Even after countless Google searches on NDIS housing, we still fall short in understanding the key difference between SDA and SIL. Both options help individuals with disabilities live safe, independent lives, but they fund different parts of your support.
To put it simply, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is the building you live in, while Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the support you receive inside it.
Once you understand how these two types of funding can be used, both individually and in combination, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your living options.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is the physical bricks-and-mortar home built for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairments.
SDA is not about funding for support workers or daily assistance; it means funding a person’s physical and sensory needs for housing, where someone needs to live in an accessible, specialised house when they can’t live in a mainstream or standard house.
Key Features of SDA
SDA dwellings are designed to be accessible and include purpose-built features like:
- Raised floors for hoists.
- Accessible doorways and corridors (wider doorways)
- Accessible, step-free kitchens and bathrooms
- Assistive technologies, such as automated doors/window controls
- Emergency power backup systems
The NDIS has four design standards that are applied to SDA properties:
- Enhanced Liveability: Providing physical access and sensory-friendly accessibility for participants with intellectual, cognitive or sensory impairments.
- Fully Accessible: Fully accessible throughout the building with high-level physical access, allowing easy wheelchair access to bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
- Robust: Built with robust materials to minimise maintenance requirements and ensure the safety of supports and participants.
- High Physical Support: Has a wide range of accessibility features and options, such as ceiling hoist support, structural reinforcement and the ability to switch to emergency power and smart home automation.
There are strict NDIS eligibility processes, and funding is available to only a small proportion of people who need specialised housing infrastructure (SDA).
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is funding for paid support workers who will help you with your everyday activities. SIL’s emphasis is on developing the skills needed to live independently, or as independently as possible, in a shared home or your own home.
SIL is not related to the physical property, nor does it include rent, board, or groceries, like SDA.
Key Features of SIL
The purpose of the SIL funding is to provide higher levels of regular, daily support for individuals. This may include:
- Personal care including showering, dressing and hygiene.
- Planning meals, shopping for food and cooking
- Domestic tasks, cleaning and laundry
- Support and maintenance of medication
- Helping build confidence and life skills to support increased personal independence
Depending on the NDIS plan and the assessed level of support a participant requires, one can receive SIL support in several models, including shared living (1:2 or 1:3 support ratio) or individual 1:1 support.
SDA vs SIL: The Key Differences
The main difference between these supports can be better understood below:
Feature | SDA | SIL |
What it is | The physical home/building | The support team providing daily care |
Primary Purpose | Access to specialised housing infrastructure | Practical support and development skills for day-to-day life |
What Funding Covers | Capital costs and modifications of the home | Assistance with support, personal care and home duties |
What is NOT covered | Support workers, therapy, personal care or food | Rent, bond, utility costs, food costs, or home improvements |
Who it may be suitable for | Participants who have an extreme functional impairment or very high physical need | Participants with significant daily needs for independent living. |
Can they work together? | Yes, as long as both are included in your NDIS plan | Yes, SIL is available within an SDA dwelling, or within standard housing |
Can You Have Both SDA and SIL?
Yes, you can have the best of both worlds. In some cases, you might have funding in your NDIS plan to support both SDA and SIL. For instance, a person with significant physical mobility needs could reside in a High Physical Support SDA home (the physical home) and receive SIL support (the support workers) for morning routines, meal preparation, and evening transfers.
They are, however, completely distinct funding line items. SIL is available without using SDA, and it is not necessary to use a particular SIL provider if using SDA. This means that you have a choice and some control about where you live and who can provide your supports.
Making the Right Housing and Support Choice
The choice of the ideal home and living environment will depend on your functional status, personal objectives and support system. Since eligibility for SDA and SIL depends on a detailed allied health assessment (e.g., an assessment conducted by an Occupational Therapist), it is important to talk with your Support Coordinator, planner, or local area coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals.
Where Can You Find the Best Support and Make an Ideal Housing Choice?
At Blue Wing Care Professionals, we know that choosing a living arrangement isn’t just about the finances; it’s about creating a safe, valued and empowered environment.
We provide quality Supported Independent Living (SIL) services with flexible 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 support options, with caring support workers who help you with everyday routines, life-skill building and active participation in the community. In addition to our SIL services, we have access to suitable Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) properties that meet your accessibility needs.
If you are seeking NDIS housing options, we are here to help. Book your consultation call with us today.
