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

 
Does the NDIS fund both housing and the support provided within it? The answer depends on the participant’s individual needs and the type of funding included in their NDIS plan. Supported Independent Living funds certain daily disability supports delivered in the home, whereas Specialist Disability Accommodation funds eligible specialist housing designed around disability-related needs. Understanding this distinction is important because approval for one does not automatically mean approval for the other. SIL and SDA may be NDIS supports that are used together, but they fund two different things.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding pays for the daily support an eligible NDIS participant may need to live as independently as possible at home. Depending on the participant’s assessed needs, SIL support may include assistance with cooking, cleaning, personal care, medication management and developing everyday living skills. SIL is commonly provided in shared accommodation, where support workers assist more than one participant in the household. The level of support and rostered hours are determined according to each person’s individual needs and NDIS plan. It is important to understand that SIL funding covers the support delivered in the home, it does not pay for the property, rent or everyday household expenses. SDA support exists for a smaller group of NDIS participants whose disability-related needs mean a standard house or apartment simply would not work for them safely or comfortably. SDA funding covers purpose-built or modified housing for eligible NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA homes may include wider doorways, ceiling hoists, reinforced walls and accessible bathrooms. SDA eligibility is assessed separately from daily support funding.

Deciding between SIL,SDA or another home and living arrangement should begin with the participant’s individual goals and needs. Important considerations may include how much daily support the person requires, whether the current home is accessible, where they would like to live, who they would like to live with and what level of independence they hope to achieve. Ave Maria is a registered NDIS service provider and we can help participants make informed NDIS decisions. Contact us today!