Supported Independent Living Update.

The NDIS has recently released some updated information about Supported Independent Living (SIL) including the types of things they consider when deciding if SIL is right for you.

For people who need “significant assistance”. 

The NDIS has confirmed that SIL supports are best suited to people who need “significant assistance everyday”.

SIL may be ideal for an NDIS participant who requires extensive person-to-person supports to live independently such as 24/7 personal care, assistance with daily tasks and help to get around.

SIL funding is focused on personal supports provided in the home and does not cover things like rent, mortgage payments, bills, groceries, home repairs and day-to-day living expenses.

Shared living arrangements.

While SIL supports may be available to a person living alone, they are more commonly funded in shared living environments, with supports shared among residents.

You can either find your own home or use an SIL provider who will try to place people with similar interests together.

A Roster of Care (RoC) is created to determine the supports that each resident needs and when.

Is SIL right for you?

Some of the things that the NDIS considers are:

• Your needs and circumstances
• Your age (you must be over 18)
• Goals and preferences
• Your independence, living skills and capacity building needs
• If modifications to your home or assistive technology may increase your independence and safety
• Relevant information, reports and assessments
• If you need significant person-to-person supports
• Other options that might better suit you
• Value for money.

The process for obtaining SIL funding is quite complex so it should be considered a long-term goal.

The process for getting SIL.

1. NDIS Plan meeting.
   If one of the goals identified during your NDIS Plan meeting is to live more independently, your local area coordinator (LAC) or planner will help identify the right supports for you.
2. SIL supports.
   An LAC or NDIS planner will determine whether SIL supports may be reasonable and necessary to achieve your goals. They will consider evidence submitted and the help you need in daily life. If SIL supports are not right for you, they may identify other supports that will help you achieve more independence.
3. Roster of Care.
   A Roster of Care is like a timetable of how supports will be shared across each member of the household over a typical week. It includes the number of hours and support workers each person will have each day, in 30 minute blocks.
4. NDIA review.
   The NDIA will review the Roster of Care, check for changes to previous rosters and ensure costs do not exceed limits set by the NDIS Price Guide.
5. SIL budget is released.
   Once the Roster of Care and your NDIS Plan are approved, the SIL budget is released into your plan and your SIL provider can claim funds for supports they provide.

What supports are available if you are unable to get SIL funding? 

Other support options may include:

• Individualised Living Options (ILO) which helps you to design a personalised living situation in your chosen residence, either on your own or with other people
• Personal care supports such as support workers to help with daily tasks like showering
•  Help around the home if you are not able to do certain tasks because of your disability, like cleaning and lawn mowing
• Home modifications such as installation of ramps or safety rails
• Assistive technology that can help you be more independent at home.

To find out more, get the latest edition of our Supported Independent Living ebook.

Leap in! can help.

Get specialist advice from our dedicated team, experienced in helping people of all ages get the most out of their NDIS Plans.

To find out more, call us on 1300 05 78 78, visit our website (online chat available) or email crew@leapin.com.au

Further reading

What is Supported Independent Living? Plus how to get your FREE SIL ebook.

Moving out of home: All you need to know.

Assistance with Daily Life: NDIS budget areas explained.