Supported Independent Living

Supported Independent Living services help with daily tasks so you can live more independently at home. Core Supports may also help participants with daily tasks relating to the home, but also encompass other supports such as community access and transportation. The two services can be used in conjunction with each other

Participants are considered for SIL based on suitability rather than eligibility. You may be suitable depending on your goals and aspirations, current living situation, independent living skills, supports needed to achieve your living goals, supporting information, reports and assessments, alternative housing arrangements and what help is ‘reasonable and necessary’ for you to receive.

You will require supporting evidence from relevant health professionals that demonstrate the suitability for SIL accommodation. Once this is obtained, you will need to ask a provider such as Afea to prepare a quote which will be submitted to the NDIA. You will then need to request a plan review to have your SIL budget incorporated into your NDIS Plan.

Specialist Disability Accommodation is a contribution to the cost of accessible housing, whereas SIL is a support that allows people to receive help to live more independently at home.

Neither is a contribution to the cost of rent, as the NDIS considers this an everyday cost for all Australians. Most people that are eligible for SDA will also receive a SIL package.

SIL funding is designed to cover the cost of wages, to allow for quality supports and to cover indirect costs. You may split the cost of services with any housemates you may have that share similar needs.

The funding amount you will be approved for will depend on the SIL quote that your provider will prepare for you based on your care needs, as well as the care needs of any other residents in your SIL home.

SIL is for the purpose of providing assistance for daily tasks in order for participants to live independently at home and does not include: 

• Everyday expenses 
• Holidays
• Care in hospital
• Activities outside of the home, such as transport
• SDA related costs

To get ready for your meeting with an Afea Care Manager who will prepare your quote, you should consider what your needs are, what your living goals are and what help you are currently receiving. We may also ask you to provide:

• Clinical assessments and reports
• Behavioural assessments or plans
• Incident reports
• Police reports
• Risk assessments
• Statements from previous providers or landlords
• Standardised assessments