Frequently Asked
Questions
Whether you’re just starting to research support options or looking to swap service providers, we can help. We’re just a click, tap or call away.
Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living, or SIL, refers to a group of NDIS supports that help you live more independently. SIL funding pays for personal support with everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, and activities outside the home like grocery shopping or catching public transport. It can also fund supports so you can build these skills over time.
SIL is intended for participants with significant support needs, like a carer for most of the day. Generally participants who receive SIL share a home with other NDIS participants. The amount of SIL funding in a participant’s plan will depend on their support needs, living arrangements, and the other supports funded in their plan. Some people who need assistance with tasks like cooking or getting ready in the morning don’t need assistance for most of the day. SIL might not be the best support option in this case, and you might receive funding for other home and living supports.
To get supported independent living funding in your NDIS plan, you’ll need to talk to your NDIS planner about the help you need to live in your own home. This will probably be discussed in your first planning conversation. If you want to live more independently, your NDIS planner will identify the kinds of supports that will help you do this. You might want to ask your planner about SIL if your goals or living situation change. You will need to tell the NDIA about your change in circumstances, and they will contact you to talk about the supports you need.
To help the NDIA understand your support needs and what you can do independently, it helps to have referrals from health professionals and any of your current carers or support workers. Bring these to your planning conversation.
Specialist Disability Accommodation
The 4 SDA categories are; Improved Livability, which are designed for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments and feature high contrast fittings to improve visibility, easy to use switches and handles and clear pathways which make homes easier to navigate and understand. Fully Accessible homes feature step-free entryways, pathways and transitions, wide doorways and kitchens and bathrooms designed for easy access by people with significant disabilities or those who may use mobility aids. High Physical Support is for very high physical needs, including features like assistive technology, emergency power back up, ceiling hoist provisions and structural considerations for future customisation or the implementation of complex equipment. Robust is the final category, tailored for individuals needing extra safety due to behaviours of concern – strong building materials, secure windows and doors, soundproofing and retreat areas are common features. Note that Claro does not currently provide SIL services within Robust SDA environments.
Understanding what features suit your preferences and funding are key. Do you have a suburb or catchment area within which you would like to live? Do you need to be close to medical services, or public transport? Do you wish to live alone or with others? The Claro SDA finder (link) lets you filter by area, dwelling type, SDA design category and more, so you can see which homes are available. If you don’t see the perfect home we recommend still reaching out to our helpful team – one of our SDA partners may have the perfect home for you in their portfolio or in the pipeline and we are happy to refer you.
The NDIS provides funding for participants to live within SDA properties. If you are determined to be eligible, the SDA payments will be included in your NDIS plan and paid directly to the SDA provider. You may have to contribute additional funds too – people living within SDA usually have to pay a “reasonable rent contribution” no greater than 25% of the disability support pension, plus any Commonwealth rent assistance they may receive. SDA funding only funds living in the home – your living costs, medical expenses and the cost of your support workers are funded through a combination of your NDIS funding or your DSP (disability support pension).
To receive SDA funding, the NDIS has to determine you are eligible for SDA. The NDIS has stated that SDA funding is for people with; extreme functional impairment, and/or very high support needs. You will need to show that you fit in to one or both of these categories, and provide references such as a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). It is helpful to engage a Support Coordinator as they are highly experienced in navigating the NDIS and submitting funding reviews. If one of your goals is to live an independently as possible the NDIS may find that SDA funding is reasonable and necessary in order for you to achieve that.
Community Participation
Both funding areas are designed to help you build your skills and enjoy your life, but each has a particular focus. Core Supports fund more of the day to day activities – exploring your community, participating in events, attending matches from your most loved sports team etc. Capacity Building Supports are designed to develop your skills and independence – think things like workshops and courses, volunteering, resume development and interview skills. It really comes down to your goals – if one of your goals is to overcome shyness and isolation, then group social activities could be considered a Capacity Building support.
The first step is to speak to your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator to discuss your goals and what support you might need to achieve them. Your support requests will need to align to your goals and be considered “reasonable and necessary” for your health and wellbeing. And remember to be specific : your funding supports your participation in the community, not just general costs of recreation.
Supports must relate to your disability, demonstrate value for money, be effective at helping you achieve your goals, and not be used to cover daily living costs like groceries or things covered by the health or education system.
Community Participation
Supported Independent Living, or SIL, refers to a group of NDIS supports that help you live more independently. SIL funding pays for personal support with everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, and activities outside the home like grocery shopping or catching public transport. It can also fund supports so you can build these skills over time.
