Getting that rejection letter feels like a punch to the gut. You’ve done everything right – filled out the forms, attended the meetings, provided the reports – and still, the NDIS has said no to your Supported Independent Living funding.
If you’re sitting there wondering what went wrong and what to do next, you’re not alone. Thousands of Australians face SIL rejections each year, and many successfully overturn these decisions. The key is knowing your options and acting quickly.
Why SIL Funding Gets Rejected (The Real Reasons)
Let’s cut through the jargon. The NDIS often rejects SIL applications for reasons that have nothing to do with your actual needs. Here’s what we see happening across Melbourne’s northwest, from Yarraville to Deer Park:
Insufficient evidence – This is the big one. The NDIS wants specific types of reports that explicitly state you need 24/7 support. Your GP saying you need help isn’t enough. They want occupational therapy assessments, specialist reports, and detailed functional capacity evaluations.
“Informal supports” assumption – The NDIS sometimes assumes family members can provide all your care, especially in culturally diverse communities where family support is common. This hits our CALD families particularly hard.
Cost concerns – Though they won’t say it outright, expensive support packages face more scrutiny. If your needs require 24 hour care, you’ll need rock-solid documentation.
Wrong funding category – Sometimes the NDIS approves Core Supports but not SIL, thinking you can manage with drop-in support. This shows they haven’t properly understood your situation.
Your Appeal Rights: The 28-Day Clock Is Ticking
Here’s what the NDIS won’t tell you clearly: you have exactly 28 days from receiving your decision to request an internal review. Miss this deadline, and you’ll need to wait for your next plan review to try again.
Step 1: Request an Internal Review (Days 1-28) Call the NDIS immediately and say these exact words: “I want to request an internal review of my SIL funding decision.” They’ll send you a form, but you can also submit your request in writing via email or the portal.
Step 2: Gather New Evidence (Start immediately) While waiting for the review, collect additional evidence:
- Get a support letter from your current providers
- Request detailed reports from your treating team
- Document daily support needs with time logs
- If language is a barrier, request translated documents
Step 3: The AAT Option (If internal review fails) If the internal review upholds the rejection, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). This is free, and you don’t need a lawyer, though having an advocate helps.
Alternative Pathways While You Fight
Waiting months for an appeal isn’t realistic when you need support now. Here are immediate alternatives available in Melbourne:
Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)
If you can’t get SIL approved yet, MTA might be an option. It provides up to 90 days of supported accommodation while you sort out longer-term arrangements. The funding threshold is lower, making approval easier.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
Use your respite care funding strategically. You get 28 days per year, which can buy time while building your SIL case. Some participants use this to demonstrate their support needs practically.
Core Supports Maximisation
If you have Core Supports funding, use every dollar strategically. Document how it’s insufficient for your needs – this evidence strengthens your SIL appeal.
Building an Undeniable Case
After helping dozens of participants through appeals across Melbourne’s west, here’s what actually works:
The Daily Support Diary For two weeks, document every single support need:
- 6:00 AM: Need assistance getting out of bed (20 mins)
- 6:20 AM: Shower and personal care support (30 mins)
- 6:50 AM: Medication assistance and breakfast prep (25 mins)
This granular detail makes your needs undeniable.
The Safety Argument The NDIS takes safety seriously. Document any incidents:
- Falls when unsupported
- Missed medications causing hospital visits
- Inability to respond to emergencies
- Kitchen accidents or near-misses
Cultural and Communication Needs For CALD participants, document how language barriers or cultural needs require specialized SIL support. Generic services might not understand dietary requirements, religious practices, or family dynamics.
Red Flags in Your Original Application
Looking back, these common mistakes might have triggered your rejection:
Vague support descriptions – Saying “I need help with daily tasks” isn’t enough. You need specific timeframes and activities.
Missing specialist input – Your GP’s opinion matters less than an OT’s functional assessment or psychiatrist’s report about cognitive capacity.
Underestimating needs – Many people minimize their support needs out of pride. The NDIS application isn’t the place for this.
Poor plan alignment – Your SIL request must clearly link to your NDIS goals. If your goals don’t mention independent living, that’s a problem.
Getting Professional Help
Fighting an NDIS rejection while managing a disability is exhausting. You don’t have to do this alone.
Support coordinators who understand the system can:
- Review your rejection letter for appeal points
- Connect you with report writers who know NDIS language
- Prepare appeal submissions that address NDIS concerns
- Arrange interim supports while you wait
At QP Care, we’ve supported participants through successful appeals across Melbourne’s northwest. We know what evidence the NDIS wants to see, which arguments work, and how to document support needs properly.
Timelines To Keep In Mind
Be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint:
- Internal review: 60-90 days typically
- AAT application: Must be filed within 28 days of internal review
- AAT hearing: Can take 6-12 months
- Decision: Another 30-60 days
That’s potentially 15+ months of waiting. This is why alternative supports and professional guidance matter.
When Rejection Might Be a Blessing
Sometimes, a rejection reveals you’re eligible for different funding that better suits your needs. We’ve seen participants discover:
- They qualified for higher-level Supported Accommodation instead
- Their needs were better met through specialized disability housing
- A combination of services provided more flexibility than traditional SIL
Your Next Steps (Do These Today)
- Call the NDIS – Request that internal review immediately if you’re within 28 days
- Document everything – Start your daily support diary now
- Get help – Contact a support coordinator or advocacy service
- Explore alternatives – Don’t wait for appeals to get support
If you’re facing a SIL rejection in Melbourne’s west, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact our team for a free consultation about your options. We provide support across Yarraville, Deer Park, and surrounding suburbs, with multilingual staff who understand the unique challenges CALD families face with NDIS.
Remember: a rejection isn’t the end of your journey to independent living. It’s a detour that, with the right support and strategy, can still lead to the outcome you deserve.Need immediate help with your SIL appeal? Call us on 1300 330 292 or submit a referral online. Our experienced team has helped dozens of participants overturn rejections and secure the funding they need.
