Supported Independent Living FAQs

• What is Supported Independent Living?

  Supported Independent Living (SIL) is support with activities of daily living within the home to assist participants to live as independently as possible, while building their life skills.

• Does the NDIS cover Supported Independent Living?

  The NDIS provides funding for Supported Independent Living, based on whether this is a support that is reasonable and necessary for you. An individual must have SIL noted in their NDIS plan in order to access this funding.

  SIL is best suited for participants who have high disability support needs and require a significant amount of assistance throughout the day.

  During your NDIS planning meeting, your NDIS planner will consider a number of things when determining whether SIL is the right support for you, including:

  • Your individual circumstances and needs
  • Your age (18-65)
  • Your 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
  • Information, reports and assessments provided by you, health professionals and providers
  • If you need person-to-person support
  • Other home and living options that might suit you
  • What is value for money
• What is the difference between SIL & SDA?

  SIL is the NDIS funding you receive to provide support within the home in order for you to live as independently as possible.  Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is dedicated accessible housing for NDIS participants. SDA properties include accessibility options.

  You can live in an SDA house while receiving SIL funding to assist you with your daily living activities.  You can receive SIL funding without the need for SDA.  This means you may not require specialist housing, but still require the levels of support that SIL provides Disability accommodation provides.

• Who is eligible for Supported Independent Living?

  To be eligible for SIL funding, you must be between the ages of 18-65, living with a disability and meet a variety of other criteria outlined here

  SIL is best suited for participants who have high support needs and require a significant amount of assistance throughout the day.

  During your planning meeting, your NDIS planner will consider a number of things when determining whether SIL is the right support for you, including:

  • Your individual circumstances and needs
  • Your age (18-65)
  • Your 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
  • Information, reports and assessments provided by you, health professionals and providers
  • If you need person-to-person support
  • Other home and living options that might suit you
  • What is value for money
• Can You Use Supported Independent Living Funding for your own residence?

  Supported Independent Living happens in your own home, whether you live on your own or with other people.  Based on your needs, your NDIS planner will help you determine whether you are eligible for and if SIL is the best funding for your situation.  There may be other Individual disability accommodation & support that suit you better. 

• How do I organise Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

  If you and your NDIS planner determine if Supported Independent Living is right for you, you can then come to us to discuss what SIL vacancies we have available.

  We will discuss with you your goals for your potential home and living arrangements and the support you need for daily tasks.  We will then determine if we have the supports available to assist you to reach your goals and if your SIL expectations can be met.  If you choose OC Connections as your SIL provider, we will work with you to develop a Supported independent living quote which includes a Roster of Care based on your support needs and those of the other residents in your potential home to submit to NDIS, who will then consider the appropriate funding.

  Once the roster of care is agreed, SIL funding will be included in your NDIS plan.

• Does OC Connections Have Any Vacancies for Supported Independent Living?
  • Yes, we do. All of our SIL vacancies are in SDA venues.  Therefore, your NDIS plan needs to include both SDA and SIL.  Your SDA assessment needs to match the SDA Housing Assessment.