Supported Independent Living Funding

Supported Independent Living Funding

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is an essential component of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), assisting participants with significant support needs to live independently. As of June 2022, the NDIS had 534,655 participants, with projections indicating this number will increase to 646,000 by June 2024 and 741,000 by June 2026. 

By June 2032, the scheme is expected to support 1 million participants. This funding aims to help participants gain skills and independence while ensuring their daily needs are met. With the total amount of funding for all participants expected to reach about AUD 34 billion in 2022–23 and about AUD 89 billion by 2031–32, SIL plays a crucial role in supporting individuals to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. 

This section will explore the fundamentals of SIL, including its definition, eligibility criteria, types of support provided, and the overall benefits to participants.

Definition of Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is designed to help individuals with disabilities who require significant daily support to live as independently as possible. SIL provides assistance with various day-to-day tasks around the home, such as personal care, cooking, and cleaning, enabling participants to learn new skills and take on more responsibilities. 

According to the NDIS, SIL is intended for those with higher support needs, meaning participants often require support 24/7, including overnight assistance. As of 2021-22, many participants who received SIL funding lived with housemates who also required similar levels of support, fostering a supportive living environment.

The funding for SIL is allocated based on the specific needs of each participant, considering factors such as age and type of disability. In the last year, it was observed that children received less funding on average compared to adults, as they often receive additional support from community resources and family members. For the fiscal year 2022-23, the average funding per participant is expected to be AUD 59,400, which is AUD 4,000 less than the previous estimate.

Eligibility Criteria for SIL

To be eligible for Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding, participants must be part of the NDIS and have significant daily support needs that justify 24/7 assistance. The eligibility assessment considers various factors, including the participant’s disability, age, and individual support requirements. 

The NDIA evaluates these criteria during planning meetings to determine whether SIL is the appropriate support option for the participant.

In the last year, the NDIS has noted an increase in participants with autism and psychosocial disabilities joining the scheme, leading to a reassessment of eligibility criteria to better understand and support these groups. 

Participants are also assessed based on their ability to perform daily tasks independently and their need for personal care, household task support, and community engagement.

Types of Support Provided by SIL

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding covers a range of supports to assist participants in their daily lives. These supports include:

• Personal Care: Assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and grooming.
• Household Tasks: Help with cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the home.
• Public Transport Assistance: Support for traveling to medical appointments and other essential trips.
• Daily Activities: Encouragement and help with engaging in daily routines and activities.
• Community, Family, and Work/Study Connections: Facilitating connections and participation in community, family, and work or study activities.

These supports aim to enhance the participant’s ability to live independently, build skills, and achieve personal goals. In the previous year, the NDIS found that participants using SIL funding benefited significantly from these supports, reporting higher satisfaction rates and improvements in their daily living skills.

Levels of Support in SIL

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is structured to provide different levels of support based on the participant’s needs. These levels include:

• Lower Needs: Regular supervision of living arrangements without 24/7 support.
• Standard Needs: 24/7 support and supervision of most day-to-day tasks, including overnight assistance.
• Higher Needs: Continuous active support for individuals with high medical needs or challenging behaviors, requiring specialized support.

The NDIA uses a detailed Roster of Care to determine the appropriate level of support for each participant. This roster breaks down the participant’s weekly schedule into 30-minute segments, specifying the support required during each period. 

In the last financial year, the NDIA noted that the complexity and intensity of support needs directly influenced the amount of funding allocated, with higher needs participants receiving proportionately more support.

Benefits of SIL

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding provides numerous benefits for participants, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. SIL funding helps participants by offering the support necessary to manage daily tasks and develop new skills, which can significantly improve their quality of life. 

As highlighted in the NDIS Annual Financial Sustainability Report for 2021-22, participants using SIL funding have reported higher satisfaction rates and substantial improvements in their daily living abilities.

Key Benefits:

• Increased Independence: SIL helps participants learn to perform daily tasks independently, reducing reliance on others.
• Skill Development: Participants gain new skills in personal care, household management, and social interactions, which can lead to greater self-confidence and autonomy.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: With the right support, participants can enjoy a higher standard of living, engage more actively in their communities, and pursue personal goals.
• Social Interaction: Living with housemates who also receive SIL funding fosters a supportive and social living environment, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Consistent Support: SIL provides continuous support tailored to the participant’s needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance at all times.

The NDIS expects the average funding per participant to be AUD 59,400 for 2022-23, which facilitates these comprehensive benefits and supports. By addressing the diverse needs of participants, SIL funding plays a crucial role in promoting independence and improving the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Read: how much does it cost to become an ndis provider

Application Process for SIL Funding

Applying for Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding involves several steps, starting with a planning meeting with an NDIS planner. During this meeting, the planner and participant discuss the participant’s needs, goals, and current living situation to determine whether SIL is the most appropriate support option. This assessment considers various factors, including the participant’s age, type of disability, and level of independence.

Steps in the Application Process:

1. Initial Planning Meeting: The participant meets with an NDIS planner to discuss their needs and explore support options.
2. Assessment of Needs: The planner evaluates the participant’s need for daily support and determines if SIL is suitable.
3. Selection of SIL Provider: If SIL is deemed appropriate, the participant selects a SIL provider with the help of a support coordinator.
4. Development of Roster of Care: The SIL provider creates a Roster of Care detailing the participant’s support needs throughout the week.
5. Submission to NDIA: The Roster of Care is submitted to the NDIA for approval.
6. Approval and Funding Allocation: Once approved, the participant’s NDIS plan is updated to include the necessary SIL funding.

The NDIA reported that in 2021-22, participants generally experienced smoother application processes with the assistance of support coordinators, who played a key role in connecting participants with suitable providers and ensuring their needs were accurately documented and addressed.

