SDA vs SIL: what's the difference?
SIL and SDA are two very different parts of NDIS housing. SIL funds the support workers; SDA funds the building itself. Most participants who use SDA also have SIL.
SDA vs SIL at a glance
In one sentence: SDA funds the building you live in, and SIL funds the support workers who help you there. They are separate types of NDIS funding, and many participants are funded for both.
| SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) | SIL (Supported Independent Living) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it funds | The building — purpose-built accessible housing. | The support workers who help you with daily tasks in your home. |
| Focus | Bricks and mortar, across four design categories: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust and High Physical Support. | Day-to-day help such as cooking, cleaning, personal care and overnight support. |
| Who it is for | Participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. | Participants who need help with daily tasks, in shared housing or in their own home. |
| How they work together | SDA covers the housing. | SIL covers the on-site support. You can also have SIL without SDA, or SDA without SIL. |
What is SIL?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) funds the support workers who help you with daily tasks in your home — cooking, cleaning, personal care and overnight support. It can be delivered in shared housing or in your own home.
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funds the building — purpose-built accessible housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA has four design categories: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust and High Physical Support.
How SIL and SDA work together
Many participants are funded for both — SDA covers the housing, SIL covers the on-site support. You can also have SIL without SDA (in regular housing) or SDA without SIL.
How My Care Link Australia can help
We match you with SIL providers and help you find SDA vacancies that fit your category and location — at no cost.
About this guide. Written and reviewed by the My Care Link Australia team as general information for NDIS and aged care participants, families and support coordinators. Read our editorial guidelines and provider review process.
This guide is general educational information only. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your individual situation, please speak with the appropriate qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live alone in SDA?
Yes. SDA includes options for solo living, depending on funding and availability.
Is SDA funding hard to get?
SDA is for participants with very high support needs. An OT assessment and supporting evidence are usually required.
Related services
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Live independently with the right level of support, in shared or individual housing.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Purpose-built accessible housing for participants with extreme functional impairment.
NDIS Support Coordination
Help understanding and making the most of your NDIS plan.
NDIS Occupational Therapy
OTs help build skills for daily living, work, study and play.
Related conditions
Cerebral Palsy
Lifelong NDIS support for children and adults with cerebral palsy.
Spinal Cord Injury
Lifelong NDIS support after a spinal cord injury.
Intellectual Disability
NDIS support for people living with an intellectual disability.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Specialist NDIS support after acquired brain injury.
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Sources and further reading
Rules, funding amounts and wait times change. We check these primary sources when we update this page, and you should confirm current details directly with them.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. Official scheme information, eligibility and current processes.
- How to apply for the NDIS(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. Current access request steps and forms.
- Understanding your NDIS plan budget(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. How plan management and budget categories work.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission(opens in a new tab) — NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Provider registration, practice standards and complaints.
- Services Australia — Disability Support Pension(opens in a new tab) — Services Australia. Income support eligibility and claim process.