Supported independent living providers in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

SIL funding in Canberra is included in your NDIS plan under Core Supports, specifically the "Assistance with Daily Life" support category. The NDIS funds the support component of SIL, not the rent or board. Participants typically contribute to rent from their Disability Support Pension or other personal income, separate from NDIS funding.

Annual SIL funding levels typically range from Funded via NDIS hourly SIL line items, set by your individual roster of care depending on the intensity of support required. Lower-needs participants in shared arrangements receive less funding than those requiring one-to-one or complex behaviour support. The NDIS determines your SIL funding amount during planning based on a formal support needs assessment.

SIL providers submit a quote to the NDIS outlining the staffing model, hours of support, and associated costs. The NDIA assesses the quote against the Supported Independent Living Pricing Guidance and approves an amount. Providers cannot charge participants above what the NDIS funds for the support component.

Rent, utilities, food, and personal expenses are not covered by SIL funding. Participants typically contribute these from their own income, Disability Support Pension, and Rent Assistance. Some providers offer all-inclusive arrangements, so it is important to clarify exactly what is and is not covered when comparing providers.

SIL is funded entirely through the NDIS. There is no co-contribution toward the support component for eligible participants. To access SIL funding, it must be included in your NDIS plan, which requires a formal assessment of your support needs and a recommendation that SIL is the most appropriate funded support.

NDIS Core Supports: SIL sits within the Core Supports budget under "Assistance with Daily Life." Because SIL is a high-cost, complex support, the NDIS manages SIL funding directly. Participants cannot self-manage or plan-manage SIL funding. The NDIA approves the provider and funding amount through the quoting process.

The SIL quoting process: Once you choose a provider, they prepare a SIL roster of care document and submit a quote to the NDIS. This outlines the staffing model, support hours, and weekly cost. The NDIA reviews the quote and approves or requests adjustments. This process can take several weeks, so starting early is important.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): SDA is a separate NDIS funding category for purpose-built accessible housing. If you have significant physical needs or an extreme functional impairment, you may be eligible for SDA funding in addition to SIL. SDA and SIL funding are assessed separately. Not all participants in SIL live in SDA housing; many live in standard community rental properties.

Rent and living costs: Rent is paid separately, usually from your Disability Support Pension and Rent Assistance. Commonwealth Rent Assistance may be available if you pay private rent. Clarify with your prospective provider how rent and living costs are structured before agreeing to a placement.

SIL providers support you to live as independently as possible in a home environment. Support is available around the clock and covers personal care, domestic tasks, medication management, community access, and developing daily living skills. The level of support varies based on your individual needs and what is approved in your NDIS plan.

The process begins with an assessment of your support needs, usually involving your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They will assess the type and intensity of support required and determine whether SIL is appropriate. If approved, your plan will include a SIL funding allocation and you can begin looking at providers and housing options.

Most SIL providers will invite you to visit their homes or meet current residents before committing. A good provider will talk with you about your goals, your preferences for housemates, and how they run the house. You should have real input into where you live and who you live with.

Once you move in, there is usually a settling-in period where the support team learns your routines and adjusts the roster to suit your needs. Regular house meetings and reviews give you the opportunity to raise issues or request changes to your support.

Under the NDIS, you have the right to change SIL providers if the arrangement is not working. Transitions between providers take time because of the quoting process, but a good support coordinator can manage this on your behalf.