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What’s the Difference Between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

November 13, 2025

If you are navigating the NDIS, you have likely come across two terms that sound similar but serve very different purposes: Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

They are often mentioned together, sometimes even used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference matters because choosing the right option can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, independence, and long-term stability.

This guide breaks down SIL and SDA in clear, practical terms for you. We will explain what each one is, who it is designed for, how funding works, and how they can work together. We will also address common questions and misconceptions so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Understanding NDIS Housing Supports at a High Level

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), housing-related supports are separated into different funding categories. This is intentional.

One category focuses on the physical home itself. Another focuses on the daily support a person receives while living there. SIL and SDA sit on opposite sides of that line.

In simple terms:

SDA is about the building.
SIL is about the support inside the building.

A person can have one without the other, or both together, depending on their needs and NDIS plan.

Trying to understand the difference between Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Sydney? At Interaction Services, we help people with a disability and their families navigate NDIS housing options with clarity, care, and practical guidance.

What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living refers to paid support that helps people with a disability live as independently as possible, usually in a shared home.

SIL funding covers the support workers who assist with daily tasks. It does not pay for rent, the building, or household expenses.

What SIL Supports Usually Include

SIL support is tailored to the individual but commonly includes help with:

Personal care such as showering, dressing, and grooming.
Meal planning, cooking, and nutrition.
Medication prompts and health routines.
Household tasks like cleaning and laundry.
Building daily living and social skills.
Overnight or 24/7 supervision where required.

SIL is typically provided in shared living arrangements, though individual living situations can also be supported in specific circumstances.

Who SIL Is Designed For

SIL is generally suitable for people with a disability who:

Need regular or ongoing support with daily activities.
Want to live with others rather than alone.
Benefit from routine, structure, and consistent support.
Have NDIS funding approved under Core Supports.

According to NDIS data, tens of thousands of Australians receive supported living arrangements each year, making SIL one of the most commonly used accommodation related supports under the scheme.

What SIL Does Not Cover

This is a key point that often causes confusion.

SIL does not pay for:

Rent or mortgage.
The physical home or modifications.
Utilities, groceries, or personal expenses.

Those costs are either paid by the participant directly or covered through other funding categories, such as SDA or personal income support.

What Is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation refers to specially designed housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.

Unlike SIL, SDA funding is about the physical environment. It helps pay for homes that are built or modified to support safety, accessibility, and long term independence.

What Makes SDA Different from Regular Housing

SDA homes are purpose built or significantly modified to meet specific design standards set by the NDIS. These standards go well beyond standard accessible housing.

SDA funding contributes to:

The cost of building or modifying the home.
Ongoing maintenance related to specialist design features.
The long term availability of suitable housing stock.

Participants still pay a reasonable rent contribution, usually aligned with Commonwealth Rent Assistance rules.

Types of SDA Housing

SDA homes are classified into design categories, including:

Improved Liveability
Fully Accessible.
High Physical Support.

Each category addresses different needs, such as mobility limitations, sensory impairments, or behaviours of concern.

As of recent NDIS reporting, around 6 percent of NDIS participants are eligible for SDA funding, reflecting how targeted and specialised this support is.

Who SDA Is Designed For

SDA is intended for a small group of people with a disability who:

Have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
Cannot be reasonably supported in mainstream housing.
Require specialised design features for safety, mobility, or care.

Eligibility is assessed carefully, and SDA funding must be explicitly approved in an NDIS plan.

The Key Differences Between SIL and SDA

While SIL and SDA are often used together, they serve very different purposes.

SIL focuses on:

Daily living support.
Support workers and routines.
Skill development and assistance.

SDA focuses on:

The physical home.
Specialist design and accessibility.
Long term housing availability.

A helpful way to think about it is this:

SDA is the house.
SIL is the help inside the house.

Can You Have SIL Without SDA?

Yes, many people do.

A person might live in:

A private rental.
Social or community housing.
A family home.

They can still receive SIL funding for daily support, provided their living arrangement and support model are approved by the NDIS.

Can You Have SDA Without SIL?

Yes, this can also happen.

Some people living in SDA housing may:

Receive Individualised Living Options.
Use drop in supports.
Rely on informal support or assistive technology.

SDA does not automatically mean 24/7 support is required.

When SIL and SDA Are Used Together

For people with high or complex needs, SIL and SDA are often combined.

In this setup:

SDA provides a safe, accessible home designed for long term needs.
SIL provides the daily support that enables independence and quality of life.

This combination is common in shared living environments where multiple participants live together with tailored support ratios.

Searching for clear advice on SIL and SDA housing under the NDIS in Parramatta, Blacktown, or Penrith? Interaction Services supports participants to understand how different NDIS housing models work, what funding applies, and which option best suits their individual needs.

Common Questions Families and Participants Ask

Is SIL the same as group homes?

Not exactly. While SIL is often delivered in shared homes, the modern NDIS approach focuses on individual choice, compatibility, and personalised support rather than institutional models.

Do I get to choose where I live?

Choice and control are core principles of the NDIS. While availability can vary, participants are involved in decisions about where they live, who they live with, and how support is delivered.

Is SDA permanent housing?

SDA is designed to be long term, but participants can move if their needs or goals change.

Who helps coordinate all of this?

Support Coordinators play a critical role in helping participants understand options, apply for funding, and connect housing with the right support providers.

How Interaction Services Supports People with a Disability

At Interaction Services, we work alongside people with a disability, families, and support networks to make sense of housing and support options under the NDIS.

Our approach is person centred and practical. We focus on understanding what independence means to each individual and helping them access supports that align with their goals, preferences, and daily realities.

Whether someone is exploring Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, or a combination of both, we provide guidance that is clear, respectful, and grounded in real experience.

Ready to Talk About the Right Option?

SIL and SDA are not competing options. They are different tools designed to meet different needs.

Understanding the difference helps ensure people with a disability are not placed into housing or support models that do not suit them. With the right information, planning, and support, it is possible to build living arrangements that genuinely support independence, safety, and a meaningful life.

If you or someone you support is navigating SIL, SDA, or broader NDIS housing options, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with our team to talk through your situation, ask questions, and explore supports that are aligned with your goals. The right information can make all the difference.