How to Get SIL Funding Added to Your NDIS Plan
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Quick Summary: Getting SIL funding requires a 5-step process: 1) Set a home and living goal in your NDIS plan, 2) Engage a Support Coordinator, 3) Gather evidence including a Functional Capacity Assessment and Roster of Care, 4) Submit the Home and Living Supports Request Form, and 5) Wait for the NDIS decision. Proper evidence is crucial for approval.
Introduction: What is SIL Funding and Who is it For?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a life-changing NDIS support that provides the help you need to live independently in your own home or a shared house. But before you can move in, you need to have SIL funding approved in your NDIS plan.
The application process can seem complex, but it’s all about one thing: providing the right evidence to show the NDIS that SIL is ‘reasonable and necessary’ for you.
This 5-step guide breaks down the exact process, explaining the key documents and professionals you’ll need to build a strong application for SIL funding in Adelaide and across South Australia.
The 5-Step Process to Get SIL Funding
Set Home & Living Goal
Add relevant goal to your NDIS plan
Engage Support Coordinator
Your project manager for the application
Gather Evidence
FCA, Roster of Care, supporting reports
Submit Application
Home and Living Supports Request Form
NDIS Decision
Review and funding outcome
Step 1: Add a “Home and Living” Goal to Your NDIS Plan
The first step in getting SIL funding is ensuring you have a relevant goal in your NDIS plan. If you don’t, you’ll need to request a plan review or wait for your next scheduled one.
Effective Home and Living Goal Examples:
- “My goal is to live more independently in the community.”
- “I want to build my skills in household tasks like cooking and cleaning.”
- “I want to explore my options for moving out of my family home.”
- “My goal is to develop the skills to manage my own home with appropriate support.”
This goal “unlocks” the possibility of funding for the next crucial step: the assessments that will demonstrate your need for SIL support.
Step 2: Engage a Support Coordinator (Your Project Manager)
Do not try to navigate the SIL application process alone. Your Support Coordinator acts as your project manager for the entire SIL application process.
Their Key Responsibilities:
- Find a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) for your assessment
- Coordinate with your SIL provider to develop the Roster of Care
- Gather supporting reports from doctors, psychologists, and therapists
- Prepare and submit the final application to the NDIS
- Communicate with the NDIS throughout the process
If you don’t have Support Coordination in your current plan, you’ll need to request this funding during your plan review, explaining that you need it to explore home and living options.
Step 3: Gather the Evidence (The Most Important Part)
This is the core of your SIL application. The NDIS requires specific, detailed reports to make its decision. Here’s what you need:
Step 4: Submit the “Home and Living Supports Request” Form
Once you have all your evidence compiled, your Support Coordinator will package everything together for submission.
Submission Package Checklist:
- ✅ Completed NDIS Home and Living Supports Request Form
- ✅ Functional Capacity Assessment from your OT
- ✅ Detailed Roster of Care from your SIL provider
- ✅ Supporting reports from relevant health professionals
- ✅ Any additional evidence of your support needs
This complete package is submitted to the NDIA via email or through the NDIS portal. Your Support Coordinator will handle this process and ensure everything is submitted correctly.
Step 5: The NDIS Decision
The NDIS will review all your documents to determine if your request for SIL is ‘reasonable and necessary’ compared to other support options.
If Approved:
- SIL funding will be added to your NDIS plan
- Funding is typically provided for 12 months
- You can begin working with your chosen SIL provider
- Next review will be at your annual plan reassessment
If Not Approved:
- Don’t panic – this usually means more evidence is needed
- Your Support Coordinator can help understand the reasons
- You can address the gaps and resubmit
- If necessary, you can request a review of the decision
The NDIS decision typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission, though this can vary depending on the complexity of your application and NDIS workload.
Conclusion: How We Can Help You with Your SIL Application
Getting SIL funding is a process of gathering the right evidence. It starts with a clear home and living goal and requires detailed reports from an Occupational Therapist and a comprehensive Roster of Care from your SIL provider.
At Humanity Care Australia, we are experts in this process. Our Adelaide-based team has extensive experience working with participants and Support Coordinators to prepare successful SIL applications.
We can work directly with your Support Coordinator to prepare a comprehensive Roster of Care that accurately reflects your needs and demonstrates to the NDIS why SIL is the right support for you.
Need Help with Your SIL Application in Adelaide?
Humanity Care Australia specialises in Supported Independent Living across Adelaide and South Australia. Our team can assist with the crucial Roster of Care development and provide guidance throughout the SIL funding process.
If you have a ‘Home and Living’ goal in your NDIS plan, contact us today to discuss how we can help with your SIL application.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIL Funding
1. How long does the SIL funding application process take?
The complete process typically takes 2-4 months from starting assessments to receiving a decision. This includes time for OT assessments, report preparation, and the NDIS review period. Complex cases may take longer, so it’s best to start early, especially if your current living situation is unstable.
2. Can I get SIL funding for living alone, or is it only for shared accommodation?
SIL funding can be approved for both shared accommodation and solo living, depending on your needs and circumstances. The key is demonstrating that the support is reasonable and necessary. Living alone typically requires stronger justification and evidence of why shared living isn’t suitable.
3. What’s the difference between SIL and ILO (Individualised Living Options)?
SIL focuses on support with daily tasks in a shared living environment or with 24/7 support needs. ILO is more flexible and creative, exploring different living arrangements and supports that might include living with family, host arrangements, or co-residency. ILO often involves a longer exploration process but can result in more tailored solutions.
4. What happens if my SIL funding is reduced at my plan review?
If the NDIS believes your needs have changed and reduces your SIL funding, you have the right to request a review. You’ll need to provide updated evidence showing why the previous level of support is still required. Your Support Coordinator and SIL provider can help gather this evidence and navigate the review process.
5. Can I change SIL providers after funding is approved?
Yes, you can change SIL providers at any time. The funding is in your plan, not tied to a specific provider. However, you should check your service agreement for notice periods and ensure a smooth transition to avoid gaps in support. The new provider will need to develop a new Roster of Care.
6. How much does a Functional Capacity Assessment cost, and is it NDIS funded?
A Functional Capacity Assessment typically costs between $1,800-$2,500 in Adelaide, depending on the complexity. This is usually funded from the Improved Daily Living capacity building budget in your NDIS plan. If you don’t have sufficient funds, you may need to request a plan review to include this assessment.
Remember: Strong Evidence Leads to Successful Outcomes
The key to securing SIL funding is comprehensive, high-quality evidence that clearly demonstrates your support needs. Working with experienced professionals—your Support Coordinator, Occupational Therapist, and SIL provider—significantly increases your chances of approval.
Don’t be discouraged if the process seems complex. Thousands of NDIS participants successfully secure SIL funding each year by following this proven process. With the right team and proper preparation, you can achieve your goal of living more independently with the support you need.