Two Different Things That Often Go Together
Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are two separate NDIS supports that are often confused with each other. While they frequently appear together in the same plan, they fund very different things.
Put simply: SDA funds the building, while SIL funds the support workers. A participant may have one, the other, or both in their NDIS plan depending on their circumstances.
What Is SIL?
Supported Independent Living is funding for the help a participant needs to live in a shared or individual home. SIL pays for the support workers who assist with daily tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, medication prompts, and overnight supervision.
SIL is typically funded where a participant requires support across most of the day and night, and where that support is best delivered in their home environment. Common SIL arrangements include:
- Shared supported accommodation - A small group of participants living together with shared support workers
- Individual SIL - One-to-one support in a participant's own home
- 24/7 active support - For participants requiring continuous assistance
- Overnight sleep-over support - Where a worker is on-site overnight but not actively working
SIL funding is assessed based on the hours and skill level of support required, and is normally managed by a specialist SIL provider.
What Is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation funds the physical home itself. SDA is for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who require purpose-built housing with specific accessibility features.
SDA is not housing itself - it is funding that contributes towards the rent a participant pays to live in a specialist property. The property is built to one of four NDIS-approved design categories:
- Improved Liveability - Enhanced accessibility for people with cognitive, sensory, or mobility needs
- Fully Accessible - Full wheelchair accessibility throughout the home
- High Physical Support - Designed for participants needing significant assistance, including ceiling hoists and backup power
- Robust - Resilient construction for participants with complex behaviours of concern
To receive SDA funding, a participant must meet strict eligibility criteria, including a requirement that SDA is the most appropriate housing solution for them.
How SIL and SDA Work Together
Many participants who have SDA in their plan also have SIL, because the physical features of an accessible home need to be paired with the human supports required for day-to-day life. However, SIL can be delivered in a regular rental property, and SDA can (in theory) be used with informal supports rather than SIL.
This is why both are assessed independently. An occupational therapy assessment plays a key role in evidencing the need for each.
The Role of the Occupational Therapist
Both SIL and SDA applications require detailed functional evidence from allied health professionals. An occupational therapist can contribute by:
- Describing functional capacity across self-care, mobility, and community participation
- Explaining support needs including frequency, skill level, and complexity
- Identifying housing design features that address specific barriers
- Reviewing existing accommodation and commenting on suitability
- Evidencing housing goals that align with the participant's NDIS plan
For SDA, a Housing Goals Report or SDA-specific assessment is often required. For SIL, a Roster of Care and functional assessment are the standard evidence pieces.
Timelines and Process
SIL and SDA applications are among the most complex and long-running processes in the NDIS. Typical timelines include:
- Functional assessment - 2 to 4 weeks
- Report preparation - 3 to 4 weeks
- NDIS review and approval - 2 to 6 months depending on complexity
- Finding suitable housing (SDA) - Can take 6 to 18 months depending on location and category
Starting early and working with experienced providers helps keep the process moving.
Common Misconceptions
- "SIL means I get a house" - No. SIL only funds support workers. Housing is separate.
- "SDA is free housing" - No. Participants still pay a reasonable rent contribution; SDA covers the capital cost premium.
- "Anyone with high needs can get SDA" - No. SDA has very specific eligibility criteria and is for a small proportion of NDIS participants.
- "You need SIL to have SDA" - Not necessarily, though they commonly appear together.
Getting Started
If you or a participant you support needs a SIL or SDA assessment, our occupational therapists deliver functional assessments and housing reports across Melbourne and Western Sydney. We work closely with support coordinators and families to ensure reports evidence the right supports.
To discuss a referral, call us on 0450 874 303 or email admin@ergotherapygroup.com.au. You can also submit a referral through our [referral page](/referrals).