Understanding what features suit your preferences and funding are key. Do you have a suburb or catchment area within which you would like to live? Do you need to be close to medical services, or public transport? Do you wish to live alone or with others? The Claro SDA finder (link) lets you filter by area, dwelling type, SDA design category and more, so you can see which homes are available. If you don’t see the perfect home we recommend still reaching out to our helpful team – one of our SDA partners may have the perfect home for you in their portfolio or in the pipeline and we are happy to refer you.
Both funding areas are designed to help you build your skills and enjoy your life, but each has a particular focus. Core Supports fund more of the day to day activities – exploring your community, participating in events, attending matches from your most loved sports team etc. Capacity Building Supports are designed to develop your skills and independence – think things like workshops and courses, volunteering, resume development and interview skills. It really comes down to your goals – if one of your goals is to overcome shyness and isolation, then group social activities could be considered a Capacity Building support.
One of the most important things to look for when selecting a provider is indications of their quality, like NDIS registration. NDIS registered providers have been assessed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and are approved to delivery supports to NDIS participants. Registered organisations meet strict quality, operational and safety standards, including undergoing rigorous audits, and agree to abide by the NDIS Code of Conduct. Claro is a registered provider and we thoroughly screen our workers to ensure they abide by the standards set by NDIS registration.
Supported Independent Living, or SIL, refers to a group of NDIS supports that help you live more independently. SIL funding pays for personal support with everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, and activities outside the home like grocery shopping or catching public transport. It can also fund supports so you can build these skills over time.
SIL is intended for participants with significant support needs, like a carer for most of the day. Generally participants who receive SIL share a home with other NDIS participants. The amount of SIL funding in a participant’s plan will depend on their support needs, living arrangements, and the other supports funded in their plan. Some people who need assistance with tasks like cooking or getting ready in the morning don’t need assistance for most of the day. SIL might not be the best support option in this case, and you might receive funding for other home and living supports.
The 4 SDA categories are; Improved Livability, which are designed for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments and feature high contrast fittings to improve visibility, easy to use switches and handles and clear pathways which make homes easier to navigate and understand. Fully Accessible homes feature step-free entryways, pathways and transitions, wide doorways and kitchens and bathrooms designed for easy access by people with significant disabilities or those who may use mobility aids. High Physical Support is for very high physical needs, including features like assistive technology, emergency power back up, ceiling hoist provisions and structural considerations for future customisation or the implementation of complex equipment. Robust is the final category, tailored for individuals needing extra safety due to behaviours of concern – strong building materials, secure windows and doors, soundproofing and retreat areas are common features. Note that Claro does not currently provide SIL services within Robust SDA environments.
Understanding what features suit your preferences and funding are key. Do you have a suburb or catchment area within which you would like to live? Do you need to be close to medical services, or public transport? Do you wish to live alone or with others? The Claro SDA finder (link) lets you filter by area, dwelling type, SDA design category and more, so you can see which homes are available. If you don’t see the perfect home we recommend still reaching out to our helpful team – one of our SDA partners may have the perfect home for you in their portfolio or in the pipeline and we are happy to refer you.
The 4 SDA categories are; Improved Livability, which are designed for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments and feature high contrast fittings to improve visibility, easy to use switches and handles and clear pathways which make homes easier to navigate and understand. Fully Accessible homes feature step-free entryways, pathways and transitions, wide doorways and kitchens and bathrooms designed for easy access by people with significant disabilities or those who may use mobility aids. High Physical Support is for very high physical needs, including features like assistive technology, emergency power back up, ceiling hoist provisions and structural considerations for future customisation or the implementation of complex equipment. Robust is the final category, tailored for individuals needing extra safety due to behaviours of concern – strong building materials, secure windows and doors, soundproofing and retreat areas are common features. Note that Claro does not currently provide SIL services within Robust SDA environments.
To get supported independent living funding in your NDIS plan, you’ll need to talk to your NDIS planner about the help you need to live in your own home. This will probably be discussed in your first planning conversation. If you want to live more independently, your NDIS planner will identify the kinds of supports that will help you do this. You might want to ask your planner about SIL if your goals or living situation change. You will need to tell the NDIA about your change in circumstances, and they will contact you to talk about the supports you need.
Understanding what features suit your preferences and funding are key. Do you have a suburb or catchment area within which you would like to live? Do you need to be close to medical services, or public transport? Do you wish to live alone or with others? The Claro SDA finder (link) lets you filter by area, dwelling type, SDA design category and more, so you can see which homes are available. If you don’t see the perfect home we recommend still reaching out to our helpful team – one of our SDA partners may have the perfect home for you in their portfolio or in the pipeline and we are happy to refer you.
