Supported Independent Living (SIL) is assessed by the NDIS based on a participant's support needs, living situation, goals, and the evidence available about the assistance they need at home. The NDIS uses this information to determine whether SIL is a reasonable and necessary support.
Because SIL is generally intended for participants with higher support needs who require significant support at home, the NDIS typically requires detailed evidence before SIL funding is approved.
What Is a SIL Assessment?
A SIL assessment is the process of gathering information about a participant's support needs and living arrangements to determine whether SIL is the most appropriate support.
The assessment focuses on understanding:
- The participant's daily support needs
- How much assistance they require
- The supports currently available to them
- Their goals for independence and home and living
- Whether SIL is the most suitable support option
The NDIS considers the participant's individual circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Does the NDIS Assess SIL?
SIL is one of the more intensive forms of NDIS support.
The NDIS needs to understand:
- What support a participant requires each day
- Whether support is needed throughout the day and overnight
- How the participant currently manages daily living activities
- Whether alternative supports have been considered
- Whether SIL represents value for money compared to other support options
The assessment helps ensure funding is tailored to the participant's individual needs.
What Does the NDIS Consider When Assessing SIL?
The NDIS may consider several factors when determining whether SIL is appropriate.
Daily Living Support Needs
The NDIS looks at how much assistance a participant requires with everyday activities.
This may include support with:
- Personal care
- Showering and dressing
- Meal preparation
- Household tasks
- Medication management
- Communication
- Mobility
- Managing daily routines
The assessment focuses on the level of support required rather than a participant's diagnosis alone.
Functional Capacity
The NDIS often considers how a participant's disability affects their ability to carry out daily activities independently.
This is commonly referred to as functional capacity.
Areas that may be considered include:
- Self-care
- Communication
- Learning
- Mobility
- Social interaction
- Self-management
Evidence about functional capacity helps the NDIS understand the participant's support requirements.
Current Living Arrangements
The NDIS may consider:
- Where the participant currently lives
- Who they live with
- What supports are already available
- Whether current arrangements are sustainable
This information helps build a picture of the participant's home and living situation.
Participant Goals
The NDIS also considers the participant's goals and preferences.
This may include goals relating to:
- Independence
- Safety
- Community participation
- Skill development
- Future living arrangements
What Evidence Is Usually Needed for SIL?
The NDIS generally requires evidence that clearly explains why SIL is needed.
Evidence may include:
- Functional Capacity Assessments
- Occupational therapy reports
- Behaviour support reports
- Allied health assessments
- Medical information
- Current support information
- Home and living assessments
- Reports from support providers
The evidence should explain the participant's support needs and how those needs affect daily life.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a report prepared by a qualified allied health professional, often an occupational therapist.
The assessment examines how a participant's disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities.
An FCA may assess:
- Personal care
- Communication
- Mobility
- Daily living skills
- Social participation
- Decision-making
- Safety and risk factors
While an FCA is commonly used as evidence, the NDIS considers a range of information when making decisions about SIL.
Does Living With Family Affect SIL Eligibility?
Living with family does not automatically prevent a participant from receiving SIL funding.
The NDIS may consider:
- The support family members currently provide
- Whether those arrangements are sustainable
- The participant's support needs
- Carer wellbeing
- The participant's long-term goals
Each participant's circumstances are assessed individually.
Can I Be Assessed for SIL if I Live in My Own Home?
Yes.
SIL is based on the support a participant needs rather than the type of housing they live in.
Depending on their circumstances, participants may be assessed for SIL while living:
- Independently
- With family
- With friends or housemates
- In shared accommodation
- In Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
The focus is on support needs, not housing type.
What Happens After the Assessment?
After reviewing the available evidence, the NDIS will determine whether SIL is a reasonable and necessary support.
The outcome may include:
- Approval of SIL funding
- Approval of a different level of support
- A request for additional information
- Consideration of alternative home and living supports
Every decision is based on the participant's individual circumstances and available evidence.
What If SIL Is Not Approved?
If SIL is not approved, the NDIS may determine that another support arrangement is more appropriate.
This does not necessarily mean a participant will not receive support.
Depending on the circumstances, participants may explore:
- Other NDIS support categories
- Individualised Living Options (ILO)
- Capacity building supports
- Alternative home and living arrangements
Participants can discuss their options with their support coordinator, planner, allied health professional, or the NDIA.
How Can I Prepare for a SIL Assessment?
Preparation can help ensure the NDIS has a clear understanding of your support needs.
Useful steps may include:
- Gathering recent reports and assessments
- Documenting daily support requirements
- Identifying challenges with current arrangements
- Considering future home and living goals
- Discussing support needs with relevant professionals
Detailed and current evidence helps the NDIS understand how disability impacts daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is SIL assessed?
The NDIS assesses SIL based on a participant's support needs, living arrangements, goals, and supporting evidence.
Do I need an assessment to get SIL?
The NDIS generally requires evidence and assessments before approving SIL funding.
What evidence is required for SIL?
Evidence may include Functional Capacity Assessments, occupational therapy reports, allied health assessments, and information about current support needs.
Is a Functional Capacity Assessment required for SIL?
Not always, but Functional Capacity Assessments are commonly used to help demonstrate support needs.
Can I be assessed for SIL while living with family?
Yes. Living with family does not automatically prevent someone from being considered for SIL funding.
Does a diagnosis automatically qualify someone for SIL?
No. SIL decisions are based on support needs and individual circumstances, not diagnosis alone.
Read: What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: Supported Independent Living (SIL) Registration Changes Explained
Read: Can I Choose My Own Support Workers in Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: How Does Supported Independent Living (SIL) Funding Work?
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