Finding the right support under the NDIS can sometimes feel like putting puzzle pieces together. Each part of the scheme is designed to serve a different purpose, and knowing how they connect makes all the difference. Two terms that often come up are Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). They sound similar, yet offer diverse supports.
Many people wonder whether both can be included in a single plan. The good news is that, for those who meet the criteria, it is possible to receive funding for both. Understanding how SIL and SDA work together not only helps you prepare for planning meetings but also gives you confidence when shaping your support journey.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL focuses on the everyday help that makes independent living safer and more achievable. That includes support with personal care such as bathing, dressing, or grooming, help with cooking and cleaning, medication reminders, and even supervision at home. It also extends to community participation, where a support worker might go with you to appointments or social activities.
The real goal of SIL is growth. It is designed to build skills, confidence, and independence over time. Depending on your needs, SIL could look like a few hours of support each day or 24-hour assistance.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA is about the building you live in. It refers to homes that have been purpose-built or adapted for people with very high support needs. An SDA property might include wide hallways for wheelchair access, smart home technology for communication, reinforced walls, or accessible bathrooms.
The funding for SDA is separate from SIL. It pays for the physical home, not the support services. Participants usually contribute a reasonable rent amount, while the rest is covered under NDIS funding.
Why Combine SIL and SDA?
Living well often means both the right space and the right support. Many people benefit from having both SIL and SDA in place. Together they create a setting where independence is possible, while safety and comfort remain a priority.
When SDA provides a home that meets your physical access needs, SIL ensures you get the daily support to thrive inside that environment. Here’s why the combination works so well:
- You live in a house that matches your accessibility requirements
- You also receive personal and household support to use the space effectively
- You can continue living in the same home even if you change your SIL provider, as the accommodation and the support are funded separately
- Your independence grows, because the environment and the assistance work together rather than against each other
Eligibility for Both SIL and SDA
To access SIL, the NDIS needs to see that you require daily assistance to live safely and independently. This might be due to the level of personal care required, the need for supervision, or the frequency of support.
For SDA, eligibility is much narrower. The scheme looks at whether you have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. This usually involves significant evidence from health professionals, therapists, and support coordinators.
When both sets of criteria are met, participants can have both SIL and SDA funding in their plan. Importantly, they appear as separate line items. One funds the support services, the other funds the accommodation.
How Funding Appears in Your Plan?
The two types of support don’t overlap. SDA pays for the home. SIL pays for the people who support you inside that home.
This means you might see your plan broken down like this:
- A budget line for SIL, which covers the costs of support workers, supervision, and assistance with daily tasks
- A budget line for SDA, which covers the dwelling’s design and accessibility features
What Does Having Both SIL and SDA Look Like in Practice?
- A young adult with quadriplegia might move into an SDA home designed with hoists and wide hallways. SIL funding then ensures staff are available day and night to help with transfers, meals, and community outings.
- A person living with a degenerative neurological disease could benefit from an SDA dwelling fitted with advanced technology to control lighting and doors. SIL support workers then assist with personal care and maintaining routines.
- Someone with intellectual disability who requires constant supervision may live in a shared SDA home with robust safety features. SIL ensures trained staff are available to support daily living and social engagement.
What Official Guidelines Say?
The NDIS provides clear direction about who qualifies for each type of support. The SDA Rules 2021 outline eligibility for specialist housing and the design standards required. These rules ensure safety, accessibility, and proper use of funding.
At the same time, SIL is not tied to SDA housing. You can receive SIL funding whether you live in a standard home, a rental, or an SDA dwelling. This flexibility means you are not restricted in where you live, though combining both is common for participants with higher needs.
Steps to Request Both in Your Plan
- Speak with your support coordinator about your goals and what type of housing and daily assistance will help you meet them
- Gather medical reports, occupational therapy assessments, and any evidence that shows the level of your functional impairment and the daily supports you require
- During your planning meeting, explain why you need both SDA housing and SIL supports, making sure your reasoning connects back to safety, independence, and participation
- Check your draft plan carefully. Both SDA and SIL should appear separately. Ask for clarification if you can’t see one or the other
Taking these steps ensures you’re in the best position to access both types of funding.
Final Thoughts
NDIS is focussed on providing all the necessary supports that fit your needs, your goals, and your vision for independence. With the right guidance, both SIL and SDA can work hand in hand to make that happen.
At Nexa Care, we understand how important it is to match the right support with the right living environment. Our team works closely with participants and families to design solutions that are practical, caring, and aligned with your goals. Contact us to learn more about our services and let our experts guide you through the process.
Author Nexa Care