The first step is to speak to your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator to discuss your goals and what support you might need to achieve them. Your support requests will need to align to your goals and be considered “reasonable and necessary” for your health and wellbeing. And remember to be specific : your funding supports your participation in the community, not just general costs of recreation.
With Claro’s specialist hospital discharge program in most cases we can initiate within 72 hours, and have you in a safe and supported home-like environment within 7 days.
It is critical you are happy and comfortable with your support provider, and it is entirely your choice who delivers your support. If you are not happy with the support you are receiving you can speak to your support network bout changing providers – your support coordinator is a good place to start. If you do not feel you have anyone to speak to or advocate for you, we encourage you to contact the NDIS directly for escalated support via 1800 800 110. If you are interested in changing providers to Claro please get in touch to discuss your situation, we can support you throughout the process.
Transition Supports
It is critical you are happy and comfortable with your support provider, and it is entirely your choice who delivers your support. If you are not happy with the support you are receiving you can speak to your support network bout changing providers – your support coordinator is a good place to start. If you do not feel you have anyone to speak to or advocate for you, we encourage you to contact the NDIS directly for escalated support via 1800 800 110. If you are interested in changing providers to Claro please get in touch to discuss your situation, we can support you throughout the process.
There are a number of steps required to change providers, from reviewing service agreements with your current provider, finding a new provider, giving notice to your current provider, informing your support coordinator or local area coordinator and updating the NDIS portal. If you need support to initiate this process, you can give Claro a call and we can support you along the way.
One of the most important things to look for when selecting a provider is indications of their quality, like NDIS registration. NDIS registered providers have been assessed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and are approved to delivery supports to NDIS participants. Registered organisations meet strict quality, operational and safety standards, including undergoing rigorous audits, and agree to abide by the NDIS Code of Conduct. Claro is a registered provider and we thoroughly screen our workers to ensure they abide by the standards set by NDIS registration.
Hospital Discharge
With Claro’s specialist hospital discharge program in most cases we can initiate within 72 hours, and have you in a safe and supported home-like environment within 7 days.
When coordinating a person’s discharge from hospital many stakeholders need to be in sync to ensure a safe discharge. The hospital team need to liaise with an individuals own support network, allied health professionals, accommodation providers and support services. Claro’s Hospital Discharge Program has standardized this process, creating clear communication channels, straightforward processes and systems, and is executed by highly trained and experienced staff. Claro also work closely with the best accommodation providers in Australia, so can coordinate not only your accommodation but also the support you need once discharged.
The first step is to speak to the hospital care team about whether you or your loved one are ready to leave hospital safely. If yes, then reach out to Claro to discuss your suitability for our Hospital Discharge Program. We can connect you with our highly experienced team of professionals to find you the right accommodation and support services, often within 7 days. Our thorough program not only ensures a swift and efficient discharge, but our high standards of clinical oversight mean greatly reduced risk of readmission or health decline.
NDIS
The NDIS provides funding for reasonable and necessary supports that help people with disability build skills, maintain independence, and participate in everyday life. This can include personal care, community access, therapy supports, and supported living options. At Claro, we translate NDIS funding into meaningful outcomes by designing personalised support that reflects each participant’s goals, strengths, and preferences—ensuring support is not just funded, but truly effective.
A high-quality NDIS provider should offer more than services—they should offer partnership, transparency, and accountability. Look for providers with strong clinical governance, experienced teams, and a genuine commitment to participant choice and control. Claro stands apart through our nurse-led transitions, co-designed support plans, evidence-based practices, and consistent focus on safety, dignity, and long-term outcomes for participants and their families.
Yes. Claro works closely with NDIS participants to ensure their funding is used strategically and in line with their life goals. Our teams understand the complexities of NDIS plans and help participants navigate supports, adjust services as needs change, and maximise value from their funding—while always respecting individual choice, flexibility, and control.
Participants choose Claro because we combine deep sector expertise with a compassionate, person-centred approach. We exceed NDIS quality and safeguarding standards through robust governance, skilled support workers, and a culture of continuous improvement. Most importantly, we listen—working alongside participants to deliver support that empowers independence, builds confidence, and creates genuine opportunities for growth.
TAC
The TAC funds disability supports for people whose injuries from a transport accident result in ongoing or permanent impairment. Funded supports may include personal and attendant care, community access, therapy and rehabilitation, complex care, supported accommodation, supported independent living, and—where clinically justified—Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). All supports must be directly related to the accident and focused on improving independence, safety and quality of life.
TAC disability supports are approved based on individual needs, clinical recommendations and functional goals following a transport accident. Funding is tailored to each person’s circumstances and reviewed over time to ensure supports remain appropriate as needs change. Experienced providers work collaboratively with the TAC, treating professionals and the individual to deliver supports that are effective, safe and outcomes-focused.
