💡 Did you know?
Many families and Support Coordinators are unsure where to start with SIL funding, even if Supported Independent Living has already been mentioned in NDIS planning meetings.
Applying for Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding can feel overwhelming at first. There are forms, reports, planning meetings, and different types of home and living supports to consider. The good news is that you do not need to figure it all out alone, and the overall process can be broken into clear, manageable steps.
This guide explains, in simple language, how to apply for SIL funding under the NDIS. It is not legal or financial advice, and it cannot guarantee an outcome, but it will help you understand what SIL funding usually covers, what the NDIS often looks for, and how to work with your Support Coordinator and provider through each step.
Before starting the application, it helps to understand what SIL funding is designed to pay for. SIL supports are mainly about the help you receive from staff, not the building itself.
SIL funding typically covers:
SIL funding does not usually cover:
Other parts of an NDIS plan, and separate income such as rent assistance or personal income, may be used for those costs. If you are unsure how these elements fit together, it is important to ask your NDIS planner or Support Coordinator so that you can make informed decisions.
For a broader overview, you can read this introductory article first: What Is Supported Independent Living and How Does It Work Under the NDIS.
The NDIS looks at SIL for people who need a significant amount of help with daily tasks, often every day of the week. SIL is most commonly used when a person lives with other participants in a shared home, and needs support to live as independently as possible.
Although each decision is individual, SIL is more likely to be considered when:
Eligibility and funding are always decided by the NDIS after looking at reports, assessments, and information about the person’s needs and goals. This is why preparing good quality information before asking for SIL is so important.
While every situation is different, most SIL funding applications follow a similar pattern. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand what usually happens and where to focus your energy.
The first step is to be very clear about what support is needed and why. This includes day to day tasks, health and safety concerns, and long term goals such as independence, routine, and housing stability.
You can start by writing down:
The NDIS usually relies on written evidence to understand whether SIL is reasonable and necessary. This may include reports from occupational therapists, psychologists, medical specialists, allied health professionals, and other people involved in the person’s support.
Useful information may cover:
Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator can help identify what evidence is most relevant. It is better to have clear, specific information than large amounts of general paperwork.
A Support Coordinator can be very helpful in guiding you through the SIL funding process. They can help you:
If you do not currently have Support Coordination in your plan, you can discuss this with your planner or Local Area Coordinator. For some people, having Support Coordination approved first can make the SIL process smoother.
To formally ask the NDIS to look at SIL, you will normally need to complete a home and living request or similar form. This is where you explain the type of support you are asking the NDIS to consider and share the evidence you have gathered.
Your Support Coordinator or planner can help make sure the information is complete and clearly linked to your goals. It is important that the request explains why SIL is the most suitable option, compared to other supports or living arrangements.
Once the request is submitted, the NDIS will review the information. This may involve:
The time frame for a decision can vary. If there are delays or questions, it can help to stay in contact with your Support Coordinator and respond to any requests for additional information as soon as possible.
If SIL funding is approved, the next step is to consider which provider and home will be the best fit. This is where you look at location, housemates, routines, staff approach, and the provider’s experience.
You might find it helpful to read: SIL Homes in Newcastle: What to Look For and Choosing an NDIS SIL Provider: 7 Questions to Ask.
Bright Tomorrows can discuss current SIL vacancies and explain how their homes are structured for men who benefit from calm environments and predictable support.
🌻 Bright Tomorrows Insight
A clear SIL application is usually built on good evidence and calm, honest communication. Bright Tomorrows works alongside families and Support Coordinators by providing information about supports, routines, and goals that can help during NDIS planning and review discussions.
There are a few common issues that can make the SIL funding process harder than it needs to be. Being aware of these early can help you avoid frustration.
If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is always best to ask questions early, rather than waiting until close to a plan meeting or review.
A SIL provider does not control NDIS funding decisions, but they can still play a helpful role in supporting families and Support Coordinators through the process.
For example, a provider may be able to:
Bright Tomorrows focuses on SIL supports for men and is experienced in working with participants who benefit from structure, routine, and steady staff teams. More detail about their approach can be found on the Supported Independent Living page.
For many men, the idea of moving into a new home and starting SIL can feel like a big step. Bright Tomorrows aims to make this transition as calm and predictable as possible.
This includes:
Once someone has moved in, staff continue to focus on daily living skills, social participation, and building confidence in a way that suits the person’s pace and preferences.
Ready to talk about SIL supports and next steps? You can contact the Bright Tomorrows team via the Contact Us page or explore current SIL vacancies to see what is available.
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Bright Tomorrows are your local SIL specialists in Newcastle, focused on delivering high-quality, personalised support for men living with disability. We prioritise your needs, your independence, and your long-term goals, providing consistent care in a safe, structured environment you can rely on.
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