SIL is the support. SDA is the house. They are two separate things funded through two separate parts of your NDIS plan.
This is one of the most commonly confused topics in the NDIS, and getting it clear early makes every other decision easier.
SIL — Supported Independent Living (the support)
SIL funding pays for the support workers who help you with daily living. This includes personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, medication support, transport, community access, and overnight assistance. SIL is the team of people around you, not the building you live in.
SIL is funded under the Core Supports budget in your NDIS plan.
SDA — Specialist Disability Accommodation (the house)
SDA funding pays for the specialist housing itself. SDA homes are purpose-built or modified dwellings designed for people with significant disability-related needs. They include design features — wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, reinforced construction, or ceiling hoists — that standard housing cannot provide.
SDA is funded through a separate SDA component in your NDIS plan.
Can you have one without the other?
Yes. SIL and SDA are assessed independently. You could have:
- SIL without SDA (you receive daily support but live in a standard rental or family home)
- SDA without SIL (you live in specialist housing but do not require daily support)
- Both SIL and SDA (the most common arrangement for people living in ASDA’s homes)
Having one does not automatically qualify you for the other.
Why does this matter?
Understanding the distinction helps you and your support coordinator navigate the NDIS planning process more effectively. When you request home and living supports, the NDIA assesses your SIL needs and SDA needs separately. Knowing which one you need — or whether you need both — helps you prepare the right evidence and have the right conversations.
What does this look like at ASDA?
At Australian SDA Access, most residents have both SIL and SDA funding. The SDA funding covers their home — a small, purpose-built house in Merrylands, Spring Farm, Ruse, or Bonshaw (Ballarat). The SIL funding covers their dedicated Lifestyle Support Partners (LSPs) who provide 24/7 daily living assistance.
To discuss your situation, contact the ASDA team on 1300 100 167 or at admin@australiansda.com.au. A free 20-minute consultation can help you understand your options.