If you’re someone with a disability and are looking to make some lifestyle changes to become more independent, then Supported Independent Living (SIL) could be the answer. In this article, we give an overview of SIL, explain eligibility requirements, and look into how NDIS funding works – so you can begin the process with a clearer understanding, and find the right supports for your needs.
What is Supported Independent Living?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a term that was created by the NDIS to describe their funding of supports which help people with disability to live more independently. SIL funding provides people with in-house support staff, enabling them to move out of home and increase independent living skills. If you receive SIL support, then you may live in a shared accommodation home with other people who have a disability, or you might live on your own. Your support workers will help with tasks like cooking, house cleaning, and personal care – enabling you to build skills and work towards greater independence.
Supported Independent Living funding can be used for:
- A Department of Housing home
- Your own home
- Shared accommodation
- Specialist Disability Accommodation
- A private rental
Am I eligible for SIL?
The Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is designed for people with high support needs, and the amount of funding support that you receive will depend on how much support you require to live independently. As always with NDIS funding, your application will only be accepted if your needs are deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’ – which means your goals and individual circumstances will be assessed to see whether SIL is the right choice for your plan. When the result is so heavily dependent on your specific case, the only way to find out for sure is to apply – or if you already have NDIS funding, you can talk to your support coordinator or plan manager.
Find out more: Am I Eligible?
Organising your NDIS funding
The amount of funding you can receive in your NDIS plan for SIL is unique for everyone. Each case is determined based on the person’s needs, and the services they require to live a full and independent life.
An NDIS plan is an outline of the steps you’re going to take to reach your goals and achieve greater independence. It’s created in a planning meeting with your NDIA planner, who helps you figure out what support services you need to reach your goals. Once this is decided, you’ll find out how much funding you’re receiving and what it’s allocated for.
Activ SIL services and accommodation
Activ understands that moving out of home and finding your own place is a key factor in independence, so we offer a range of disability accommodation options. Our SIL services include shared accommodation, where residents live in shared housing with 24 hour support, and independent living options, where you can live in your own house and have support workers drop in.
We’re a registered NDIS provider, and all of our support staff have police clearances and have received training to enable you to live more independently. If you’re still a bit unsure about what SIL is, and don’t know whether you’re eligible, simply get in touch and we’ll explain! You can also click here to find out more about our Supported Independent Living services.