Getting SIL funding into your NDIS plan is one of the most significant steps toward independent living — and one of the least straightforward. Most people are told they need a functional assessment, then left to piece together the rest. This guide covers every step, the evidence the NDIS expects, and what you can do to give your application the best chance.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding that pays for support workers to help you live in a shared or independent home. It sits under your Core Supports budget and covers the cost of workers — not rent, not the property. Housing is a separate matter. If you need purpose-built accessible housing, that’s SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation), which is funded differently.
The NDIS funds SIL when it’s considered “reasonable and necessary” for your situation. That means showing that without paid support, you couldn’t safely live outside a clinical or family setting.
Not everyone with an NDIS plan qualifies for SIL. The NDIS looks at several things when assessing a request:
SIL is designed for people with high support needs. If your needs are moderate, individual Core Supports funding may suit you better than a full SIL arrangement.
Step 1: Get a functional assessment from an occupational therapist
An OT report is the most important piece of evidence in any SIL funding application. The OT assesses how your disability affects your ability to manage daily tasks — showering, cooking, taking medications, moving safely around your home.
The report outlines what you can and can’t do independently, what support you need and how often, and why SIL is appropriate for your situation. Without an OT report, your SIL funding request is unlikely to progress. Ask your LAC or planner to fund an OT assessment through your current plan if you don’t have one.
Step 2: Build your evidence package
Your OT report is the foundation, but the NDIS expects more than one document. A strong SIL funding application typically includes:
Specific language matters here. “Needs physical assistance to transfer from bed to wheelchair, approximately 20 minutes each morning” carries far more weight than “needs daily support.”
Step 3: Ask your planner or LAC for SIL
SIL funding doesn’t appear in your NDIS plan automatically. You have to ask for it directly. When you meet with your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), tell them clearly you’re requesting SIL, bring your evidence package to the meeting, and ask what they need from you to assess the request.
If you’re already due for a plan review, that’s the right time to raise it. If not, you can request a plan reassessment if your circumstances have changed significantly. The NDIS Home and Living page has more detail on what the NDIA considers when assessing SIL.
Step 4: Get a SIL roster of care from a registered provider
Before the NDIS can approve SIL funding, they need a detailed quote from a registered SIL provider — called a SIL roster of care. It breaks down exactly what support you need, when you need it, and at what cost. Finding a registered provider early — before your plan review if possible — can speed things up significantly.
Step 5: Wait for the NDIA decision
Once your evidence is in and the SIL roster of care is submitted, the NDIS will review your application. Timelines vary. The honest answer is it can take weeks or months, and follow-up is sometimes necessary.
If your SIL funding is approved, it will appear in your Core Supports budget. If it’s declined, you have the right to request an internal review within 3 months of the decision, and after that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
From starting the process to having SIL funding approved, most people should expect 3 to 6 months — sometimes longer. The biggest delays happen when evidence is incomplete or when the SIL roster of care takes time to finalise. Starting early and arriving at your plan review with all documents ready gives you the best shot at a faster outcome.
Can I get SIL funding in my first NDIS plan?
Yes, but it’s less common. First plans tend to focus on lower-level supports while the NDIA establishes a clearer picture of your needs. It’s possible to have SIL funding approved in a first plan if the evidence is strong from the start — an OT report and a clear support needs assessment make a big difference.
Does SIL funding cover rent?
No. SIL covers the cost of support workers, not housing costs. Rent is typically covered through a combination of personal income, Disability Support Pension (DSP) and Commonwealth Rent Assistance. If you need purpose-built accessible housing, SDA is a separate NDIS funding category that covers that.
Do I need a support coordinator to apply for SIL?
You don’t need one, but having a support coordinator makes the process significantly easier. They help gather evidence, connect you with providers for a SIL roster of care, and liaise with the NDIA on your behalf. If you have a support coordinator in your plan, use them for this.
What if my SIL funding request is declined?
You can request an internal review within 3 months of the decision. If that’s unsuccessful, the AAT is the next step. It’s worth getting advice before either — disability advocacy organisations can help you identify gaps in your evidence and build a stronger case.
Can I choose my own SIL provider?
Yes. Once SIL funding is in your plan, you have the right to choose which registered NDIS provider delivers your support. You can also change providers if the arrangement isn’t working, though transition planning takes time and needs to be handled carefully.
Dream Maker Community Services has immediate SIL vacancies in Western Sydney, including Rooty Hill and Leumeah. We’re an NDIS-registered provider with a straightforward referral process. Get in touch with our team today.
This article is general information about the NDIS SIL funding process. It is not clinical or legal advice. We recommend speaking with your LAC, support coordinator, or a registered disability advocate for guidance specific to your situation.
Written by the Dream Maker Community Services marketing team. Dream Maker is a registered NDIS provider operating across Western Sydney since 2019.
Dream Maker Community Services is an NDIS-registered provider operating across New South Wales and Victoria. We specialise in Supported Independent Living, SDA accommodation, community participation, daily personal activities, life skill development, household support, and assisted transport.
If any of this sounds like what you or someone you love needs, get in touch with our team today. No pressure, no jargon, just a real conversation about how we can help.