Role of Support Coordinator

A support coordinator is essential in navigating the SIL funding process, ensuring participants receive the necessary assistance to live independently. The support coordinator helps participants understand their NDIS plans, connect with SIL providers, and manage the administrative aspects of their support.

Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator:

• Connecting with Providers: Support coordinators help participants find and choose the most suitable SIL providers based on their specific needs and preferences.
• Developing a Roster of Care: They work with SIL providers to create a detailed Roster of Care, outlining the support required for each day of the week.
• Managing Documentation: Support coordinators assist in gathering and submitting necessary documentation, such as medical assessments and support needs evaluations, to the NDIA.
• Ongoing Support: They provide continuous support, helping participants adjust their support plans as their needs change and ensuring they receive the most appropriate care.

In 2021-22, the NDIS found that participants with support coordinators experienced more efficient and effective processes in securing SIL funding. These coordinators played a pivotal role in ensuring that participants’ needs were accurately represented and met, leading to better outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.

Roster of Care

The Roster of Care is a critical component in the Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding process. It is a detailed plan that outlines the specific supports a participant will need each day, broken down into 30-minute segments. This roster helps the NDIA determine the appropriate level of funding required to support the participant’s needs.

Components of a Roster of Care:

• Daily Schedule: A comprehensive schedule that details the participant’s daily activities and the support required for each task.
• Support Breakdown: Specifics about the type of support needed, such as personal care, household tasks, and social activities.
• Housemate Coordination: If the participant lives with other SIL-funded individuals, the roster includes coordination of shared support services.
• Adjustment Mechanism: Provisions for adjusting the support plan as the participant’s needs change over time.

The NDIA uses the Roster of Care to assess the total funding necessary for each participant. In the previous year, participants with well-documented rosters received more accurate funding allocations, ensuring they had the resources needed for comprehensive support. The average funding per participant for 2022-23 is expected to be AUD 59,400, based on these detailed rosters.

NDIA Decision on Funding

The final decision on SIL funding is made by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) based on the information provided in the Roster of Care and other supporting documentation. This decision involves assessing the participant’s needs, the proposed level of support, and the overall cost-effectiveness of the support plan.

Decision-Making Process:

• Review of Documentation: The NDIA reviews the Roster of Care, medical assessments, and other relevant documents to understand the participant’s support needs.
• Funding Allocation: Based on this review, the NDIA determines the appropriate level of funding and updates the participant’s NDIS plan accordingly.
• Approval and Notification: Once the funding decision is made, the participant and their support coordinator are notified, and the approved funding is allocated to the participant’s NDIS plan.

In the 2021-22 financial year, the NDIA reported that thorough documentation and detailed Rosters of Care significantly improved the accuracy of funding decisions. This approach ensured that participants received the necessary support without unnecessary delays or funding discrepancies.

Funding Exclusions

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding covers a wide range of supports to help participants live independently. However, there are specific exclusions that SIL funding does not cover. Understanding these exclusions is crucial for participants and their families to plan their finances accordingly.

Exclusions of SIL Funding:

• Rent and Mortgage Payments: SIL funding does not cover the cost of rent, purchasing a home, or mortgage payments. Participants are responsible for their accommodation expenses.
• Utility Bills: Expenses such as electricity, gas, water, and internet bills are not included in SIL funding.
• Daily Living Expenses: Food, groceries, personal toiletries, and other day-to-day living expenses are not covered.
• Non-Disability Related Supplies: Items and services not directly related to the participant’s disability support needs, such as general household maintenance or gardening services, are excluded.
• Assistive Technology: SIL funding does not cover assistive technology devices. These are funded separately under other NDIS budgets.

In the 2021-22 report, it was noted that clear communication regarding these exclusions helped participants and their families better understand what SIL funding would and would not cover, leading to more effective financial planning.

Provider Selection

Choosing the right SIL provider is a critical step in the funding process. A suitable provider ensures that participants receive the best possible support tailored to their unique needs. The selection process involves careful consideration and assessment to find a provider that aligns with the participant’s requirements and preferences.

Steps in Selecting a SIL Provider:

• Research and Shortlisting: Participants and their support coordinators research various SIL providers to create a shortlist of potential candidates.
• Assessment of Services: Evaluate the range of services offered by each provider, including the types of support, qualifications of support staff, and the overall approach to care.
• Interviews and Visits: Arrange meetings or visits with shortlisted providers to discuss the participant’s needs, observe the living environments, and ask detailed questions about their services.
• Compatibility Check: Assess the compatibility of the participant with potential housemates if they will be living in shared accommodation.
• Final Decision: Based on the research, assessments, and interactions, select the provider that best fits the participant’s needs and preferences.

In the last financial year, the NDIA emphasized the importance of thorough provider selection, noting that participants who spent time finding the right provider experienced better support outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.

By carefully choosing a SIL provider, participants can ensure they receive the support necessary to live independently and achieve their goals.

Conclusion

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding is a vital aspect of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), providing essential support for participants with significant daily needs. As of June 2022, the NDIS had 534,655 participants, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming years, reaching 1 million by June 2032. 

SIL funding helps participants live independently by offering support with daily tasks, personal care, and skill development.

The process of securing SIL funding involves careful planning and coordination, with support coordinators playing a crucial role in helping participants through the application process, develop Rosters of Care, and select appropriate providers. 

While SIL funding covers a wide range of supports, it is important to be aware of the specific exclusions, such as rent, utility bills, and general living expenses. Clear communication about these exclusions aids participants and their families in planning their finances effectively.

In the 2021-22 financial year, the average funding per participant was expected to be AUD 59,400, facilitating comprehensive support fitting each participant’s needs.