Apply for SIL Funding
Applying for SIL can feel confusing at first, especially when you hear terms like “Functional Capacity Assessment” or “Roster of Care.”
This simple guide explains what SIL is for, what evidence you need, and how to apply for SIL funding in a calm, straightforward way.
Table of Contents
1. Requirements for SIL Funding
SIL (Supported Independent Living) is for people who need daily support to live safely at home. It does not cover the home itself it covers the support workers who help you with everyday tasks.
You may be eligible if you:
• Need regular support workers in your home
• Need help with personal care or household tasks
• Need overnight supervision or active overnight support
• Have limited independence due to your disability
• Struggle to complete daily routines safely on your own
SIL is usually for people who need support multiple times throughout the day or 24/7 help depending on their needs.
The NDIS also provides a simple explanation of Supported Independent Living, which can help you understand who SIL is designed for and what it covers.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, this is where assessments help.
2. Assessments Needed Before Applying
Before you apply for SIL funding, the NDIS wants clear evidence showing your support needs.
This evidence usually comes from allied health professionals.
Common assessments are:
Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
Shows how much help you need with daily tasks.
The NDIS outlines what a Functional Capacity Assessment includes, which can make it easier to see why this report is important when you apply for SIL funding.
Daily Living Skills Assessment
The areas covered by this instrument are cooking, cleaning, dressing, showering, daily habits, and level of independence.
Occupational Therapy Assessment
Explains what supports are “reasonable and necessary” for your safety and independence.
Behavioural Assessment (if required)
Implies the use of methods for supporting behaviour in case a person is in need of such support or has complex issues that hinder the normal flow of daily routines.
These assessments create a clear picture of why SIL support is important for your wellbeing.
3. Reports You Need to Submit
When preparing to apply for SIL funding, you’ll usually need a set of reports that clearly explain your support needs.
Here’s what is commonly required:
Support Coordinator Recommendation
A summary explaining why SIL is suitable for your disability and goals.
OT and Allied Health Reports
Clear evidence showing the level of support you need each day.
Roster of Care (ROC)
A document that outlines what your support workers will do across a 24-hour period.
It shows:
• Morning support
• Daytime routines
• Evening tasks
• Overnight needs
Reasonable and Necessary Evidence
This explains why SIL is essential for your safety and independence not just helpful.
Good documentation makes the application process smoother and easier for the NDIS to understand.
4. How to Include SIL in Your NDIS Plan
There are two main times to request SIL:
1. Before a Plan Review
Your reports are submitted to the NDIS through your Support Coordinator.
The planner reviews your evidence and decides if SIL meets your needs.
2. During Your Planning Meeting
This is where you talk about your goals and your daily support needs.
Your Support Coordinator or provider can join you to help explain:
• Why SIL is needed
• What risks you face without support
• How SIL will help you live safely and independently
If SIL is approved, you can then:
• Choose your SIL provider
• Look for a suitable home (SDA if required or standard housing)
• Finalise the Roster of Care with your chosen provider
The steps are not done in a hurry and it is a gradual process, but by each step, you get a more detailed understanding of what your requirements are.
Moreover, the NDIS Home and Living page is a valuable source of information concerning various support options and the way SIL is incorporated in a participant’s plan.
How STARR Care Supports You Through the Process
STARR Care helps people understand SIL in a simple, calm way.
We guide you through the paperwork, connect you with the right allied health assessments, and help you prepare the information the NDIS needs.
If you want to understand our broader support services, you can read our page Registered NDIS Provider in Western Australia.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I should apply for SIL funding?
You may need SIL if you require daily support from workers to stay safe at home, need help with personal care or routines, or need overnight assistance. If these are part of your everyday life, it’s usually a good sign that you should apply for SIL funding.
2. Do I need assessments before applying for SIL?
Yes. The NDIS needs clear evidence before approving SIL. Most people need an OT assessment, a functional capacity assessment, and a report showing how much support is needed each day. These assessments help explain why SIL is reasonable and necessary.
3. How long does it take for SIL funding to be approved?
It varies. Some applications are processed quickly, while others take longer if more evidence is needed. The process depends on the assessments, the reports submitted, and your plan review timeline. A Support Coordinator can help keep everything organised when you apply for SIL funding.
Conclusion: How to Apply for SIL Funding
Applying for SIL is easier when the steps are clear. You need the right assessments, strong evidence, and support that explains why SIL is reasonable and necessary for your daily life. With the right documentation and guidance, the NDIS can see what level of support you truly need.
If you or someone you care for needs help to apply for SIL funding, the team at STARR Care is ready to guide you through each step.
Email: info@starrcare.com.au
Address: Unit 3, Brand Street, South Hedland WA 6722
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