Yes. People receiving TAC-funded disability supports can choose approved providers that best meet their needs. Selecting a provider with strong governance, skilled staff and experience supporting people with complex injuries is essential. The right provider will work transparently with the TAC while prioritising the individual’s preferences, dignity and long-term independence.
iCare
iCare NSW provides funding for a wide range of disability supports for people who experience serious injuries at work or through transport accidents. Funded supports may include personal and attendant care, therapy and rehabilitation, community participation, supported accommodation, supported independent living, and—when clinically appropriate—Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). All services are tailored to help participants regain independence, maintain safety, and improve quality of life.
Disability supports from iCare are approved based on an individual’s medical needs, functional goals, and rehabilitation requirements. Each plan is personalised, evidence-based, and regularly reviewed to ensure supports remain appropriate as needs evolve. Experienced providers work closely with iCare, treating professionals, and participants to deliver safe, effective, and outcomes-focused services.
Yes. Participants can select approved disability support providers that best meet their needs and preferences. Choosing a provider with experience in complex injuries, strong clinical governance, and a participant-first approach ensures supports are delivered safely and effectively, while respecting the individual’s dignity and independence.
iCare-funded disability services are designed to support long-term independence and participation in daily life. Supports focus on skill-building, rehabilitation, and practical assistance, while promoting autonomy and choice. High-quality providers emphasise personalised planning, consistent care, and continuous improvement to help participants achieve meaningful outcomes and maintain quality of life.
LSA
The LSA funds long-term disability supports for people who experience catastrophic injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Supports are tailored to individual needs and may include personal and attendant care, rehabilitation and therapy services, community access programs, supported accommodation, supported independent living, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) where required. All services aim to promote independence, safety, and quality of life.
Support plans are developed based on each participant’s medical needs, functional goals, and lifestyle priorities. The LSA works with healthcare professionals, case managers, and participants to ensure funded services are appropriate, evidence-based, and reviewed regularly to meet changing needs over time.
Yes. Participants can select approved providers that match their preferences, needs, and goals. Choosing a provider with experience in complex injuries and a person-centred approach ensures care is delivered safely, effectively, and in a way that empowers independence.
The LSA’s supports are designed to help participants maintain or improve independence after a catastrophic injury. By combining personal care, therapy, rehabilitation, and accommodation options, services help individuals participate in daily life, develop skills, and live as autonomously as possible. High-quality providers focus on planning, consistency, and ongoing improvement to deliver meaningful, long-term outcomes.
NIISQ
NIISQ provides lifelong support for Queenslanders who experience catastrophic injuries from motor vehicle accidents. Funded supports are tailored to individual needs and may include personal and attendant care, therapy and rehabilitation services, community participation programs, supported accommodation, supported independent living, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) where appropriate. All services are designed to promote independence, safety, and quality of life.
NIISQ funding is based on each participant’s medical needs, functional goals, and personal circumstances. Supports are planned collaboratively with healthcare professionals, case managers, and the participant to ensure the services are suitable, effective, and regularly reviewed as needs change over time.
Yes. Participants can select approved providers that best meet their preferences, goals, and care requirements. Choosing a provider with experience in complex injuries and a person-centred approach ensures supports are delivered safely, consistently, and in a way that empowers independence.
NIISQ-funded supports focus on maintaining or improving functional independence after a catastrophic injury. By combining personal care, rehabilitation, therapy, and accommodation options, services help participants participate in daily life, build skills, and live as autonomously as possible. Providers emphasise personalised planning and continuous improvement to achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes.
ICWA
ICWA funds a broad range of disability supports for people who sustain serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Supports are tailored to individual needs and may include personal and attendant care, rehabilitation and therapy services, community participation programs, supported accommodation, supported independent living, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) where clinically required. All services focus on promoting independence, safety, and quality of life.
Funding for disability supports is based on each participant’s medical needs, functional goals, and personal circumstances. ICWA works with healthcare professionals, case managers, and participants to develop evidence-based, tailored plans that are regularly reviewed to ensure services remain appropriate and effective over time.
Yes. Participants can select from approved providers that best match their needs and preferences. Choosing a provider with experience in complex injuries and a participant-centred approach ensures supports are delivered safely, effectively, and in a way that maximises independence and quality of life.
ICWA-funded services aim to maintain or improve functional independence following a catastrophic injury. By combining personal care, rehabilitation, therapy, and supported accommodation, participants are able to engage in daily life, build skills, and live as autonomously as possible. High-quality providers focus on person-centred planning, consistent care, and continuous improvement to deliver meaningful, long-term outcomes.