Semi-Independent Living Skills

What Are Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS)?

Semi-independent living services (SILS) are services needed by an adult with a developmental disability or related condition(s) to live successfully in the community.

Who Is Eligible for SILS?

A person is eligible to receive SILS if he/she meets all of the following criteria:

• Is age 18 or older
• Has been determined to have a developmental disability or related condition
• Is unable to function independently without SILS
• Is not at risk of placement in an Intermediate Care Facility for People with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD)
• If the person uses home and community-based waiver services, he/she is not eligible for SILS.

Covered Services

Under SILS, a person may receive a one-time housing allowance of up to $1,500. This allowance may cover some of the costs related to damage or security deposits for housing rentals, utility deposits, connection costs, household furnishings, and other items necessary to enable the person to secure a home in which to receive SILS.

The goal of SILS is to support people in ways that enable them to achieve personally desired outcomes and lead self-directed lives. SILS include training and assistance to:

• Engage in activities that make it possible for an adult with developmental disabilities or related condition(s) to live in the community
• Exercise social, recreation and transportation skills, including appropriate social behavior
• Learn and exercise the rights and responsibilities of community living
• Maintain personal appearance and hygiene
• Manage money, prepare meals and shop
• Obtain and maintain a home
• Perform first aid and obtain assistance in an emergency
• Self-administer medication
• Use the phone and other utilities

Provisions of SILS

The methods, materials, and settings used to provide SILS must be designed to:

• Increase the person’s independence by teaching skills so he/she may perform tasks and activities without dependence on caregivers
• Increase the person’s opportunities to interact with people without disabilities who are not paid, caregivers
• Provide daily schedules, routines, environments, and interactions similar to those of people without disabilities of the same age
• Provide skill training in an environment where the skill will be used
• Support the development of decision-making skills and informed choices in all aspects of daily living including service provider selections, goals and methods, location and decor of residence, roommates, daily routines, leisure activities, and personal possessions.

Transportation and Errands

ManNasia’s policy allows for SILS Support Staff to transport clients if transportation is essential for the completion of the goal and it is included in the Care Plan.

Non-Covered Services

A person may not receive SILS if he/she permanently resides in any of the following:

• ICF/DD
• Institution
• Nursing Facility