If you're exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL) through the NDIS, you might be wondering if you qualify. With so many moving parts to the NDIS, we understand that navigating the eligibility process can sometimes feel overwhelming at first.

In this article, we explain some of supported independent living eligibility criteria to help you understand the process.
 

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

Not everyone is eligible for SIL. To be considered, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements set by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for accessing any NDIS supports . Following that, the NDIS will assess your specific support needs to determine whether SIL is the most suitable option for your individual situation and goals.

Eligibility criteria for the NDIS include:

• Being aged between 7 and 65 years
• Being an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category visa holder
• Having a permanent and significant disability
• Requiring support to take part in daily activities
• Living in an area where the NDIS is available
• Being willing to participate in the planning process

Once you meet these requirements, the next step is to work with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss which supports may be right for you.
 

What are the Supported Independent Living eligibility criteria?

To be considered for SIL, you must have an NDIS plan and be able to demonstrate that you require regular assistance with daily tasks that would otherwise prevent you from living independently.

• The NDIS SIL requirements mean you might qualify if you:
• Have significant support needs where your disability affects your ability to manage daily life
• Require regular support or supervision during the day, and possibly overnight
• Need ongoing help with personal care, household tasks or skill-building
• Have goals around developing your daily living skills and independence
• Cannot live completely independently, and minimal support would not be enough to meet your needs
• Are living in a situation where informal supports, such as family, are not sufficient
• Have complex physical, intellectual or psychosocial support needs that impact your ability to live independently
• Have SIL funding included in your NDIS plan, as the NDIS must approve SIL before you can access it

During your planning meeting, the NDIA will assess whether SIL is a reasonable and necessary support for your situation. This includes reviewing your goals, your daily support needs and your current living arrangements.

Do I need a medical diagnosis to apply for SIl?

Not necessarily. You will need evidence that your condition is permanent and significantly affects your daily functioning, but the assessment focuses on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone. Supporting documentation from your treating health professionals can help strengthen your application.

What do I do next if I am eligible?

If you think you may meet the NDIS SIL rules and want to explore your options, the next step is understanding how to apply. Read our guide on how to access NDIS Supported Independent Living funding .

What if I don’t qualify?

If you don't meet the supported independent living eligibility criteria, there are other NDIS-funded options that may be a better fit for your current needs, including:

• Drop-in support: a support worker visits your home at scheduled times to assist with specific tasks
• Personal care assistance: help with daily tasks such as dressing, grooming and meal preparation
• Skill-building programmes: support focused on developing your independence in everyday life

These supports can still make a meaningful difference, and your needs may change over time. It's worth revisiting your NDIS plan regularly with your planner or LAC to make sure your supports continue to reflect your goals.

Getting started with SIL with Rise

At Rise, we support people across Perth to find the right living arrangement for their needs and goals. Whether you're just starting to explore SIL or you're ready to take the next step, our team is here to help you understand your options and navigate the process with confidence.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your situation and explore what's possible.