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How SIL Funding Works Under NDIS Support | 3Sixty5 Care

Living independently is a big goal for many people with disabilities. The good news is that Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding can help make this happen. At 3Sixty5 Care, we help people understand SIL and get the support they need to live more freely and confidently.

SIL is more than just daily help. It’s about building a life where you feel safe and have control over your choices. Here, we will discuss the SIL and who is eligible to receive SIL and how it takes place under the NDIS.

What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living is a type of support funded by the NDIS. It’s for people with high support needs who want to live on their own or in a shared home. SIL means you get help every day to do things like cook, clean, and take care of yourself.
SIL is not just one kind of help. It’s a mix of support that matches your needs. Some people get support all day and night. Some of them only require a few hours of help. You will be the person who will help you live as independently as possible.
You can find SIL in a community house or even within your house as well as with other individuals. The right option depends on what works best for you. SIL is there to give you freedom with the help you need.

Who Can Get SIL Funding?

SIL is made for people with higher support needs. You may need help with personal care, safety, or daily tasks. To get SIL funding, you must be a NDIS participant and show that you need this kind of regular support.
You’ll need to share reports from your doctors or therapists. These reports explain why you need SIL and how it will help you. You may also need to fill out a Home and Living application with the NDIS.
The NDIS then decides if SIL is the right support for you. If they agree, the funding will be added to your plan under “Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life.”

NDIS SIL Eligibility, Application Process, Funding Amounts, and Inclusions vs Exclusions

For most participants and families, four questions sit at the heart of every SIL conversation. Who actually qualifies? What does the application process involve? How much funding does the NDIS actually provide? And what does that funding cover — and what doesn’t it? This section answers all four clearly and honestly, so you can approach your NDIS planning meeting with confidence.

NDIS SIL Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies? 
SIL is not available to every NDIS participant — it is specifically designed for those with higher support needs who require regular, ongoing assistance to live safely outside of a clinical or family setting. To meet the NDIS SIL eligibility criteria, a participant generally needs to satisfy all of the following conditions.

First, you must already be an active NDIS participant — SIL cannot be accessed without an existing NDIS plan. Second, your disability must result in significantly reduced functional capacity across multiple daily living areas, such as self-care, mobility, communication, or social interaction, to the extent that you require regular support from trained workers to live safely. Third, the NDIA must determine that SIL is the most appropriate and cost-effective support for your situation — meaning that lower-intensity alternatives such as home and community supports have been considered and are not sufficient to meet your needs. 

Fourth, the support must be assessed as reasonable and necessary under NDIS guidelines, which means it must relate directly to your disability, contribute to your long-term independence goals, and represent value for money.

Importantly, SIL eligibility is not determined by diagnosis alone. Two people with the same condition may receive very different assessments depending on their functional capacity, informal support networks, and living circumstances. The NDIA considers the whole picture — not just the disability label.

How to Apply for SIL Funding: The Step-by-Step Process Applying for SIL funding is more involved than applying for most other NDIS supports, and understanding the process upfront prevents delays and frustration. Here is what the pathway looks like in practice: 

Step 1 — Gather Supporting Evidence
Before any application is lodged, you need professional reports documenting why SIL is necessary. The most important is typically an Occupational Therapist (OT) Functional Assessment, which details your current functional capacity and what level of daily support you require to live safely and independently. Letters from your GP, treating specialists, psychologist, or allied health team that reinforce the same picture significantly strengthen the application.

Step 2 — Submit a Home and Living Application
The formal pathway to SIL funding is through the NDIS Home and Living Supports application. This can be submitted by you, your Support Coordinator, or your nominee. The application outlines your current living situation, your goals, why SIL is the right fit, and what alternatives have been explored. This is where the evidence gathered in Step 1 is submitted.

Step 3 — NDIA Assessment and Decision

The NDIA reviews your application and supporting evidence. This process can take several weeks to months depending on complexity and current NDIA workloads. The NDIA may request additional information, conduct a planning conversation, or arrange a formal assessment before making a decision. If approved, SIL funding is added to your plan under Core Supports — Assistance with Daily Life.

