Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS Home and Living support that helps people with disability who need significant support with daily tasks at home. This page answers some of the most common questions participants, families and support coordinators ask about SIL.
What Does SIL Stand For?
SIL stands for Supported Independent Living.
SIL is an NDIS support that helps people with disability who need significant support with everyday tasks at home.
What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS Home and Living support that helps participants with daily tasks so they can live as independently as possible.
SIL funding is generally used to pay for support workers who provide assistance in a participant's home.
Is SIL a Type of Housing?
No.
SIL is a support, not a type of housing.
SIL funding helps pay for support workers and support services. It does not pay for a participant's accommodation.
Does SIL Pay for Rent?
No.
SIL funding does not cover rent, mortgage repayments or other housing costs.
Participants are generally responsible for their own everyday living expenses.
Is SIL the Same as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
No.
SIL and SDA are different NDIS supports.
- SIL funds support services.
- SDA is funding for eligible participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who require specialised housing.
Some participants may receive both SIL and SDA, but they serve different purposes.
Is SIL the Same as Individualised Living Options (ILO)?
No.
SIL and ILO are different Home and Living supports.
SIL helps fund support workers who provide daily assistance at home.
ILO provides funding to help participants explore, design and maintain a living arrangement that suits their needs and goals.
The NDIS assesses each participant individually to determine which support arrangement is most appropriate.
Who Can Receive SIL Funding?
The NDIS may consider SIL for participants who need significant support with daily tasks because of the impact of their disability.
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, support needs and available evidence.
There is no automatic entitlement to SIL funding.
Can I Receive SIL While Living Alone?
Some participants receive SIL funding while living alone.
The NDIS assesses each participant individually and considers factors such as support needs, living arrangements and available evidence.
Living alone does not automatically qualify someone for SIL.
Can I Receive SIL While Living With Family?
Potentially.
Living with family does not automatically prevent someone from receiving SIL funding.
The NDIS considers a participant's individual circumstances, support needs and living arrangements when assessing Home and Living supports.
Can I Receive SIL in My Own Home?
Yes.
Some participants receive SIL funding while living in a home they own, rent or otherwise occupy.
SIL is based on support needs rather than the type of housing a participant lives in.
Can I Choose My Own Support Workers?
Participants should have opportunities to be involved in decisions about who provides their supports wherever possible.
The options available depend on the support arrangement and how supports are delivered.
Can Independent Support Workers Be Involved in SIL Supports?
Depending on the support arrangement, participants may be able to work with independent, self-employed support workers while receiving SIL supports through an appropriate provider arrangement.
Participants should seek advice about their specific circumstances.
Does SIL Funding Pay for Support Workers?
Yes.
SIL funding is generally used to pay for support workers who assist participants with daily tasks and personal support at home.
What Supports Can SIL Funding Cover?
The supports funded through SIL vary depending on the participant's circumstances.
Examples may include support with:
- Personal care
- Daily routines
- Meal-related support
- Household tasks
- Medication support
- Developing independent living skills
- Support at home
The NDIS determines what supports are reasonable and necessary based on the participant's needs and goals.
Does SIL Funding Cover Groceries?
No.
Groceries are generally considered an everyday living expense and are not covered by SIL funding.
Does SIL Funding Cover Utility Bills?
No.
SIL funding does not cover household expenses such as:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet services
These are generally considered ordinary living costs.
Does SIL Funding Cover Overnight Support?
It may.
If overnight support is considered reasonable and necessary, SIL funding may include overnight support arrangements.
The NDIS assesses these requirements based on the participant's individual circumstances.
How Do I Apply for SIL?
There is no separate SIL application form.
The NDIS considers SIL as part of Home and Living supports.
Participants usually need evidence explaining their support needs, circumstances and goals.
What Evidence Is Needed for SIL?
The evidence required depends on the participant's circumstances.
Examples may include:
- Functional Capacity Assessments
- Occupational therapy reports
- Allied health assessments
- Medical information
- Information about current support arrangements
The NDIS uses evidence to understand a participant's support needs and determine what supports may be appropriate.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is an assessment completed by a qualified allied health professional that helps explain how disability affects a participant's ability to manage everyday activities.
FCAs are commonly used as evidence when Home and Living supports are being considered.
How Is SIL Assessed?
The NDIS considers a range of factors, including:
- Support needs
- Functional capacity
- Current living arrangements
- Available supports
- Participant goals
- Evidence provided
Each participant is assessed individually.
What Is a SIL Roster of Care?
A SIL roster of care is a document that outlines how support is delivered within a SIL arrangement.
It may describe support needs, support worker schedules and how supports are organised throughout the day.
What Happens During a SIL Review?
A SIL review helps ensure a participant's support arrangements continue to meet their needs and goals.
The NDIS may consider updated information about support needs, circumstances and living arrangements during the review process.
Can SIL Funding Change After a Review?
Potentially.
The NDIS assesses each participant's circumstances individually.
Any changes to supports depend on the available evidence and the participant's current situation.
Can I Change My SIL Provider?
Yes.
Participants generally have the ability to choose the providers who deliver their NDIS-funded supports.
The process for changing providers will depend on the participant's circumstances and any service agreements in place.
What Happens If My SIL Provider Is Not Registered?
Current SIL registration requirements mean providers delivering SIL supports must meet NDIS registration requirements.
If you are concerned about your provider's registration status, speak with your provider and seek advice about your available options.
Can I Keep My Existing Support Workers If I Change Providers?
In some situations, participants may be able to continue working with support workers they already know and trust.
The options available depend on the support arrangement and the requirements of the provider involved.
Can I Appeal an NDIS Decision About SIL?
If you disagree with an NDIS decision about SIL, you may be able to seek a review of the decision.
The most appropriate steps depend on the nature of the decision and your circumstances.
Is SIL Reviewed Automatically Every Year?
Not necessarily.
Review arrangements depend on individual circumstances and NDIS processes.
Participants should refer to information provided by the NDIA regarding their particular situation.
Does a Diagnosis Automatically Qualify Me for SIL?
No.
The NDIS does not approve SIL based on diagnosis alone.
The NDIS considers how disability affects a participant's daily life and support needs, together with the available evidence.
Where Can I Learn More About SIL?
You can explore the related articles below for more detailed information about:
- SIL eligibility
- SIL funding
- SIL evidence requirements
- SIL reviews
- SIL provider changes
- Independent support workers
- SIL registration changes
From The NDIS
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.