A SIL assessment considers the help a person needs with daily life at home and provides evidence relevant to supported independent living. The useful starting point is a description of the person's actual routine, rather than a request for a particular number of support hours without an explanation.
An occupational therapist can explore everyday activities and document functional support needs. At Ergo Therapy Group, suitability for this assessment and clinician availability need to be confirmed before booking. Let us know the assessment purpose, location and whether there is an existing report to review.
Understanding what SIL is for
The NDIS describes SIL as funding for help or supervision with daily tasks throughout the day and night. It is intended for people with substantial ongoing support needs. Other home and living options may suit a person's circumstances better.
SIL funding concerns support workers, while SDA concerns accommodation. SIL does not pay ordinary living expenses such as rent and groceries. Our SIL and SDA guide explains that distinction.
An assessment contributes information to a funding decision. It does not award a SIL package, allocate a home or guarantee that a preferred arrangement will be funded.
Describing help with everyday activities
Try describing an activity from beginning to end. For breakfast, that might mean deciding what to eat, finding ingredients, preparing food and leaving the kitchen ready for later. Explain where another person assists and what they actually do.
It can help to distinguish between a reminder, help to organise the steps, supervision and physical assistance. These are examples to discuss with the therapist, rather than labels that a family must assign correctly before making a referral.
Include what is already going well. A participant may manage a task in a familiar setting but need assistance when equipment, people or the routine change. That context makes the account more useful than simply marking a task as independent or dependent.
Looking across the day and night
Support needs may differ between a weekday, weekend and a day with appointments. Explain periods when family or paid supports are present, and any gaps that are currently difficult to manage.
If assistance is needed overnight, describe what happens and how it is managed. Note whether information comes from the participant, a carer or existing records. A single unsettled night should not be presented as the usual pattern without context.
Useful preparation might include:
- An outline of a typical day, in the participant's preferred format.
- Examples of tasks that require another person's help.
- The current support arrangement and any recent change.
- Relevant reports, with permission to share them.
- The participant's goals and views about living with other people.
You do not need to create a detailed monitoring system solely for the appointment. Ask the clinician which existing information would be useful.
Taking part in the assessment
Ask how the participant will be involved and what communication support they would prefer. They may want a trusted person present, extra explanation or a different way to answer questions. Agree these arrangements ahead of the visit where possible.
The therapist may combine discussion, agreed observation and review of existing information. Nobody should be asked to demonstrate an unsafe task or go without usual assistance for the assessment. Discuss an alternative way to explain the concern.
From findings to recommendations
A useful report connects observations with the support question. Ask which information is still needed, how the participant can identify factual errors and who will receive the completed report.
For a broader question about housing and support options, our home and living assessment page may be a helpful starting point. If the referral is specifically about SIL or SDA, include that in the enquiry so the appropriate clinician can review the request.
Common questions
Is an OT assessment enough to obtain SIL funding?
It is one source of evidence. The NDIA considers the relevant information and funding requirements before making its decision.
Should we ask for the same hours another participant receives?
Describe this participant's own routine and assistance needs. Another person's arrangement cannot show what is appropriate for them.
Can an existing report be used?
Send the report date and current assessment question. The clinician can discuss whether further information or assessment work is needed.
Does Ergo provide the SIL support workers?
This enquiry is for an occupational therapy assessment. Discuss arrangements for SIL support delivery separately with the relevant provider.
Read about Ergo's SIL and SDA assessment enquiries, or make a referral to confirm the assessment scope, clinician fit and availability.