Step 4 — Obtain a SIL Quotation from Your Provider
Once SIL funding is included in your plan, your chosen SIL provider — such as 3SIXTY5 CARE — prepares a detailed SIL Quotation. This document outlines exactly how many support hours you require across different times of day and week, the staffing ratios involved, and the total weekly cost. The NDIA reviews and approves this quotation before services can formally commence. The quotation is based on your individual assessed needs, which is why no two SIL packages are identical.

Step 5 — Move In and Begin Services
Once the quotation is approved, a Service Agreement is signed between you and your provider, and support begins. Your SIL provider works with you to establish routines, introduce support workers, and ensure the living arrangement meets your needs from day one.
How Much SIL Funding Does the NDIS Provide?
 
Need help understanding whether you or a family member meets the NDIS SIL eligibility criteria — or want guidance on how to apply for SIL funding? Contact 3SIXTY5 CARE for a clear, no-obligation conversation. We help participants and families navigate the SIL process from first enquiry through to moving in.

What Does SIL Funding Cover?

SIL covers the cost of support workers who help with daily life. It does not pay for rent, food, or bills. The workers can help you with many tasks depending on your needs.
This can include:
  • Getting dressed or showering
  • Making meals or snacks
  • Cleaning your room or doing laundry
  • Taking medicine
  • Going to appointments or joining activities
You may also get overnight support if needed. Some people have workers who stay awake through the night. Others may just need someone to check in while they sleep.
The main aim of SIL is to give you support so you can do more on your own. It helps you feel safe and confident while living in your chosen home.

What Is Supported Independent Living Accommodation?

SIL helps pay for your support, but not your accommodation. That means you still need to pay rent or find a place to live. Some people may also be eligible for SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) if they have extra housing needs.

Supported independent living accommodation can be a shared house, an apartment, or a private rental. It can be a place you move into alone or with other people who also get NDIS support.

The home should match your lifestyle and needs. Some people like being in a social home with housemates. Others prefer quiet and more personal space. The goal is to feel comfortable and safe in your living space.

How to Get SIL Funding from the NDIS

Getting SIL funding starts by applying through the NDIS. You or your support coordinator can fill out a Home and Living application. This form tells the NDIS about your needs and why SIL is the best option for you.
You’ll also need to provide reports from professionals. For example, an occupational therapist might write about the help you need each day. These reports show how SIL will support your goals and keep you safe at home.
The NDIS reviews your case and makes a decision. If they approve it, SIL funding will appear in your next plan. The amount depends on how much support you need and how often.

What Does SIL Look Like in Real Life?

SIL looks different for everyone. Some people live in a shared home in Melbourne with 24/7 support staff. Others live on their own and have workers come in the morning and evening.
One example could be Sarah, who lives with two housemates. Her support worker helps her with cooking and cleaning, while another person gets help with transport and medicine.
SIL is flexible. It can change as your needs change. The support you get should help you build skills and feel more independent over time.
  • Safe, comfortable accommodations that are clean enough

Supported Independent Living in Melbourne

Melbourne is a great place to access supported independent living. The city is full of services, methods of transport and multifarious communities. There are SIL support regions all through north, south, east and west, so no one need not go far.
There are a lot of reachable houses and communal dwellings in Melbourne, as well. You will be able to select something, which is either near family, work, or community centers. The appreciation in Melbourne is said to be inclusive and respectful. You are also able to get providers who are familiar with your language, culture or background.

How 3Sixty5 Care Can Help You

As a trusted registered NDIS provider, 3Sixty5 Care supports people through the SIL journey. We don’t just offer support workers we help you from start to finish.
We can assist with:
  • Understanding your NDIS plan
  • Applying for SIL funding
  • The provision of writing support letters and assessment
  • Getting the right accommodation
  • To have caring support staff that is trained
We go to the extent of listening to your requirements and pairing your needs with motivated workers who treat you with greed and compassion. Safety and Independence are the most important things to us.
We collaborate with you, family and support team to ensure things go well, and you are happy in your house.

