What Is Supported Independent Living Under the NDIS?

Supported Independent Living, commonly known as SIL, is a vital NDIS funding category that helps participants live independently in their own homes. Understanding what is Supported Independent Living under the NDIS helps you access the right support for your needs.

If you’re wondering whether you might qualify, learn more about our NDIS SIL Eligibility guide to understand the specific requirements.

Defining Supported Independent Living

Supported Independent Living under the NDIS provides funding for paid support workers to assist participants with daily activities. This support enables people with disabilities to live in their own homes rather than group accommodations or institutional settings.

SIL covers various support types, from occasional help to round-the-clock assistance. The funding level depends on your individual needs assessed during your NDIS planning meeting.

To understand how SIL differs from other housing supports, check out our article on SIL vs SDA: What’s the Difference?

Key Features of SIL

Participant-Directed Support

Under the NDIS, you control your SIL support. You choose:

• Which provider delivers your services
• When and how support is delivered
• Who provides your daily assistance
• Your goals and how support helps achieve them

This participant-directed approach ensures support aligns with your preferences and circumstances.

Home-Based Assistance

SIL specifically supports living in your own home. This differs from other disability accommodations that might require shared living spaces or residential facilities. The goal is maximizing independence within your personal living environment.

Skill Development Focus

Good SIL support helps you build capabilities. Rather than simply completing tasks for you, support workers teach skills that increase your independence over time.

What SIL Covers

Personal Care

• Assistance with showering, bathing, and grooming
• Help with dressing and personal hygiene
• Medication reminders and management
• Support with eating and drinking if needed

Daily Living Tasks

• Meal planning, preparation, and cooking
• Household cleaning and organization
• Laundry and ironing
• Shopping and errands
• Bill paying and budget management

Community Participation

• Transport to community activities
• Support attending social events
• Assistance with appointments
• Help joining community groups

Health and Wellbeing

• Exercise and physical activity support
• Mental health check-ins
• Coordination with health professionals
• Medication management

Who Can Access SIL?

Eligibility Requirements

To access Supported Independent Living under the NDIS, you must:

• Be an NDIS participant with an approved plan
• Require support with daily living activities
• Live in your own home or eligible accommodation
• Be under 65 when first entering the NDIS

Assessing Your Needs

The NDIS evaluates your need for SIL based on:

• Functional capacity assessments
• Health professional reports
• Current support arrangements
• Your stated goals and aspirations

SIL Funding Levels

NDIS provides different SIL funding levels:

Low Intensity Support

Provides less than 2 hours daily assistance. Suitable for participants who need occasional help with specific tasks.

Medium Intensity Support

Offers 2-4 hours of daily support. Appropriate for those requiring regular assistance with personal care and household tasks.

High Intensity Support

Covers 4-6 hours daily. For participants with significant support needs requiring frequent assistance.

Intensive Support

More than 6 hours daily. For participants with complex needs requiring extensive support.

The Difference Between SIL and Other Supports

Understanding what is Supported Independent Living under the NDIS requires distinguishing it from similar supports.

SIL vs Group-Based Living

SIL supports individual home living, while group-based options like group homes provide shared accommodation with staff present continuously.

SIL vs Core Supports

Core supports fund various assistance types, including community participation and daily activities. SIL specifically covers in-home support for independent living.

SIL vs Plan Management

Plan management handles funding administration. SIL directly provides support services in your home.

How to Request SIL in Your NDIS Plan

Step 1: Document Your Needs

Before your planning meeting, record:

• All daily tasks requiring assistance
• How often you need help
• What happens without support
• Your goals for increased independence

Step 2: Get Professional Evidence

Obtain assessments from:

• Occupational therapists
• Medical practitioners
• Psychologists if applicable
• Other relevant health professionals

Step 3: Discuss With Your Planner

Clearly communicate:

• Your current living situation
• Support you currently receive
• Gaps in your current arrangements
• How SIL would help achieve your goals

Step 4: Review Your Plan

After receiving your plan, check that SIL is appropriately funded. Request a review if the funding doesn’t match your documented needs.

Ready to apply? Our guide on getting SIL funding provides step-by-step instructions.

Making the Most of SIL

Set Clear Goals

Work with your provider to establish specific, measurable goals. Clear objectives help track progress and demonstrate SIL’s value.

Build Skills Progressively

Use SIL support to develop independence. Ask support workers to teach rather than simply do tasks for you.

Provide Feedback

Communicate openly with your support team. Let them know what works well and what needs adjustment.

Review Regularly

Assess whether your SIL arrangement continues meeting your needs. Request plan reviews when circumstances change.

Conclusion

Supported Independent Living under the NDIS empowers participants to live independently in their homes while receiving necessary support. Understanding what is Supported Independent Living under the NDIS helps you access appropriate funding and make informed choices about your support.

SIL represents the NDIS commitment to participant choice and control. With the right SIL arrangement, you can achieve greater independence while living comfortably in your own home.

If you’re in Brisbane and looking for personalized SIL services in Brisbane, Arise Support can help you navigate the process and find the right support.

For participants on the Gold Coast, learn about our Gold Coast NDIS support services including Supported Independent Living.

Residents of Logan can explore our Logan disability support services for SIL options in the area.