Understanding SIL & SDA
Learn about Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) - two important NDIS funding types that help people with disabilities live more independently.
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What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Understanding SIL funding and how it helps with daily support
Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is funding that helps people with disabilities receive the daily support they need to live more independently. It is designed for people who need regular help throughout the day, and possibly overnight, with tasks like cooking, cleaning, personal care, following daily routines and accessing the community.
Key Points About SIL:
- SIL is about the support services provided, not the rent or the cost of the home
- Many people receiving SIL live in shared homes with other NDIS participants
- SIL can also be provided to people who live on their own
- If SIL is not the right fit, there are other types of home and living supports that may be more suitable
What SIL Covers:
- Assistance with personal care
- Support for daily routines
- Cleaning and meal preparation
- Accessing the community
- Overnight support if required
What SIL Doesn't Cover:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities and bills
- Food and groceries
- Personal expenses
- The cost of the home itself
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Understanding SDA funding and accessible housing
Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is housing that has been specially designed or modified for people who have very high support needs or significant functional limitations. SDA properties include accessibility features and layouts that make everyday living easier and safer, and that allow support workers to provide help more effectively.
Key Points About SDA:
- SDA funding covers the home itself, not the support services you receive inside it
- People still need to pay rent and other everyday living costs such as utilities, food, and personal expenses
- SDA properties have accessibility features designed for people with high support needs
- The layout allows support workers to provide help more effectively
SDA Features May Include:
- Wheelchair accessible entrances
- Wide doorways and hallways
- Accessible bathrooms
- Specialised lighting
- Emergency response systems
- Hoist systems
What SDA Doesn't Cover:
- Support services (that's SIL)
- Rent payments
- Utilities and bills
- Food and groceries
- Personal expenses
The Difference Between SIL and SDA
Understanding how SIL and SDA work together but are funded separately
SIL and SDA often work together, but they are funded separately. Understanding the difference is important for getting the right support.
| Type | What It Covers | Who It Helps | How It's Funded |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIL | Daily supports to help with independent living | People who need ongoing support every day | Core supports or Home and Living budget in your NDIS plan |
| SDA | Accessible and purpose-built housing | People with very high support needs | Capital Supports budget in your NDIS plan |
In Short:
SIL funds the support • SDA funds the home
How to Get SIL or SDA Funding
Steps to include SIL or SDA in your NDIS plan
Include it in your NDIS goals
Explain to your Planner, Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator how SIL or SDA will help you work towards your goals.
Gather supporting evidence
Ask Allied Health professionals or specialists to write reports that show why you need this type of support or housing.
Discuss your needs
Bring your evidence to your planning meeting so the NDIS can assess your eligibility.
How to Check if You Already Have SIL or SDA Funding
Understanding your current NDIS plan
Look at your NDIS plan:
Core Supports section or Separate Home and Living section
Will show SIL funding
Capital Supports section
Will show SDA funding
Need Help Understanding?
If you are unsure, speak with:
- Your Support Coordinator
- Your Local Area Coordinator
- Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110
Who Can Help You Apply
Professional support for your application
Support Coordinators
Can guide you through the application process and help with the paperwork.
Allied Health Professionals
Can provide the assessments needed for your funding request.
The NDIS
Can explain eligibility criteria and funding options in more detail.
Key Things to Remember
- You can have SIL, SDA, both, or neither in your plan
- Having SDA funding does not automatically mean you will get SIL funding, and vice versa
- SIL Match does not provide SIL or SDA services; we are a matching service that helps people find compatible housemates and create positive living arrangements
Easy Read: What is SIL and SDA?
A simplified version with clear, easy-to-understand language
What is SIL?
- SIL means Supported Independent Living
- It is funding from the NDIS to help you with daily tasks
- You might get help with cooking, cleaning, getting dressed, or following your daily routine
- SIL is for people who need help every day, and sometimes at night
- SIL pays for support, not rent or bills
What is SDA?
- SDA means Specialist Disability Accommodation
- It is housing that is built or changed to suit people with high support needs
- SDA homes might have ramps, wide doorways, or special bathrooms
- SDA pays for the home, not for the support you get inside
- You still pay rent, food, and other everyday costs
SIL vs SDA
SIL = the help you get
Support with daily tasks
SDA = the home you live in
Accessible housing
You can have SIL, SDA, both, or neither in your plan
How to Get SIL or SDA in Your Plan
- Tell your NDIS planner or support coordinator why you need it
- Get reports from your Occupational Therapist and other specialists to show your needs.
- Talk about SIL or SDA when the NDIA is reassessing your plan.
How to Check if You Already Have It
Look at your NDIS plan:
Core Supports/Home and Living budget = SIL
Capital Supports section = SDA
If you are not sure, ask your support coordinator or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110
Who Can Help You
- Support Coordinators can help you apply
- Occupational Therapists and others in your Care Team can write reports to support your request
- The NDIS can explain the rules and options
Remember
- SIL Match does not give SIL or SDA services
- We help you find the right people to live with
- You choose what information you want to share
- Your personal details stay private until you choose to share them
Need More Help?
Our support team is here to help you understand SIL and SDA