What is the Difference Between SIL and SDA?

If you have an NDIS plan, you may have come across the terms SIL and SDA.

SIL stands for Supported Independent Living, while SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the support services, which help you live as independently as possible. If you have a disability, SIL can provide you with support if you are living alone or if you live with a group of people in a shared home.

SIL can provide you with an opportunity to enjoy independence, make new friends, and access the support you need. People who live in SIL receive daily support with tasks such as personal care, such as showering and dressing, household tasks, including shopping, meal preparation, and cleaning, medical needs, behaviour and socials skills, clinical support, including administrating medication and medication management.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (or SDA) is the actual housing, specially designed for residents with high support needs who are unable to access standard housing.

SDA funding through the NDIS is only available to a small proportion of participants with specialised support needs who meet specific eligibility criteria.

There are four SDA design categories:

• High Physical Support, such as provision for ceiling hoist, back up power, and home automation technology
• Improved Liveability, designed for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive needs
• Robust, built for residents with complex behaviours e.g. strong and durable construction features
• Fully Accessible, for a high level of physical access

So, what is the difference between SDA and SIL?

SDA is specially designed housing (or modified existing housing), while SIL refers to the onsite supports and daily living services that empower people to live as independently as possible.

If you require both specialist housing solutions and daily living support, SDA and SIL will be funded separately in your NDIS plan. This provides you with more choice, as you can live in accommodation suited to your needs and can access the SIL supports of your choice.

For more information on Nextt’s supported independent living options see here or please call us on 1300 369 568.