You need SIL funding if you require 24/7 support with daily tasks and want to live independently. This guide walks you through the exact steps to secure SIL funding through the NDIS in Bunbury, from eligibility checks to approval.

Understanding SIL Funding

SIL pays for support workers who help you with daily activities in your home. This includes personal care, cooking, cleaning, and medication management. The funding covers the people who support you, not your rent, groceries, or utilities.

You'll typically need SIL if you require continuous or near-constant assistance throughout the day and night. The support helps you build skills to live as independently as possible while receiving the care you need.

What's the difference between SIL and SDA? SIL funds the support workers who help you. SDA funds the physical home itself if you need specially designed accommodation. You can receive both types of funding together.

Step 1: Confirm Your NDIS Eligibility

Before applying for SIL, you must be an NDIS participant. You need to meet these criteria:

• Be under 65 years old when you first apply
• Have a permanent and significant disability affecting daily activities
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
• Live in Australia

If you're already an NDIS participant, skip to Step 2. New applicants should contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au to register.

In Bunbury, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is APM. Contact them at 1800 276 522 or email apmnet@ndis.gov.au for help with registration.

Step 2: Request Support Coordination Funding

Support Coordinators are essential for navigating the SIL application process. If your NDIS plan doesn't include Support Coordination funding, request it immediately.

Submit a change in circumstances form through your myplace portal or contact your LAC at APM Bunbury. Almost every SIL participant receives Support Coordination funding because the process requires professional guidance.

Where can I find a Support Coordinator in Bunbury? Local providers include:

• Able WA (serving Bunbury and South West WA)
• Hera Support (offices in Bunbury and Busselton)
• Anderson NDS (Unit 11/1 Henley Drive, Bunbury)
• Access Foundation

Use the NDIS Provider Finder tool to search for registered Support Coordinators near you.

Step 3: Arrange a Functional Assessment

The NDIS requires evidence that SIL is reasonable and necessary for your situation. An Occupational Therapist (OT) will conduct a functional assessment examining:

• How significantly your disability impacts mobility, self-care, and cognition
• What support you need throughout a typical day and night
• Whether you can safely manage daily tasks independently
• What housing environment suits your needs

Your Support Coordinator will help you find an OT and arrange the assessment. Budget 15-20 hours of NDIS funding for this comprehensive evaluation.

The OT's report is the most critical document in your application. It demonstrates to the NDIA why you need 24/7 support rather than drop-in assistance.

How long does the assessment take? Typically 2-4 sessions over several weeks, depending on your needs and the assessment complexity.

Step 4: Discuss SIL at Your Planning Meeting

When your NDIS plan is due for review, or after submitting a change in circumstances request, you'll attend a planning meeting. This is where you present your case for SIL funding.

Come prepared with:

• Your OT's functional assessment report
• Reports from other health professionals (psychologist, GP, physiotherapist)
• Letters of support from current carers or support workers
• Clear explanations of your daily support needs

Explain specific examples: "I need assistance with showering every morning, help preparing three meals daily, medication supervision, and overnight monitoring due to seizure risk."

Your planner will determine if SIL is the most appropriate support option. They'll compare it against alternatives like Assistance with Daily Living or home modifications.

What if I'm denied SIL at my planning meeting? You can request an internal review within 3 months. Strengthen your application with additional evidence from allied health professionals.

Step 5: Find Suitable SIL Accommodation

Work with your Support Coordinator to explore housing options. You can receive SIL in:

• Shared accommodation with other NDIS participants
• Your own home with one-on-one support
• Community housing
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (if you also qualify for SDA)

Research SIL providers in Bunbury and surrounding areas. Visit potential homes, meet current residents, and ask questions about:

• Staff qualifications and training
• Support ratios (how many workers per participant)
• Daily routines and house rules
• Compatibility with potential housemates

Take your time with this decision. The right home environment significantly impacts your quality of life.

How do I know if housemates will be compatible? Discuss your preferences, routines, and support needs with the SIL provider. They should facilitate meetings with potential housemates before you commit.

Step 6: Provider Creates the Roster of Care

Once you've selected accommodation and a SIL provider, they'll develop your Roster of Care. This detailed document breaks your week into 30-minute blocks, showing:

• What support you need and when
• Support worker ratios required
• How supports are shared among housemates (if applicable)
• Estimated weekly and annual costs

You don't create this document yourself. The SIL provider handles the technical details using the NDIA's SIL Tool template. However, you must review and approve it before submission.

Ensure the Roster accurately reflects your needs. If you need medication supervision at 8 AM daily, it should be listed. If you require active support for meal preparation three times per day, that must appear.

Can the Roster change after approval? Yes. If your needs change, your provider can submit a revised Roster. The NDIA may adjust your funding accordingly.

Step 7: Submit Application to NDIS

Your Support Coordinator submits the complete application package to the NDIA, including:

• Change in circumstances form (or plan review request)
• OT functional assessment report
• Additional allied health reports
• Roster of Care from your chosen provider
• Supporting documents demonstrating your need for SIL

Email submissions go to enquiries@ndis.gov.au.

The NDIA reviews all documentation to determine if SIL funding is reasonable and necessary. They assess whether the requested support level aligns with your disability-related needs.

