Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding helps NDIS participants pay for the support they need to live as independently as possible. SIL funding is designed to cover support services, not housing or everyday living expenses.
The amount of SIL funding a participant receives depends on their individual support needs, living arrangements, and the level of assistance required.
What Is SIL Funding?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is an NDIS support designed for participants who require ongoing assistance with daily living activities.
The purpose of SIL funding is to help participants receive the support they need while building independence, maintaining skills, and living safely in their chosen home environment.
SIL funding is generally provided when participants have higher support needs and require regular support throughout the day, overnight, or both.
What Does SIL Funding Cover?
SIL funding may cover support with:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation
- Household cleaning and chores
- Medication support
- Developing daily living skills
- Building independence
- Shopping and budgeting support
- Assistance with routines and appointments
- Overnight support when required
The specific supports funded depend on the participant's individual circumstances and NDIS plan.
Does SIL Funding Pay for Support Workers?
Yes.
SIL funding is primarily intended to pay for the support workers who assist participants with everyday activities and independent living.
Depending on the participant's support arrangement, SIL funding may be used to provide:
- Individual support
- Shared support arrangements
- Overnight support
- Active overnight support
- 24-hour support where required
The level of support funded is based on assessed need rather than a standard package.
What Doesn't SIL Funding Cover?
A common misconception is that SIL funding pays for housing costs.
In most cases, SIL funding does not cover:
- Rent
- Mortgage repayments
- Groceries
- Utility bills
- Internet services
- Personal spending
- Transport costs
- Home ownership expenses
These costs remain the participant's responsibility unless funded through another support arrangement.
Does SIL Funding Pay for Housing?
No.
SIL funding pays for support services, not accommodation.
If a participant requires specialist housing, this may be funded separately through Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Many participants receive SIL funding without receiving SDA funding.
Likewise, some participants receive SDA funding without SIL.
How Is SIL Funding Calculated?
There is no fixed SIL funding amount.
Funding is based on:
- The participant's support needs
- The level of supervision required
- The complexity of support needs
- The number of support hours required
- Whether overnight support is needed
- The participant's living arrangement
The NDIS considers evidence and assessments to determine what level of support is reasonable and necessary.
Is SIL Funding Based on Hours?
Not always.
While support hours are important, SIL funding is generally based on the overall support arrangement rather than simply the number of hours provided.
Factors such as supervision requirements, shared supports, risk management, and support coordination may all influence funding decisions.
This is one reason why two participants with similar support hours may have different SIL funding arrangements.
Does Living Alone Affect SIL Funding?
It can.
Providing support to a participant who lives alone may require a different support model compared with shared living arrangements.
The NDIS considers:
- The participant's support needs
- Safety requirements
- Overnight support requirements
- Opportunities for shared support arrangements
- Value for money considerations
Each participant's circumstances are assessed individually.
Can SIL Funding Change?
Yes.
SIL funding can be reviewed if a participant's circumstances change.
Examples may include:
- Increased support needs
- Reduced support needs
- Changes in living arrangements
- New assessments or evidence
- Significant life changes
Participants should discuss any changes with their support coordinator, provider, planner, or the NDIA.
Can I Manage My Own Support Workers if I Have SIL Funding?
Support arrangements can vary.
Historically, some SIL arrangements involved providers managing support workers, rosters, and daily support delivery.
Increasingly, participants are seeking greater choice and control over who provides their supports.
Depending on how supports are structured, participants may be able to continue working with trusted support workers while receiving SIL-funded supports.
What Happens if My SIL Funding Is Not Approved?
Not every participant who needs support receives SIL funding.
The NDIS may determine that other support arrangements are more appropriate depending on a participant's circumstances.
If SIL funding is not approved, participants may wish to discuss alternative support options with their planner, support coordinator, or NDIS representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much SIL funding can I get?
There is no standard SIL funding amount. Funding is based on individual support needs and circumstances.
Does SIL funding pay for support workers?
Yes. SIL funding is designed to pay for support services that assist participants with daily living activities.
Does SIL funding pay for rent?
No. SIL funding generally does not cover rent, mortgage payments, or everyday living expenses.
Can SIL funding be increased?
Potentially. Funding may be reviewed if a participant's support needs or circumstances change.
Can SIL funding be reduced?
Yes. Funding can be reassessed if support needs change or if the NDIS determines a different level of support is appropriate.
Is SIL funding the same as SDA funding?
No. SIL funds support services, while SDA funds specialist housing.
Read: What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: Supported Independent Living (SIL) Registration Changes Explained
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