If you have a disability and wish to live independently, you may be eligible for NDIS-supported independent living funding. This funding provides access to the necessary support and services to help individuals with disabilities live independently, offering a broad range of benefits to enhance daily life.

This guide will help you access NDIS-supported independent Living funding by providing a step-by-step approach to navigating the application and securing the support you need. 

Looking for individual NDIS and disability support? Contact our friendly team today .

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of NDIS support funded by the Government’s Core Supports Budget that helps people live independently at home. The funding can be used to help or supervise daily tasks such as cooking meals and personal care. This allows you to live independently while learning essential skills.

The support is available for people with higher support needs who require some level of help at home at all times. You can learn more about Supported Independent Living here.

What Does Supported Independent Living Offer?

Supported Independent Living funding provides daily support that helps people with disabilities live independently in their homes. Depending on individual needs, the scheme offers assistance seven days a week, both during the day and overnight.

SIL workers assist with daily tasks such as household chores, showering, and dressing. Additionally, they help participants develop life skills to enhance their comfort and confidence, including cooking, shopping, and socialising.

Learn more about Supported Independent Living here.

How to apply for SIL funding

An NDIS Support Coordinator can guide you through the following process:

Step 1: Attend an NDIS planning meeting

The first step is to attend a planning meeting with your NDIS Support Coordinator. This meeting will help you determine whether SIL is the right support funding for your needs.

During the meeting, you will discuss:

• Your needs, goals and life preferences 
• Your current life skills and those you would like to gain
• Your daily support needs
• Different housing options

Don’t have an NDIS Support Coordinator yet? Contact us to find out how we can help.

Step 2: Gather documentation and supporting evidence

To secure SIL funding, you’ll need to provide relevant documentation.

This can include:

• Any assessments of your disability support and housing needs
• Allied health professional reports
• Reports about your daily support needs

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this right away. 

You may also be asked for other assessments if more information is needed, and funding can be included in your plan for this. Other sources of information can be used, like discussions with you, family members, or carers, to understand your needs.

Step 3: Choose a SIL provider

Once you have created your NDIS plan with a Support Coordinator, you will need to select an SIL provider. Your Support Coordinator can help you connect with the right provider for your needs and set up a meeting to discuss your options.

During the meeting, a good provider should discuss what they can offer to create a support plan based on your independent situation. For instance, they may recommend a mentoring scheme that helps participants set personal goals. They could also offer daily living support, which helps with tasks like cooking and cleaning. This process is essential in finding a provider who truly listens and demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect for your needs.

Step 4: Develop your SIL plan

Your NDIS plan should clearly outline your need for SIL funding and how it will support your independent living goals. The plan will detail:

• The level of support required 
• The type of SIL setting (shared or individual living)
• The funding amount allocated

Step 5: Create a roster of care

Your provider will then help you create a roster of care to ensure that the SIL care you receive matches your specific requirements. The roster details the support you need in 30-minute blocks throughout the week and can include help with various activities, from leaving the house to budgeting and money management.

Using your SIL funding

Once your funding has been approved, you may need to sign a service agreement. This contract between you and your provider details the supports you will use, how you’ll receive them, and how much they cost. It also offers the opportunity for you to ensure that you’re getting access to all the support you need and adjust the plan where necessary.

Most of the time, your NDIS SIL funding will go directly to the provider based on the details outlined in your service agreement. You can also choose to self-manage your SIL funding, pay the provider directly, or work with a plan manager who will pay providers on your behalf.

Get support to live independently with Rise

At Rise, our expert team provides independent living support services and accommodation across the Perth metropolitan area. Our goal is to empower our Rise community members to live on their own terms, meet new people, learn new things and have fun.

If you have a question about the process for accessing supported independent living with Rise, contact our friendly team today.