How Does SIL Funding Work?

Understanding how SIL funding works can feel overwhelming at first – there are forms, assessments, planning meetings and plenty of new terminology. But at its heart, Supported Independent Living is about something simple: making sure people with disability have the right support in place to live safely, confidently and as independently as possible.

At Orana, we’ve been walking alongside South Australians and their families for decades. We know that clear, honest information makes all the difference when you’re making important decisions about home and support. So here’s a straightforward guide to how SIL funding works, what it covers, and what to expect.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living is a type of NDIS support that helps people with disability live in their own home, usually with other participants, while receiving assistance with everyday tasks. This can include support with:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Household tasks
• Medication management
• Developing independent living skills
• Overnight supervision or active support

A common question we hear is: does NDIS pay for SIL? The answer is yes — if it’s considered reasonable and necessary based on your individual support needs. SIL is funded under the Core Supports budget (Assistance with Daily Life) within an NDIS plan. It’s important to note that SIL funding covers the support services, not the cost of rent, groceries or utilities.

Who is Eligible for SIL Funding?

One of the most searched questions is, who is eligible for SIL funding? SIL is generally designed for people with higher support needs who require assistance throughout the day — and sometimes overnight — to live safely and independently.

Eligibility isn’t based on diagnosis alone. Instead, the NDIS looks at:

• The level of functional impact of your disability
• The type and frequency of daily support required
• Whether shared supports are appropriate
• Alternative supports already in place

To access SIL funding, participants usually undergo a detailed assessment process. This often includes a functional capacity assessment conducted by an allied health professional, along with a proposed roster of care (also called a Roster of Care or Support Plan).

How is SIL Funding Calculated?

This is another common question we hear often. SIL funding isn’t a flat rate; it’s based on the level of support a person requires across a 24-hour period. The NDIS considers:

• The number of support hours needed each day
• Whether overnight support is sleepover or active
• The level of staffing required
• The complexity of support needs
• Whether supports are shared with housemates

A Roster of Care is developed outlining how support will be delivered. This document is submitted to the NDIS for review, and funding is approved based on what is considered reasonable and necessary.

Can I Use SIL Funding in My Own Home?

In many cases, yes, but it depends on your circumstances. SIL can be delivered in:

• Shared supported accommodation
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
• A private rental
• A home you own

What matters most is whether the support model is appropriate and cost-effective compared to alternatives. The NDIS will look at whether shared supports are suitable or whether individualised support in your own home is justified. It’s also important to distinguish SIL from other home-based supports – if you live independently and only need occasional assistance, you may receive in-home supports funded differently, rather than full SIL funding.

What the Process Looks Like

While each journey is unique, accessing SIL funding generally follows these steps:

1. Assessment of support needs: An allied health professional evaluates functional capacity and daily support requirements.
2. Development of a support proposal: A detailed Roster of Care is created outlining staffing ratios and daily support structure.
3. NDIS review and decision: The NDIA reviews the evidence to determine if SIL funding is reasonable and necessary.
4. Plan implementation: Once approved, supports can commence with a registered provider.

It can feel like a lot to navigate which is why having an experienced team by your side makes a real difference.

Get in touch

If you’d like to learn more about Orana’s Supported Independent Living options across South Australia, our team is always here to have a conversation — and to help you take the next step with confidence.