Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a new type of supported accommodation program funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. It provides in-home support to individuals with mental health challenges, allowing them to live independently and with a sense of community in shared living arrangements. For individuals with high support needs, individual living arrangements may also be available.
Eligibility Criteria – To be eligible for SIL, individuals must:
• Require 24/7 support
• Be over the age of 18
• Have an NDIS plan that includes approval for SIL or funding for Investigating Housing Solutions and expect that their plan will include SIL
SIL is suitable for individuals between the ages of 18-65 who live with a disability. There are three levels of need provided for under the NDIS SIL funding arrangements:
• Lower needs – Supervision of living arrangements including occasional to intermittent prompting for household tasks and self-care activities. This supervision is not usually 24/7.
• Standard needs – 24/7 support including active assistance or supervision of daily tasks and regular inactive overnight support.
• Higher needs – Intensive 24/7 support including continual active assistance with all daily tasks, specialised behaviour support, and active overnight supervision support.
The level of need is determined by the NDIS planner assigned at the time of application. Support begins with everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and personal care, with the aim of developing the individual’s skills to live as independently as possible.
Process – The first step is to apply to the NDIS. Once an individual has an NDIS plan that includes approval for SIL, they can contact BOICO, and the team at BOICO will assist with their needs.