What Are the Eligibility Requirements for NDIS Supported Independent Living?
NDIS SIL eligibility requirements outline who can access Supported Independent Living and what evidence is needed for approval.
In many cases, participants and families find it confusing to understand whether someone is eligible for NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL), especially when planning housing and supports long term. However, the NDIS does not automatically include SIL in every plan, and instead, it approves SIL only when specific criteria are met.
This guide explains the eligibility requirements for NDIS Supported Independent Living, outlines the evidence usually needed, and describes how the NDIS assesses eligibility.
What Does Supported Independent Living (SIL) Involve and What Are the NDIS SIL Eligibility Requirements?
Supported Independent Living is an NDIS-funded support that helps participants who need regular or ongoing assistance to live independently, usually in a shared living arrangement, though individual living options may also apply.
SIL focuses on support services, not the physical home. It supports participants with:
- Daily personal care
- Household tasks
- Meal preparation
- Medication prompts
- Developing independent living skills
- Overnight or 24/7 support, if required
Who Qualifies for NDIS Supported Independent Living Under SIL Eligibility Requirements?
The NDIS assesses SIL eligibility individually. However, participants generally need to meet all of the following conditions.
1. The Participant Must Be an NDIS Participant
To consider someone for SIL, the NDIS requires that the person:
- Be an approved NDIS participant
- Have an active NDIS plan
The NDIS does not fund SIL outside its framework.
2. The Participant Must Require Ongoing Daily Support
SIL supports participants who:
- Need regular assistance every day, not just occasional help
- Require support to live safely in a home environment
Participants who only need a few hours of support per week may not meet SIL eligibility, as other support categories may be more appropriate.
3. The NDIS Must Consider SIL Reasonable and Necessary
Like all NDIS supports, SIL funding must meet the “reasonable and necessary” criteria. This means the NDIS will consider whether:
- The support is directly related to the participant’s disability
- It helps the participant pursue their goals
- It represents value for money
- It complements informal supports (family, carers)
If other supports meet a participant’s needs, the NDIS may not approve SIL.
4. Shared Living Is Usually Required
In most cases, SIL supports shared living arrangements, where participants live with others and share support staff.
This is because:
- Shared support is more cost-effective
- It aligns with the NDIS’s value-for-money principle
However, the NDIS may consider individual SIL arrangements in specific circumstances, particularly when shared living is unsuitable due to safety or complex needs.
5. The NDIS Requires a Functional Assessment
Professional evidence supports SIL eligibility and often includes:
- A functional capacity assessment
- Reports from allied health professionals
- Behaviour support plans (if applicable)
These assessments help demonstrate:
- What supports the participant needs
- How often the participant requires support
- Whether SIL is the most appropriate option
6. SIL Must Align With the Participant’s Goals
The NDIS looks closely at a participant’s stated goals. The NDIS is more likely to approve SIL when a participant’s goals relate to:
- Living independently
- Developing daily living skills
- Increasing stability and safety
- Building long-term capacity
If a participant’s plan goals do not reflect independent living, the NDIS may find it harder to justify SIL funding.
Understanding NDIS SIL eligibility requirements is easier when you also understand how daily supports are delivered through LYFIT’s NDIS services.
What Does Not Meet NDIS SIL Eligibility Requirements?
It’s important to understand that the following do not guarantee eligibility:
- Wanting to move out of the family home
- Wanting 24/7 support without evidence
- Needing housing only (SIL is not housing)
- Having SDA funding does not automatically qualify a participant for SIL, as the NDIS assesses SDA and SIL separately.
The NDIS assesses each request based on individual need and evidence.
What Does Not Meet NDIS SIL Eligibility Requirements?
Determining SIL eligibility often involves:
- Support Coordinators
- Local Area Coordinators (LACs)
- Allied health professionals
- Families and carers
A coordinated approach helps ensure the right evidence is collected and the request is presented clearly to the NDIA.
Final Thoughts on SIL Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for NDIS Supported Independent Living focus on need, evidence, and outcomes, not preference alone. SIL is designed for participants who genuinely require ongoing daily support to live safely and independently.
Taking the time to understand eligibility and gather the right evidence can make the process clearer, more structured, and far less stressful for everyone involved.
Because SIL funding must meet the “reasonable and necessary” criteria, it’s useful to understand how the NDIA applies this when reviewing NDIS SIL eligibility requirements.
