Supported Independent Living (SIL) Explained

Confused about what Supported Independent Living (SIL) is and how it might benefit you or your family?

We know SIL can feel a bit confusing, so we’ve pulled together some simple FAQs to help you get your head around it.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living is funding through the NDIS that funds support workers to assist you with everyday tasks at home.

It’s all about helping you build skills, feel more confident, and live as independently as possible. Importantly, it’s about keeping you safe, supporting you with things you are unable to do on your own.

What kinds of things does SIL include?

If a support links to your disability, helps you work towards your goals, and meets NDIS criteria, it may be covered.

Some examples include:

• help with personal care, like showering or getting dressed
• building everyday skills such as cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation
• support with medications or following support plans
• help organising and getting to medical appointments
• supervision to keep you safe
• developing social skills and confidence
• getting out and about in the community, like going to hydrotherapy or visiting family and friends.
• overnight support

SIL doesn’t cover everyday living costs like groceries, rent, or bills.

If you’re ever unsure, you can take a look at the NDIS supports list to see what’s included.

Who is SIL for?

SIL is usually suited to people who need regular, ongoing support throughout the day – often 24/7.

Whether you need a lot of support or just consistent help, SIL might be an option worth exploring.

When might SIL not be the right fit?

If you don’t need round-the-clock support, or you prefer to manage your own support workers directly, SIL might not be the best option.

In those cases, other supports like Assistance with Daily Living (ADL) could be more suitable.

Everyone’s situation is different, so it really comes down to an individual assessment, and there are always other options if SIL isn’t the right one for you.

Learn about different home and living options.

What’s the difference between SDA and SIL?

It’s easy to mix these up!

• SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is the home itself – purpose-built for people with higher support needs
• SIL is the support you receive in that home

They often go hand in hand, but they’re funded separately.

Some people have both in their plan.

Where can SIL be delivered?

SIL can be flexible depending on how you want to live.

You might:

• Live on your own
• Share with other NDIS participants
• Move into a supported shared home

You can also choose to share supports with others if that works for you.

At Rocky Bay, we offer SIL homes across Perth that are designed around different needs, preferences, and lifestyles, so you can find something that feels right for you.

Explore Rocky Bay SIL homes: Shared Supported Accommodation | SIL Services | Rocky Bay

How do I access SIL?

Don’t know where to start? A great place to begin is by chatting with:

• A Support Coordinator, NDIS Planner, NDIS partner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They will talk through home and living options and help you work out whether SIL is going to work for you.
• Health professionals, such as occupational therapists, psychologists or other allied health practitioners, who can provide assessments and evidence about your support needs and independent living goals.
• Potential SIL providers, who can explain the types of support available to you and help you understand what living arrangements might be right for you.

If SIL is included in your plan, you’ll work with a provider to figure out how your supports will look day to day.

Learn more about NDIS partners and NDIA planners.

How is SIL funding decided?

Everyone’s support looks different. The NDIS make the decision about SIL funding based on eligibility criteria. This takes into account your individual support needs, goals, and current living situation.

Learn more about NDIS eligibility requirements

Your eligibility is determined by factors like:

• Your age: You must be between 0 and 64 years when you apply.
• Your residency status: You must be living in Australia and either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a Protected Special Category visa holder.
• Your disability requirements

To be eligible:

• You’ll have a disability related to a permanent impairment, or have a psychosocial disability caused by a permanent impairment.
• Your permanent impairment will significantly impact your life and your ability to do everyday tasks.
• You’ll likely need NDIS supports for your lifetime.

A quick wrap-up

SIL is all about giving you the right support to live more independently and build the skills that matter to you.

It’s not about housing, it’s about the support that helps you feel at home, wherever you live.

If you decide to choose SIL at Rocky Bay, you can expect a consistent team of dedicated support workers, choice and control over your everyday, and active support that is centred around you.

We’re here to help, contact our friendly team for further information.