Yes, some NDIS participants can receive Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding while living with family. Living with parents, siblings, or other family members does not automatically prevent someone from receiving SIL.
The NDIS assesses each participant individually and considers their support needs, goals, living arrangements, and available evidence when deciding whether SIL is a reasonable and necessary support.
Does Living With Family Mean I Can't Get SIL?
No.
There is no NDIS rule that says a participant must move out of the family home to receive SIL funding.
SIL is a Home and Living support that helps people with disability who need significant support with daily tasks at home because of the impact of their disability.
The focus is on the support a participant needs, not simply where they live.
How Does the NDIS Assess SIL for Someone Living With Family?
When assessing SIL, the NDIS considers the participant's individual circumstances.
This may include:
- Daily support needs
- Functional capacity
- Current living arrangements
- Informal supports available
- Participant goals and preferences
- Safety and wellbeing considerations
- Evidence from assessments and reports
The NDIS looks at the overall support situation rather than making decisions based solely on who the participant lives with.
What Are Informal Supports?
Informal supports are unpaid supports provided by family members, friends, neighbours, or other people in a participant's life.
When considering Home and Living supports, the NDIS may look at:
- What support family members currently provide
- Whether those arrangements are sustainable
- The impact on family members and carers
- Whether additional funded supports are needed
The NDIS recognises that family support arrangements can change over time and may not always be sustainable.
Can SIL Be Funded if My Parents Provide Some Support?
Yes.
Many participants receive support from both family members and funded disability supports.
The NDIS considers the participant's support needs as a whole and assesses what funded supports may be reasonable and necessary.
The fact that family members provide some support does not automatically mean SIL will not be considered.
What If My Family Can No Longer Provide Support?
Changes in family circumstances can be important when discussing Home and Living supports.
Examples may include:
- Ageing parents
- Changes in health
- Increased support needs
- Changes to family circumstances
- Reduced availability of informal supports
If a participant's support arrangements are no longer sustainable, this may form part of discussions about future support needs and living arrangements.
Can SIL Help Me Stay in the Family Home?
Potentially.
The NDIS assesses whether SIL is the most appropriate support based on a participant's individual circumstances.
For some participants, receiving funded supports may help them continue living in their current home environment.
However, every situation is different and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Can SIL Help Me Move Out of Home?
A participant's goals are an important part of NDIS planning.
If a participant wants to explore living more independently in the future, the NDIS may consider:
- Current support needs
- Capacity-building opportunities
- Home and Living goals
- Available support options
- Evidence about future support requirements
However, SIL is not automatically funded simply because a participant wants to move out of home.
The NDIS assesses whether SIL is reasonable and necessary based on the participant's circumstances.
What Evidence May Be Needed?
The NDIS generally requires evidence explaining why SIL is needed and how it would support the participant.
Evidence may include:
- Functional Capacity Assessments
- Occupational therapy reports
- Allied health assessments
- Behaviour support assessments
- Medical information
- Information about current support arrangements
- Evidence of daily support needs
The type of evidence required will depend on the participant's circumstances.
Is SIL the Only Option for Participants Living With Family?
No.
The NDIS funds a range of supports that may assist participants living with family.
Depending on a participant's needs and goals, options may include:
- Core supports
- Capacity Building supports
- Home and Living supports
- Individualised Living Options (ILO)
- Other reasonable and necessary supports
The most appropriate support arrangement depends on the participant's individual circumstances.
What Should I Do if I'm Unsure Whether SIL Is Right for Me?
If you are unsure whether SIL may be appropriate, consider discussing your situation with:
- Your support coordinator
- Your NDIS planner
- An allied health professional
- Your current support provider
- The NDIA
They can help you understand what evidence may be required and what Home and Living options may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SIL while living with my parents?
Yes. Living with parents does not automatically prevent someone from receiving SIL funding.
Do I have to move out of home to receive SIL?
No. SIL is based on support needs, not simply where a participant lives.
Will the NDIS expect my family to provide all my support?
The NDIS may consider the role of informal supports, but it also considers whether current arrangements are reasonable and sustainable.
Can SIL be funded if my parents are ageing?
Potentially. Changes in informal support arrangements may be relevant when discussing future support needs and Home and Living options.
Does living with family affect SIL eligibility?
Living with family is one factor the NDIS may consider, but eligibility decisions are based on a participant's overall circumstances and support needs.
What evidence do I need for SIL?
Evidence may include Functional Capacity Assessments, allied health reports, and information about your daily support needs and living arrangements.
Read: What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: Am I Eligible for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: Supported Independent Living (SIL) Registration Changes Explained
Read: Can I Receive Supported Independent Living (SIL) Funding While Living in My Own Home?
Read: Can I Live Alone and Receive Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.