Housing is one of the most significant areas of NDIS funding, and also one of the most complex. Two terms come up frequently in conversations about disability housing: Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). They're often confused with one another, but they fund very different things.
The Key Distinction
The simplest way to understand the difference:
- SDA funds the building — the physical home itself, designed and built to meet the needs of people with significant disability
- SIL funds the support — the paid assistance provided to someone living in that home
A person may have both SDA and SIL funding, or just one, or neither. Many participants access SIL without ever needing SDA, and vice versa.
What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
SIL is funding for the supports and supervision that help participants live as independently as possible in their home — whether that's a shared house with other participants, their own home, or a specialist disability accommodation property.
SIL supports typically include help with:
- Personal care and morning/evening routines
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Household tasks
- Community access and social activities
- Overnight or 24-hour support where needed
SIL is usually provided in a shared living arrangement, where a group of participants live together and share support workers. This helps make intensive supports financially sustainable under the NDIS.
SIL funding is assessed based on the level of support the participant needs in a 24-hour period. It requires a detailed support needs assessment and quote from a provider before the NDIA will approve it.
What Is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
SDA is funding that goes toward the cost of purpose-built or highly modified housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
SDA properties are designed to reduce the need for paid support — for example, through wider corridors, ceiling hoists, emergency call systems, or smart home technology. They must meet specific NDIS design standards and be registered with the NDIS.
There are four SDA design categories:
- Improved Liveability — for people with sensory or cognitive impairment
- Fully Accessible — for people who use a wheelchair or have significant physical disability
- Robust — for people with complex behavioural support needs
- High Physical Support — for people with very high physical support needs, including assistive technology integration
SDA is only available to a relatively small number of NDIS participants — those with the highest needs. It's not included in most plans, and eligibility needs to be established clearly.
How Do You Access SIL or SDA?
Both SIL and SDA require a detailed assessment and a strong case to be included in your NDIS plan. It's not simply a matter of asking — you'll need supporting reports from clinicians or allied health professionals, an occupational therapist's assessment of your functional capacity, and in the case of SDA, evidence that existing mainstream housing is not appropriate.
A Support Coordinator plays an important role here. They can:
- Help you understand whether SIL or SDA might be appropriate for you
- Work with your allied health team to build a strong case for your planning meeting
- Source and compare suitable providers and properties
- Help you understand your rights and what to expect from providers
- Support you through the transition into a new home
What If I'm Not Eligible for SDA?
Many participants who need housing support don't meet the threshold for SDA. There are other options worth exploring — including Commonwealth Rent Assistance, modifications to your existing home through the NDIS (under Capital Supports), and community housing options.
Your Support Coordinator can help you map out what's available based on your specific situation and location.
How Lumen Collective Can Help
Navigating housing supports in the NDIS is genuinely complex, and the stakes are high. At Lumen Collective, we have experience supporting participants through housing assessments, SIL arrangements, and transitions into new living situations.
If housing is a concern for you or someone you support, we'd be glad to help you understand your options. Contact our team to start a conversation.