Supported independent living (SIL) funds support workers. Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) funds eligible specialist housing. Scheduled in-home support can help with particular daily tasks without a SIL arrangement. The right option depends on your disability support needs, your home and your approved plan.
These are not three competing types of property. SIL and scheduled in-home assistance concern the help you receive. SDA concerns the building. Some people receive both SIL and SDA funding, while others receive help in an ordinary home they own or rent.
Compare the support and the housing
| Option | What it funds |
|---|---|
| SIL | Daily support and overnight help |
| SDA | Housing with features to meet eligible disability needs |
| Scheduled in-home support | Help with daily tasks at agreed times |
The NDIS home and living options guide explains these arrangements and other options, including individualised living options and home modifications.
SIL supports people with higher daily needs
SIL is intended for people who need substantial help or supervision throughout each day, including overnight. It may include shared support or, in limited circumstances, individual support. The NDIS explanation of SIL describes when it may be suitable.
A support arrangement might include assistance with dressing, meals, cleaning and daily routines. Ask how it would work during an ordinary weekday, overnight and at weekends. Find out when a worker supports you individually and when support is shared.
SIL is not restricted to SDA properties. The SIL operational guideline describes different living arrangements and how the NDIS considers them. A provider’s vacancy or recommendation does not establish your eligibility.
SDA concerns the features of the home
SDA is specially designed housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Depending on its design category, a home may have features such as wide doorways, accessible kitchen fittings or provision for a ceiling hoist.
SDA does not fund the workers delivering your daily support. That assistance needs a separate funding arrangement. The NDIS SDA guide explains the distinction and the housing categories.
When visiting a property, check the rooms and equipment you would actually use. An accessible front entrance does not tell you whether the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen meets your needs.
Scheduled help may suit particular tasks
Assistance with daily life can provide targeted support at home. Depending on your plan, this might involve help getting ready in the morning, preparing meals or managing household tasks at agreed times.
If you need only a few hours of help each day or week, SIL may not be the appropriate arrangement. The NDIS home and living guide describes assistance with daily life and other options to explore with your my NDIS contact.
Ask a provider to describe the proposed visits, including who attends, what they do and what happens if a worker is late or unavailable. Our in-home support guide explains the tasks and costs to discuss.
Describe the hours between visits
Two people may both need help cooking but need very different support across the rest of the day. Before discussing options, make notes about:
- Tasks you can do without assistance.
- Tasks where you need physical help, prompts or supervision.
- What happens overnight.
- How you manage when a worker is not there.
- Whether help from family or other people is available and sustainable.
- Days that differ, such as weekends or a change to your usual activities.
Use a real week rather than a service label to explain your needs. Take those notes to your my NDIS contact and ask which arrangements should be considered. Our guide to requesting SIL explains the evidence and decision process.
Separate funded support from your own expenses
SIL does not cover ordinary rent, groceries or household bills. SDA residents also pay an agreed rent contribution and everyday living costs. The SDA pricing arrangements explain the maximum reasonable rent contribution.
Before agreeing to move, ask for written figures separating housing costs, support charges and personal expenses. Our SIL costs guide sets out the questions to ask.
Keep tenancy and support documents separate. Ask what happens to your housing if you change support providers. The Commission's SIL housing standard explains the separation between those agreements.
Read about our supported independent living and in-home support.