SIL and SDA: What’s the Difference?

If you’re exploring housing options through the NDIS, you may have come across the terms SIL and SDA. While they may at times be mentioned together, they mean different things and serve different purposes.

SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. 

SDA is the physical home you live in. These homes are specially designed for people with high or complex support needs and include features that make everyday living easier, safer, and more accessible. 

Depending on the design category, SDA homes may include: 

• Wheelchair-accessible layouts 

• Wider doorways and hallways 

• Accessible bathrooms 

• Ceiling hoists 

• Reinforced walls and safety features 

• Smart technology to support independence 

SDA funding helps cover the cost of the specialised housing, while other NDIS funding covers support services and daily living expenses.

SIL stands for Supported Independent Living. 

SIL is the support you receive, not the home you live in. It helps people with disability manage everyday tasks and build their independence while living at home. Depending on your needs, SIL funding can include support during the day, overnight, or even 24 hours a day. 

SIL support may help with: 

• Personal care, such as showering and getting dressed 

• Preparing meals and cooking 

• Cleaning and household tasks 

• Shopping and daily routines 

• Managing medication and staying safe at home 

The goal of SIL is to help you live as independently as possible while having the right support in place.

How Do SIL and SDA Work Together? 

A simple way to remember the difference is: 

SDA = The Home 
SIL = The Support 

While some people have both SDA and SIL funding, not everyone does. 

This separation between SDA and SIL is an important area to understand because it is directly connected to a person’s rights, choice and control. The NDIA and NDIS Commission monitor how SDA housing and SIL supports are kept separate to help make sure people are not pressured to use a particular support provider in order to keep their home.  

A person’s right to stay in their home — their security of tenure — should be protected, even if they choose to change support providers. 

 If you're looking for housing or support opportunities that match your goals and needs, Nest can help you explore available vacancies and connect with providers across NSW.