For people on the NDIS, finding the right home and support services is an important part of living independently. Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are two different types of NDIS supports that can help you live more independently. We spoke with Steve Hyde from Scope, a not-for-profit disability service provider, to get insights into some of the most common questions from our community about SIL and SDA.
What is SIL?
SIL is a category of NDIS funding that supports people with disability to live at home as independently as possible. SIL is usually used when you live with other people on the NDIS and share support services, but it can also be funded if you live on your own. SIL may be available to you if you live in a rental property, share house or SDA.
Who is eligible for SIL funding?
You may be eligible if you need active disability support for more than 8 hours per day to complete daily activities, or if you require some level of support for the remaining hours – meaning you need help 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, including overnight assistance. SIL is generally only considered to meet the NDIS funding criteria for people aged 18 or older.
What does SIL cover?
SIL can include help with:
- Personal care (getting dressed, showering, or getting in and out of bed)
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Cleaning and laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Running household tasks like budgeting and paying bills
- Medication management
- Building skills for independence
- 24/7 and overnight support when needed.
SIL funding does not cover expenses such as rent, electricity, phone, internet, food, household supplies or day-to-day expenses like taxi fares or toiletries.
How do I get SIL in my NDIS Plan?
SIL is most likely to be included in an NDIS Plan where you have set a goal to live independently and have been working towards this goal for some time.
It is helpful to set living independently as a medium to long-term goal and include that in your NDIS Plan. Then set some short-term goals that can help you reach that goal such as:
- “I want to learn to cook my meals so I can live more independently.”
- “I want to develop my self care skills.”
Steve explains, “SIL must be specifically approved on your plan. The NDIA will need assessments from allied health professionals and other reports about your daily support needs as part of the process. This assessment undertaken by the NDIS is an important part of developing your plan. It ensures that you get the right supports for your needs.”
Check out our SIL ebook for more details about the steps you can take to get SIL in your NDIS Plan.
Can I receive SIL if I live in an SDA home?
Yes. SIL supports help build your daily living skills whether you live independently, in a house share or in an SDA-funded home.
How is SDA different?
SDA is housing built for people on the NDIS with extreme functional impairments or very high support needs. Steve explains that “SDA is often called the ‘bricks and mortar’ because it covers the house itself, not the support inside it. SDA homes are designed with special features that make them safe and accessible.”
What are the types of SDA housing?
There are four main SDA housing categories, each with its own design standard:
- Improved Livability: Offers a reasonable level of physical access for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairments
- Fully Accessible: Provides high-level physical access with features like wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas
- Robust: Constructed with strong, durable structures with extra safety features, as well as light retreat areas for participants and staff and impact resistant materials
- High Physical Support: Built with very high levels of specialist design such as reinforced ceilings for installing hoists, assistive and communication technologies and emergency power solutions.
Who is eligible for SDA funding?
To be eligible for SDA, you must have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. This means you need help with mobility, self-care, or other daily activities even when using assistive devices. Only about 6% of NDIS participants receive SDA funding.
“When someone applies for SDA, it’s important to demonstrate that the SDA will help them pursue their NDIS goals and provide opportunities for developing skills and delivering long term benefits.” Steve adds.
How do SIL and SDA work together?
Think of SIL as supporting your day-to-day independence at home and SDA as funding a home that meets your needs. If you have SDA funding, you’ll also usually get SIL funding to cover the supports you need in your home. Although they are separate, they work together to give you the freedom to choose how and where you live.
Still got questions?
If you’re looking for shared accommodation, want help building skills to live independently, or you require 24/7 support, Scope’s friendly and experienced team can help. Give them a call on 1300 472 673 or visit their website.