HOW SIL AND SDA WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENCE

Difference between SIL and SDA

The NDIS provides vital funding to help people with disabilities live more independently, but understanding the different types of support can be tricky—especially when it comes to Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

While these two types of funding are often used together, they serve different purposes. SIL funds daily support services to help people live independently, while SDA funds specialised housing designed for people with high support needs.

According to the NDIS Quarterly Reports, the scheme continues to grow, with over 646,000 Australians currently receiving support. These reports provide insights into participant numbers, funding allocations, and how the NDIS is evolving to better meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Understanding how SIL and SDA work within the NDIS can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about the best support options available.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living funds support services—not housing. It helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible by covering the cost of support workers who assist with daily activities.

SIL is most commonly used in shared living arrangements, where people live together and receive support as a group, but it can also apply to people who live in private rentals or their family home, depending on their needs.

SIL funding covers:

Assistance with meal preparation and planning

Help with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and shopping

Personal care, including showering, dressing, and medication management

Support with social interaction and community participation

Drop-in or 24/7 support, depending on the level of assistance needed

Key point:

SIL only covers the cost of support services—it does not cover rent, mortgage payments, or other housing expenses.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation funds the home itself, not the support provided within it. It is designed for people with very high support needs who require specialist housing that is safe, accessible, and allows them to live more independently.

SDA funding covers the cost of a specially designed or modified property, but it does not pay for daily support services, which is where SIL comes in.

SDA Accommodation in Gisborne Launching Soon

SDA homes may include:

Wheelchair-accessible doorways, bathrooms, and kitchens

Ceiling hoists and assistive technology for mobility support

Reinforced walls for extra stability and safety

Smart home technology to improve independence and accessibility

Key point:

SDA funding only covers housing costs—it does not include personal care or daily living support. That’s why many participants have both SDA and SIL funding to get the best combination of support and housing.

How SIL and SDA Work Together

For some people, SIL and SDA work together to provide a safe and fully supported living environment.

Example of how they connect:

A person with complex physical disabilities lives in an SDA home designed with wheelchair accessibility, ceiling hoists, and smart technology.

They also receive SIL funding, meaning a support worker visits regularly (or stays 24/7) to assist with personal care, cooking, and accessing the community.

Together, SDA provides a safe, accessible home, while SIL ensures the daily support needed to live independently.

SIL and SDA can be funded separately or together, depending on the person’s circumstances.

Can You Have One Without the Other?

Yes! SIL and SDA are separate funding streams, so you don’t need both.

SIL without SDA:

Some people live in a private rental, family home, or share house but still receive SIL funding to pay for daily living support.

SDA without SIL:

Others live in an SDA home but don’t need (or choose not to have) SIL funding. Instead, they may receive informal support from family or friends.

Your NDIS plan will determine whether SIL, SDA, or both are the right fit for you.

Finding the Right Support in Melbourne

Everyone’s situation is different, which is why it’s important to find the right combination of housing and support that suits your needs.

Yours Truly Support Services is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne, offering SIL and SDA services designed to help people live as independently as possible. Whether you need daily support at home or are looking for an accessible living arrangement, we can guide you through the process and help you make the most of your NDIS plan.

Want to learn more? Contact us today to explore your SIL and SDA options and see how we can support your independence.

Let's Explore Your Options Together

We'd love to chat. Get in touch by phone, email, or through our contact form. Our friendly Support Advisors can make a plan with you, based on your own goals and abilities.

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Taylors Lakes VIC 3038, Australia

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We recognise the objectives of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders past and present.

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