SIL the Deal: Maximise Your NDIS Plan with Flexible Core Supports!

Did you know that you can use the flexible core supports in your NDIS plan to fund Supported Independent Living (SIL)? Many NDIS participants are unaware that their plan may have hidden potential that could be used to access SIL services.  

This little-known fact could open doors to more independent living and a better quality of life. Curious to learn more? Let’s dive into how you can unlock these incredible benefits!

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What Are Flexible Core Supports?

First things first—what exactly are flexible core supports?

Your NDIS plan has various funding categories, and one of them is Core Supports. This funding covers everyday activities such as personal care, assistance with household tasks, transportation, and social activities. The best part? Core supports are flexible, meaning you can move funds around within this category based on your needs.

For example, if you haven’t used your transport allocation, you might be able to redirect those funds to help cover in-home care or personal support within a SIL setting.

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What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides NDIS participants with the opportunity to live independently in a home while still having access to support with everyday tasks. SIL supports can include help with cooking, personal care, cleaning, and community engagement. It’s ideal for people who need assistance but still want to enjoy the independence of living on their own or in a shared environment.

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Did You Know You Can Use Core Supports for SIL?

Here’s where things get interesting: your flexible core supports can be used to help fund SIL. That’s right—these flexible funds can go towards covering the support you receive in SIL accommodation.

Whether it’s personal care, meal preparation, or help with household chores, core supports give you the flexibility to ensure you’re using your funding in the most effective way possible.

For instance, you could:

• Use core funds to cover daily living support in your SIL home.

• Allocate funds to personal care services within SIL, helping you manage dressing, meal preparation, and mobility needs.

• Use unused funds (like transport or social activities) towards community involvement while living in SIL accommodation.

This flexibility means your NDIS plan works for you—so let’s explore how you can make the most of it!

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Practical Tips for Using Core Supports for SIL

Here’s how to get started with using your flexible core supports to fund SIL:

1. Review Your NDIS Plan Regularly

Your NDIS plan is dynamic, and regular reviews can help you spot opportunities to redirect unused funds. Work with your NDIS coordinator or support planner to evaluate your current spending. Look at areas where you haven’t fully used your core supports and explore whether they can be redirected toward SIL.

2. Talk to Your Planner About Your Goals

If living more independently is part of your NDIS goals, let your planner know! They can work with you to see if your current core supports can be adapted to help cover SIL-related expenses. Sometimes, reallocating funds is as simple as a conversation about your priorities.

3. Work with an Expert Provider

A trusted provider, like United for Care, can help you navigate the ins and outs of your NDIS plan. They can identify ways to optimise your flexible core supports, ensuring your funding is being used to enhance your independence in the right SIL environment.

4. Don’t Wait for Yearly Reviews

If you feel your needs have changed and SIL might be right for you, don’t wait until the next annual review. You can request a review at any time to discuss your core supports and explore how to use them more effectively.

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Ready to Unlock Your NDIS Plan’s Potential?

At United for Care, we believe in finding smart, flexible solutions that help you thrive in everyday life. If you’re unsure how to make the most of your NDIS plan, we can work with you to identify the best ways to use your core supports, including funding your transition to SIL.

We’re solutions-focused, which means we don’t just work with what’s on the surface—we dig deeper to find creative, practical ways to make your funding go further. Whether it’s adjusting your plan to reflect your changing needs, reworking core supports to enhance your independence, or guiding you through the NDIS review process, United for Care is here to help you unlock the full potential of your plan.  

Get in touch today and let’s explore what more can be done to make your NDIS plan work for you:

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