Living independently with a disability might feel challenging. However, Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS makes this achievable by offering round-the-clock support in shared living spaces.
SIL helps people who need extensive support manage daily tasks like cooking and cleaning while they stay independent. Based on your needs, you might find other NDIS home and living supports more suitable than SIL covers the costs of professional care staff in shared homes, though rent and groceries remain separate expenses.
This article explains SIL’s meaning, operations, funding coverage, and application process to boost your independent living experience.
What is SIL and How Does It Work?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) helps you maintain maximum independence through essential assistance. Here’s a closer look at how this NDIS support is structured and what it includes.
The Basics of Supported Independent Living
Your home setting is where SIL provides paid personal support. You get help to complete challenging daily living activities. This support has:
- Personal care tasks like showering and dressing
- Household responsibilities such as cooking meals and cleaning
- Managing medications and medical needs
- Skills development for independent living over time
SIL supervises and actively assists with daily tasks so you can live autonomously. The support staff wants to build your daily living skills and capabilities rather than do everything for you.
Who SIL Works Best For
You (or a loved one) might need SIL if you require:
- Significant assistance throughout the day, seven days a week
- Support around the clock, including overnight care
- Active disability support beyond 8 hours daily for regular activities
People aged 18 or older can access SIL since parents usually support children at home. The program works well if you live with other NDIS participants in shared spaces, though single occupants can also receive support.
How SIL Differs from Other NDIS Supports
SIL takes a unique approach compared to other NDIS funding streams. Your funding needs assessment comes from working with professionals rather than getting a fixed amount. A SIL provider creates a “roster of care” that shows your typical week’s schedule.
The funding covers only support services—not rent, groceries, or daily expenses. While Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) pays for building and modifications, SIL takes care of support staff costs in your home.
Based on your needs, you might find other NDIS home and living supports that are more suitable than SIL. Personal care supports or individualised living options could work better if you need less intensive assistance.
What SIL Funding Covers and Doesn’t Cover
To make the most of NDIS support, you need to understand what your SIL funding covers. The approved Supported Independent Living funding has specific boundaries regarding its coverage and limitations.
Daily Living Supports Included in SIL
Your SIL’s funding covers the cost of support staff who help you with everyday activities at home. These supports help build your independence while providing the assistance you need. Your SIL funding has:
- Personal care assistance with showering, dressing, and personal grooming
- Household tasks like cooking, cleaning, gardening, and laundry
- Development of social and communication skills
- Support with budgeting and household management
- Meal preparation according to your dietary needs
- Supervision and monitoring to ensure your safety and well-being
- Assistance with recreational activities within your home
- Overnight support, either as a sleepover or active overnight care
Expenses Not Covered by SIL Funding
SIL funding has clear limitations even with its complete coverage. You need to cover certain expenses through your Disability Support Pension (DSP). SIL funding does not cover the following:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, phone, internet)
- Food and groceries
- Entertainment costs such as streaming services
- Transport expenses for community activities
- Medical treatments and medications
- Personal items like clothing and toiletries
- Educational and employment supports
Note that SIL funding specifically supports services and cannot be used for other purposes.
Understanding the Difference Between SIL and SDA
SIL and SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) serve different purposes in the NDIS framework. SIL covers the “how” of support—the services and staff that help you live independently. SDA covers the “where”—the physical housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment.
The support workers who assist you come through SIL funding, while SDA funds the specially designed or modified home itself. The NDIS plans fund these supports separately. You can change your SIL provider without moving from your SDA-funded accommodation.
All of these participants—except one—meet the criteria for SDA because they have either extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
The Three Levels of SIL Support
SIL adapts its support to match your specific needs. The NDIS bases these support levels on how much help you need and how complex your situation is.
Lower Need Support Explained
Lower need support mainly focuses on supervising living arrangements. This level works best if you:
- Don’t need around-the-clock help
- Need just a bit of help with daily activities
- Can handle most tasks on your own with some guidance
The NDIS removed the ‘lower’ rate classification in July 2020. However, existing quotes stayed valid until their 12-month term ended before getting a new classification.
Standard Need Support Explained
Standard need support gives you more complete assistance through:
- Support available 24/7
- Support workers who stay overnight
- Help with most daily tasks
- Help to build independent living skills
This level suits people who need active support at specific times but can handle some activities on their own.
Complex Need Support Explained
Higher or complex need support gives the most intensive help to people with the most important support needs:
- Active support around the clock
- Constant help with all daily tasks
- Support to manage complex behaviors
- Help with complex medical conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, tracheostomy care, ventilator management, or complex bowel problems
The core team often includes staff trained in high-intensity daily personal activities (HIDPA).
How Support Levels Affect Funding
Your support level shapes how much NDIS funding you receive. Several factors affect this, including:
- Support ratios show how many staff members help each participant
- Common ratios range from one worker helping one participant to one worker helping three participants
- People with higher support needs might need two workers
The NDIS approves funding based on your assessed needs, not what providers think you need. Your approved SIL funding might differ from what your provider suggested in their care roster.
The NDIS tells you and your provider about your funding decision and breaks down regular and special support values.
How to Apply for SIL Funding
The SIL application process involves a few important steps. Here’s how to navigate them effectively.
Step 1: Original Assessment and Planning
Allied health professionals need to assess your support requirements. An occupational therapist will check your functional capacity and determine your needed support level. You’ll need to complete the Home and Living Supporting Evidence form if you have new goals for home and living options or if your circumstances change. The form submission window extends to 100 days before your plan ends. You can also submit it using a Change of Situation form.
Step 2: Working with a Support Coordinator
Every SIL funding recipient gets a Support Coordinator. Your Support Coordinator’s role is vital as they:
- Help you understand your NDIS plan
- Connect you with suitable disability support services and providers
- Build your capacity and resilience
- Design appropriate support approaches
- Advocate for you throughout the process
Step 3: Finding a Suitable SIL Provider
Your next step starts after establishing your support needs. The Provider Finder tool on the NDIS website or myplace portal helps locate registered providers near you. Research their services online, read reviews, and talk to different providers in person or by phone to find your best match.
Step 4: Creating a Roster of Care
Your chosen SIL provider creates a Roster of Care (RoC) that outlines your weekly support needs. This document includes:
- Required support types and levels
- Individual and shared supports
- Weekly support hours breakdown
- Community participation activities
Your input matters during this process. The RoC needs your signature once you’re satisfied with it.
Step 5: NDIS Review and Approval
Your Support Coordinator handles the final submission of all documents, including the RoC and change of circumstances form, to the NDIS. The NDIS team reviews everything to check if your requested SIL funding meets reasonable and necessary criteria. Approved SIL funding becomes part of your NDIS plan’s core budget under Assistance in Daily Life.
Final Thoughts
SIL isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a home environment where you or your loved one can feel supported, capable, and more in control of daily life.
At AHS, we understand how personal this journey is. That’s why we take the time to match each person with the right support, team, and routines. From helping you navigate the NDIS to building a care arrangement that actually fits your life, we’re here to make the process easier and more personal.
If you’re exploring SIL and want guidance you can trust, reach out to AHS. We’re ready to support you, every step of the way.
