Under the NDIS, two key housing-related supports are often misunderstood: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL).
If you’ve been confused about either of these or how they are related, then this blog is for you.
SIL and SDA both play an important role in helping Participants with disabilities live independently, but they fund very different things. In this guide, we’ll break down what each one is, how they work, and when you might need one or both.
What Does SIL Cover?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) refers to the support services that help Participants live independently in a home environment. This could include:
- Personal care (e.g. bathing, grooming, toileting)
- Assistance with cooking, cleaning, and daily routines
- Medication management and support with appointments
- Skill development and goal-focused daily living
SIL is usually delivered in shared homes, but can also apply to individual or duplex-style housing. It is funded under the Core Supports category of your NDIS plan. Note: SIL does not pay for your rent or accommodation. It only covers the support staff and services provided.
What Does SDA Cover?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to the physical housing itself. SDA homes are purpose-built facilities to support people with complex functional impairment or very high support needs.
Features might include:
- Fully accessible designs (e.g. wide doorways, hoists, wheelchair ramps)
- Robust construction for behavioural needs
- Smart technology and safety systems
SDA is funded separately under the Capital Supports category of your NDIS plan. It covers the cost of building or modifying the property, not the support you receive in it.
Key Differences Between SDA and SIL
| Feature | SIL | SDA |
|---|---|---|
|
Covers |
Daily support services |
The building or home
|
|
Funded under |
Core Supports |
Capital Supports
|
|
Provided by |
NDIS support provider |
SDA-registered housing provider
|
|
Eligibility |
Needs daily assistance |
Complex functional impairment and/or High support needs
|
|
Example |
Support worker helping with routines |
Accessible apartment with ceiling hoists
|
Can You Receive Both SDA and SIL?
Yes — and many Participants do.
SDA covers the home, while SIL covers the support inside the home. They work together to create a complete living solution for Participants with complex needs.
For example, a Participant may live in an SDA-approved High Physical Support home and receive 24/7 SIL supports such as personal care, medication management, and meal preparation.
Eligibility Criteria for SDA and SIL
SIL Eligibility
- You need help with daily tasks due to your disability
- You have a goal to build independence in a home environment
- Your OT or planner has identified SIL as a reasonable and necessary support
SDA Eligibility
- You have complex functional impairment or very high support needs
- You require specialised housing to achieve your goals
- You have completed an SDA Housing Plan and functional assessments
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between SDA and SIL helps you make confident choices about your housing and support options under the NDIS.
Still not sure which is right for you?
Our team can help you explore your eligibility, develop your goals, and build a plan that works for your needs — and your future.
