What is SIL?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) refers to the support provided to a person in their home, not the housing itself.
It may include support with:

• daily personal care
• cooking and household tasks
• medication management
• community access
• supervision and safety

SIL funding is based on the level of ongoing support required, which must be clearly justified through assessment.

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What is a SIL Assessment?​

A SIL assessment provides detailed evidence about:

• how a person functions in daily life
• what supports are required
• how often support is needed
• risks associated with independence
• the level of supervision required

It helps determine whether SIL is reasonable and necessary under the NDIS.

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Why Behaviour Support is important in SIL

Behaviour plays a major role in determining SIL needs.
This may include:

• behaviours of concern impacting safety
• emotional regulation difficulties
• need for supervision or prompting
• difficulty managing routines independently
• risks linked to impulsivity or decision-making

Behaviour support input helps clearly demonstrate:

• Why support is needed
  
• What level of support is required
  
• How support reduces risk and improves outcomes

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What our SIL Assessments include
Our approach combines function, behaviour, and environment.

​​Functional Capacity

• daily living skills (ADLs)
• independence levels
• ability to manage routines
• communication and cognition

Behaviour Support Considerations

• behaviours impacting independence
• emotional regulation difficulties
• triggers and patterns
• need for structured support

Learn more about Emotional Regulation

Risk Assessment

• safety risks in daily living
• supervision requirements
• risks linked to behaviour or cognition
• environmental risks

Learn more about PBS Risk Assessment

Support Needs Analysis

• level of support required (e.g. hours, intensity)
• type of support (prompting, supervision, physical support)
• consistency of support needs across environments

Report & Recommendations

• clear, structured SIL report
  
• aligned with NDIS expectations
  
• justification for support levels
  
• practical recommendations
  

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Who may need a SIL Assessment?

SIL assessments may be appropriate for individuals who:

• require daily support to live independently
• have complex behaviour or emotional regulation needs
• have cognitive or neurological conditions
• require supervision for safety
• are transitioning to supported accommodation
• are currently receiving informal or inconsistent support

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SIL, SDA & Behaviour Support

SIL is often considered alongside:

• SDA (housing)
• Behaviour Support Plans
• Risk Assessments
• Functional Capacity Assessments

Key difference:

• SDA = the home
• SIL = the support within the home

Learn more about SDA Assessments

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How Belong Health Can Help

At Belong Health, we provide SIL-related assessments with a strong focus on:
✔ behaviour and regulation
✔ functional independence
✔ safety and supervision needs
✔ real-world support requirements

​We work closely with:

• participants and families
• support coordinators
• providers and care teams

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Broader Allied Health Support

Where appropriate, SIL assessments may align with:

• Occupational Therapy assessments
• Functional capacity evaluations
• Environmental and daily living supports

Learn more about OT SDA Assessments

Learn more about Functional Capacity Assessments

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GETTING STARTED
​
If you are exploring SIL funding or have been advised to obtain an assessment:

• we can help clarify what support is required
• we provide structured, NDIS-aligned reports
• we work collaboratively with your support team

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​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions SIL & Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
​
What is an SIL assessment?
​An SIL assessment determines the level of daily support a person may need to live as independently as possible. It considers areas such as personal care, routines, safety, communication, behaviour, and support needs in the home.

What does SIL stand for in the NDIS?
SIL stands for Supported Independent Living. It refers to paid support workers who assist with daily tasks and support independence.

Who is eligible for SIL funding?
SIL funding is typically for NDIS participants who require ongoing support with daily living tasks. Eligibility is determined by the NDIA based on functional capacity and support needs.

Is SIL funded by the NDIS?
Yes. SIL is funded under Core Supports in an NDIS plan when it is considered reasonable and necessary.

What are SIL requirements?
SIL requirements relate to the level of daily support a person needs, including personal care, household tasks, safety, routines, communication, and participation.

What is a PBS assessment?
A PBS assessment is a Positive Behaviour Support assessment that helps understand behaviours of concern and identify strategies to support safety, communication, and quality of life.

What does PBS stand for?
PBS stands for Positive Behaviour Support. It is a person-centred approach focused on understanding behaviour and supporting individuals in meaningful ways.

What is PBS for challenging behaviour?
PBS is used to understand behaviours of concern by identifying underlying needs such as communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, or environmental factors.

What are the main steps of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS involves gathering information, assessing behaviour, identifying triggers and needs, developing strategies, teaching skills, supporting carers, and reviewing progress.

What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?
An FBA explores what happens before, during, and after a behaviour to understand its purpose and contributing factors.

What does a good PBS plan look like?
A good PBS plan is person-centred, practical, and easy to follow. It outlines triggers, strategies, communication supports, skill-building approaches, and review processes.

What are the key components of a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan may include strengths, goals, triggers, functions of behaviour, proactive strategies, skill development, response strategies, and review recommendations.

What are examples of Positive Behaviour Support strategies?
Examples include environmental adjustments, visual supports, communication strategies, structured routines, and emotional regulation supports.

What does PBS look like in practice?
In practice, PBS may involve adjusting routines, supporting communication, training support staff, modifying environments, and using proactive strategies.

What are the key values of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS focuses on dignity, respect, inclusion, quality of life, skill development, and reducing restrictive practices.

How does PBS help prevent behaviours of concern?
PBS helps by identifying underlying causes of behaviour and addressing them proactively.

When is Positive Behaviour Support recommended?
PBS is recommended when behaviours of concern impact safety, relationships, participation, or daily life.

What is the PBS competency framework?
The PBS competency framework outlines the skills, knowledge, and expectations for behaviour support practitioners working within the NDIS.

Can SIL and PBS work together?
Yes. SIL and PBS often work together when a person requires both daily living support and behaviour support.

How does behaviour support relate to SIL funding?
Behaviour support may provide evidence about support needs, routines, risks, and strategies required in the home, which can support SIL recommendations.

What is included in an SIL and PBS assessment report?
Reports may include functional information, daily support needs, behaviour findings, risks, recommended supports, staffing considerations, and strategies.

Can Belong Health help with SIL and Behaviour Support assessments?
Belong Health can complete assessments, identify support needs, and provide recommendations to support safe and independent living.

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