Final Thoughts

Supported Independent Living is more than a service. It is how to have control over your life and to be supported every day. Whether you need help with daily tasks or 24/7 care, SIL can help you live more freely.
I will admit there is an initial aspect of confusion in the process, but you do not have to work out the process yourself. We take you through the process of admission all the way to the transfer process and even after that at 3Sixty5 Care.

When you are prepared to find out more about SIL or when you need assistance in getting started, you should contact 3Sixty5 Care today. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can support your journey to independent living in Melbourne

NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) — Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the questions participants and families in Melbourne and Melton most commonly ask about SIL eligibility, the application process, funding, and what it covers.

  1. What are the NDIS SIL eligibility criteria?

    To be eligible for SIL funding, you must be an active NDIS participant whose disability results in significantly reduced functional capacity across daily living areas, requiring regular skilled support to live safely outside a family or clinical setting. The NDIA must also determine that SIL is the most reasonable and cost-effective option for your situation — meaning lower-intensity alternatives have been considered and are insufficient. Eligibility is assessed through a Home and Living application supported by professional evidence, most importantly an OT functional assessment. Diagnosis alone does not guarantee SIL eligibility — functional need and goal alignment are the primary deciding factors.

  2. How do I apply for SIL funding through the NDIS?

    To apply for SIL funding, you or your Support Coordinator submits a Home and Living Supports application to the NDIA, supported by professional reports — particularly an OT functional assessment — that document your support needs and why SIL is appropriate. The NDIA reviews your application and, if approved, adds SIL funding to your Core Supports budget. Your chosen provider then prepares a SIL Quotation detailing your required support hours and costs, which the NDIA must approve before services begin. The full process can take several months, so starting early and having strong supporting evidence is important.

  3. How much SIL funding does the NDIS provide?

    There is no fixed SIL funding amount — it is entirely individualised based on your assessed support needs. Funding is calculated from a SIL Quotation prepared by your provider and costed against current NDIS price guide rates. The main factors affecting the amount are the number of daily support hours required, whether support is needed overnight, whether you receive 1:1 or shared support, the complexity of your needs, and your location. SIL is one of the largest funding items in any NDIS plan, and amounts vary widely between participants depending on their individual circumstances.

  4. What does NDIS SIL funding cover?

    SIL funding covers the cost of support workers who assist you with daily living tasks in your home — including personal care, meal preparation, domestic assistance, medication management, overnight support, and skill development. It does not cover rent, utilities, groceries, personal items, furniture, or medical and allied health costs. A clear distinction to remember is that SIL pays for the support delivered in your home, not the home itself. Accommodation costs are the participant's own responsibility, or may be addressed separately through NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding for those who qualify.

  5. Can I choose my own SIL provider?

    Yes. Participant choice and control applies to SIL, and you have the right to choose your SIL provider. However, because SIL involves living arrangements and significant ongoing support, the provider selection process is more involved than for other NDIS services. It is important to meet with potential providers, ask about staffing consistency, house culture, and how individual plans are developed, before committing. 3Sixty5 Care welcomes enquiries from participants and families exploring SIL options in Melton and across Melbourne's western suburbs.

  6. Can SIL funding change over time if my needs change?

    Yes. SIL funding is reviewed as part of your regular NDIS plan review, and can be increased or decreased based on changes to your support needs. If your needs change significantly between reviews — for example due to a health event, change in living situation, or goal progress — you can request an unscheduled plan review. Your SIL provider documents changes in your support needs as part of their ongoing reporting obligations, and this evidence can support a request for adjusted funding at review.

  7. What is the difference between SIL and SDA?

    SIL (Supported Independent Living) funds the support workers who help you live independently — the people, not the property. SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is a separate NDIS funding category that contributes toward the cost of purpose-built or highly modified accessible housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Some participants receive both SIL and SDA funding — SDA covers their housing costs and SIL funds their daily support. Most SIL participants do not receive SDA and instead live in standard rental properties, community housing, or their own home.

Want to know if you or a family member qualifies for SIL? 3Sixty5 Care provides clear, no-obligation guidance on SIL eligibility and the application process for participants across Melbourne and Melton.

Call 0406 207 736
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