How long does approval take? Processing times vary from several weeks to several months. Complex cases requiring additional information take longer. Your Support Coordinator will follow up regularly.

Step 8: Receive Funding Decision

The NDIA will notify you in writing about their decision. If approved, your SIL funding appears in your NDIS plan under "Assistance with Daily Life" in the Core Supports budget.

Note that approved funding may not match exactly what your provider requested in the Roster of Care. The NDIA determines funding based on what they consider reasonable and necessary.

If approved, you'll also receive confirmation about:

• Your annual SIL funding amount
• Weekly support values
• Funding for irregular vs. regular supports

Your chosen SIL provider receives the same notification, so they can finalize support arrangements within your approved budget.

What if my funding is less than the Roster requested? Discuss options with your provider. They may need to adjust the support model to work within your approved funding, or you can request an internal review if you believe the amount is insufficient.

Step 9: Establish Service Agreement

Before support begins, create a formal service agreement with your SIL provider. This document should specify:

• What services you'll receive
• When and how support will be delivered
• Your rights and responsibilities
• The provider's obligations
• How to raise concerns or make changes
• Notice periods for ending services

Review this carefully. You can involve family members, friends, or your Support Coordinator in negotiations. Don't sign until you're comfortable with all terms.

Step 10: Begin Your SIL Supports

Once everything is finalized, you can move into your SIL accommodation and start receiving supports. Your support team will help you with:

• Daily personal care tasks
• Meal planning and preparation
• Household chores and maintenance
• Medication management
• Community participation
• Skill development toward greater independence

Three Critical Levels of SIL Funding:

1. Standard Need: 24/7 support with active assistance for most daily tasks and overnight supervision
2. Higher/Complex Need: Intensive support for complex medical conditions, challenging behaviors, or high physical support requirements
3. Lower Need: Supervision and assistance at specific times (less common)

Your funding level depends on your assessed support needs, not what you or your provider prefer.

Common Challenges and Solutions

"I've been waiting months for a decision" Delays often occur when documentation is incomplete. Check with your Support Coordinator that all required reports were submitted. You can also contact the NDIS directly for status updates.

"Finding a suitable SIL home is taking forever" Start your housing search early—even before formal approval. The process can take 6+ months from initial planning to moving in. Be flexible about location while maintaining your essential requirements.

"The approved funding doesn't cover my actual needs" Request an internal review within 3 months of receiving your plan. Provide additional evidence from health professionals explaining why the current funding is insufficient. Your Support Coordinator can assist with this process.

"I'm worried about compatibility with housemates" Quality SIL providers conduct thorough matching processes. Request trial visits or short stays before committing. If compatibility issues arise after moving in, you can request accommodation changes.

What SIL Does NOT Cover

SIL funding cannot pay for:

• Rent, board, or mortgage payments
• Groceries and personal shopping
• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water)
• Transport to medical appointments or day programs
• Entertainment and recreation activities
• Equipment and assistive technology
• Home modifications
• Personal items and clothing

These expenses are your responsibility or may be covered by other NDIS funding categories.

Getting Additional Support in Bunbury

Local Resources:

• APM (Local Area Coordinator): 1800 276 522, apmnet@ndis.gov.au
• Advocacy WA Bunbury: 4 Plaza Street South, (08) 9721 6444
• Accordwest: 26-28 Forrest Avenue South, (08) 9729 9000
• Activ Bunbury: 16 Beddingfield St, (08) 9726 0190

When to Request a Plan Review:

• Your support needs have significantly changed
• You're experiencing a change in circumstances (family situation, health, living arrangement)
• Current funding doesn't meet your reasonable and necessary needs
• You've achieved goals and need to set new ones

You can request a review at any time during your plan period—you don't need to wait for the annual scheduled review.

Timeline Overview

Realistic timeframe from start to moving into SIL:

• Months 1-2: Get Support Coordination funding, arrange OT assessment
• Months 2-3: Complete functional assessment, gather supporting reports
• Month 3: Submit change in circumstances or attend planning meeting
• Months 4-5: Search for suitable SIL homes, meet with providers
• Month 5: Provider creates Roster of Care
• Month 5-6: Submit complete application to NDIA
• Months 6-9: NDIA review and decision
• Month 9+: Finalize agreements and move in

This is an average timeline. Your experience may be faster or slower depending on individual circumstances, documentation completeness, and provider availability.

Your Rights as an SIL Participant

You have the right to:

• Choose your own SIL provider
• Change providers if you're unhappy with services
• Request adjustments to your support plan
• Live in a safe, respectful environment
• Privacy and dignity in your home
• Have visitors and maintain relationships
• Participate in decisions about your support
• Make complaints without fear of retaliation

If your provider isn't delivering agreed-upon supports, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.

Next Steps

Starting your SIL journey today means you could be living independently with appropriate supports within 6-12 months. Begin by:

1. Contacting APM Bunbury (1800 276 522) to discuss your situation
2. Requesting Support Coordination funding if you don't have it
3. Finding a Support Coordinator who understands your goals
4. Booking an appointment with an Occupational Therapist

Remember, SIL funding empowers you to live on your terms with the support you need. The process requires patience and thorough documentation, but the result—greater independence and quality of life—is worth the effort.

For NDIS information: Visit ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110