Supported Independent Living is a cornerstone of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, designed to empower individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible in their own homes. It’s about providing the right level of support to enable people to thrive in a comfortable and familiar setting.
This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of supported independent living, from understanding what it entails to navigating the application process.
What is Supported Independent Living
Supported independent living is a funding model that enables individuals with disabilities to live in their homes with the help of support workers. This support is tailored to each individual’s needs and can vary from minimal supervision to intensive assistance. The primary aim of SIL is to foster independence while ensuring that individuals receive adequate help in their daily activities.
Unlike other NDIS supports, SIL funding does not come with a pre-determined dollar amount. Instead, the funding is allocated based on an individual’s assessed needs, which are determined through evaluations by occupational therapists, support coordinators, and other professionals.
Core Principles of Supported Independent Living
The core principles of Supported Independent Living (SIL) focus on empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently while receiving the support they need to maintain a fulfilling and autonomous lifestyle. Here are the key principles:
The Person-Centred Approach
One of the key aspects of supported independent living is its person-centred approach. This means that the individual is at the heart of all decision-making processes. This empowering approach fosters a sense of ownership and maximises independence.
Community Inclusion and Participation
Supported independent living breaks down barriers by creating pathways for meaningful community engagement. This principle extends beyond basic care to ensure people with disabilities can access education, employment, and social activities just like anyone else.
Rights and Advocacy
Supported independent living is built on strong advocacy for disability rights, championed by pioneers like Elizabeth Hastings Australia disability rights commissioner (She became the inaugural Commonwealth Human Rights Commission between 1981-1986). This commitment to rights ensures continuous improvements in support services, upholding dignity, and high standards of care.
What Does Supported Independent Living Cover?
SIL funding covers the cost of support workers who assist with various activities, including:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Household cleaning and maintenance
- Medication management
- Community participation and social outings
- Support with work or study-related activities
- Assistance with attending medical and therapy appointments
However, it is important to note that supported independent living funding does not cover:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Daily living expenses (groceries, personal items, utility bills)
- Transportation costs
- Leisure or recreational expenses
| Supports Covered by SIL | Expenses Not Covered by SIL |
| Assistance with daily living tasks | Rent or mortgage payments |
| 24/7 staff support in a shared home | Groceries and personal items |
| Community access and goal setting | Utilities and transport costs |
| Appointment management | Leisure activities |
Key Insights
It is important to be aware of any potential changes to funding, such as the disability support pension increase 2024, and how these might impact access to supported independent living services. The disability support pension increase 2024 is expected to provide additional financial relief for people with disabilities, allowing NDIS participants who rely on the disability support pension to better manage their living expenses while receiving SIL support.
Who is Eligible for SIL?
Not everyone with a disability qualifies for SIL. The NDIS eligibility criteria focus on individuals who:
- Have a significant and permanent disability that affects their ability to live independently.
- Require 24/7 support or high-intensity assistance.
- Are approved for SIL funding in their NDIS plan.
Different Levels of SIL Support
SIL funding is divided into three levels based on the complexity of the participant’s needs:
Lower Needs: Provides supervision of daily activities rather than active assistance. This level is suitable for individuals who require minimal support.
Standard Needs: Offers 24/7 support with active assistance in most daily tasks. It includes overnight support and supervision.
Complex Needs: Designed for individuals with high-support needs, including those who require intensive medical care, behavioural management, or constant supervision.
| SIL Level | Type of Support Provided |
| Lower Needs | Supervision of daily activities |
| Standard Needs | 24/7 support with daily tasks and overnight care |
| Complex Needs | Intensive support, including medical and behavioural management |
Types of SIL Accommodation
SIL accommodation varies depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. The main types include:
Shared Living Arrangements
In this setup, individuals live with other people with disabilities in a home where support workers assist them with daily activities.
Independent Living with Support
Some individuals may choose to live alone but still receive SIL-funded support workers for daily tasks.
For people with high physical support needs, specialist disability accommodation provides housing that is designed for accessibility and independent living.
Participants often work with NDIS-approved providers to find suitable housing and establish their support plan.
The Process of Applying for SIL Funding
Applying for SIL involves several steps, including assessment and approval by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Here’s how the process works:
- Assessment and Planning: The participant’s needs are assessed by professionals, including occupational therapists and support coordinators.
- Finding a Suitable Home: The participant and their support coordinator explore housing options that align with their needs and preferences.
- Support Needs Evaluation: A provider prepares a roster of care, outlining the participant’s weekly support requirements.
- Approval and Implementation: The NDIA reviews the support plan and approves funding. The provider then finalises arrangements and allocates staff accordingly.
If you or a loved one are considering SIL, it’s essential to work with an experienced provider who can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the best possible support.
Your Dream Big Support Service
At Dream Big Support Service, we recognise that the path to independence is different for everyone. We offer personalised SIL services designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment where you can flourish and achieve your personal goals.
Ready to embrace a more independent and fulfilling life? Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect SIL arrangement.
