have people with disabilities live as independently as they can with assistance with day to day tasks. This is perfect for people who need assistance round the clock or need help with daily living. But they don’t want to live in a family home, as they prefer to stay in a communal or independent living space.

How Does SIL Work?

Participants with SIL NDIS funding receive assistance from trained staff to aid in:

• ADLs (feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Cooking and domestic chores
• Medication management and arranging health care services
• Training in skills for independent living
• Participation in social and community life

The amount of support provided depends on personal needs and the NDIS plan. Some might need care every day, while others may only need help for a few hours each day.

How Is SIL Different from Other NDIS Housing Supports?

SIL is often confused with other accommodation options you can get with the NDIS, but these are different:

• SIL (Supported Independent Living): Emphasis on providing support services in a communal or independent living arrangement. It does not include rent, food or utilities.
• SDA (Specialist disability accommodation): SIL support can be provided in SDA homes, but the funding is separate.
• Individualised living options (ILO): Provides flexible models of support where participants can choose their preferred arrangement. For example, living with a host family, or with a friend.

It is useful to know the difference between SIL, SDA, and ILO to make the right choice. If you need personal care in your home, alternative supports such as Home Care Support may be more appropriate.

Who Is Eligible for SIL Under the NDIS?

Supported Independent Living is not automatically available to all NDIS plan holders. Eligibility for Support Independent Living (SIL) funding within the NDIS is determined based on a participant’s support needs. And also in their ability to either live independently, or with assistance.

Eligibility Criteria for SIL

Participants typically need to:

• Significant support needs assistance with daily activities.
• Need round-the-clock support or substantial help at varied hours.
• Lack of the ability to live independently without formality.
• Have SIL (supported independent living) funding in their NDIS plan.

How Does the NDIS Assess Eligibility for SIL?

As with all the reasonable and necessary support under the NDIS, functional assessments will be used to determine whether SIL is a reasonable and necessary support for an NDIS participant. This assessment considers:

• The level of disability of the individual and their daily care needs.
• Whether SIL is the most suitable support.
• The participant’s goals and desires for independent living.

What If You Don’t Qualify for SIL?

If SIL NDIS funding is not part of your plan, you may still be eligible for other support. Others needing a little more care will look for another or even in-home care through home care services. This may help make it all possible for them to find some sort of recovery and still have help and support with daily living in a familiar environment.

How Does SIL Funding Work?

Supported Independent Living falls under the NDIS Core Supports budget extension but does not fund rent, food, utilities, or household expenses. SIL funding, instead, is given as funding based on a participant’s support needs.

SIL Funding Categories

SIL funding is available in three tiers based on what the participant needs from the NDIS:

• Low Support Needs — Support for a progressive independence model with input when needed.
• Standard Needs – Ongoing active support with daily activities.
• Higher Needs – High intensity, 24/7 overnight support.

How to Apply for SIL Funding

The following steps must be followed for participants to access SIL NDIS funding:

1. Functional assessment: A health care professional (e.g., occupational therapist) determines all your daily support needs.
2. NDIS Planning Meeting: When your plan review is coming up, explain your need for Supported Independent Living to your NDIS planner or the support coordinator who works with you.
3. If they approve your SIL funding, it will be allocated to your NDIS plan.
4. Choose an NDIS SIL Provider: Find a registered NDIS provider that will deliver suitable support.

Maximising Your SIL Funding

• A support coordinator can help make sure your funding fits your needs.
• SIL services are personalised, and you need to consider an approved SIL provider.
• If your application for SIL funding is denied or is not sufficient, you may appeal the decision with supporting evidence.

Knowing how SIL funding operates is crucial to securing appropriate assistance. If SIL is not appropriate, other NDIS-funded supports, such as home care, can help meet needs and maintain independence.

Why Choose AHP Disability and Home Care?

AHP Disability and Home Care offers customised SIL support that assists NDIS participants to achieve independence and live the life they desire. We provide a holistic approach to disability care. Our team consists of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, support workers, and other healthcare professionals.

If SIL isn’t the solution for your needs, we can offer home care assistance. This will support those who want to receive care in their own homes.

What Help Will You Get?

• Personal care in general household tasks.
• Daily skill development (e.g. cooking, budgeting, transport).
• Medications and health care management.
• Social & community interaction.

If SIL NDIS funding isn’t the best path forward for you, consider alternative support. You may also be able to receive assistance in your current living situation through Home Care Services.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a life-changing NDIS support option. It enables people to have as much independence as possible whilst receiving the care they require.

The AHP Disability and Home Care team can assist if you’re exploring Supported Independent Living or need clarification on SIL NDIS funding. We offer customised SIL, home care services, and home care support services.

If you would like to learn more about our SIL and disability care services, contact us today!