Understanding NDIS’s SIL Funding and Who it’s for
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the most significant supports available under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For many people with disability, NDIS’s SIL funding makes it possible to live more independently while still receiving the day-to-day assistance they need to feel safe, supported, and empowered.
This guide breaks down SIL eligibility criteria in simple terms, so you can better understand whether it may be the right option for you or your loved one.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living refers to paid personal supports that help an NDIS participant live as independently as possible. SIL focuses on daily living assistance, such as:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Medication support
- Household tasks
- Building daily living and social skills
- Overnight or 24/7 supervision where required
It’s important to note that SIL funding does not cover rent, groceries, or utility bills. Instead, it pays for the support staff who assist participants in their homes.
Support That Fits Your Day-to-Day Life
NDIS’s SIL funding is included in a participant’s plan under Core Supports when the NDIS determines that a person has higher or more complex support needs. The funding level is tailored to the individual and based on the amount of support required throughout the day or night.
Some people may need help during specific parts of the day, while others require 24/7 or overnight support. In shared living arrangements, the cost of support is often shared between participants, which can make SIL a more sustainable option long term. There’s no fixed amount of SIL funding; it’s always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
SIL Eligibility by the NDIS: Who is it For?
When it comes to SIL eligibility under the NDIS, the focus is on functional need, not on diagnosis alone. You may be considered eligible for SIL if your disability makes it difficult to manage daily life without consistent support.
Typically, SIL is suitable for people who need ongoing assistance with tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, safety, or decision-making, and who are unable to live independently even with lower-level supports in place. SIL is commonly approved for people with intellectual disability, psychosocial disability, acquired brain injury, or complex physical disabilities, but eligibility is always assessed individually.
What are the SIL Funding Eligibility Criteria?
While every situation is different, the core SIL eligibility criteria generally include a demonstrated need for frequent or ongoing support, difficulty managing daily life without assistance, and evidence that SIL will improve safety, independence, and quality of life. The NDIS will also consider whether other supports, such as in-home assistance or alternative living options, could meet the participant’s needs. If those options aren’t suitable, SIL may be recommended.
Living Arrangements and SIL
Most people accessing SIL live in shared accommodation with other NDIS participants. This allows for consistent staffing, shared supports, and opportunities for social connection. However, the most important factor is that the living arrangement suits the participant’s needs, preferences, and goals. At Saffron Healthcare, we take great care to match participants with supports and create environments that feel safe, respectful, and genuinely like home.
How Saffron Healthcare Can Support You
We understand that navigating SIL eligibility, assessments, and planning meetings for you or your loved one can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time exploring this type of support. Our team works closely with participants, families, and support coordinators to make the process clearer and less stressful.
We support you by explaining your options, helping you prepare the right evidence, and delivering person-centred supports that focus on dignity, choice, and independence. For us, SIL isn’t just about support hours; it’s about helping people build meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Contact Saffron Healthcare to Learn More
If you’d like to talk through your situation or learn more about SIL options in Sydney, Saffron Healthcare is here to help. Contact us today by phone or leave a message on our contact page, and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
