Finding the right living arrangement as an NDIS participant can be overwhelming. Whether you’re exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), it’s essential to understand the differences between the two. Each option offers different levels of support and accommodation, depending on your individual needs and goals. At Allara Support Services, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between SIL and SDA, their features, and when each option might be right for you. We’ll also take a look at some of our SIL and SDA vacancies to help you visualise what each looks like in practice.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a service designed to help NDIS participants live independently while receiving the support they need. SIL isn’t about specialist housing—it’s about providing the right assistance to help you manage everyday tasks and provide support to you whether that’s in shared accommodation or your own private home.
SIL gives you the flexibility to live within the community and access the support services that help you achieve your personal goals. The level of support is tailored to your needs including but not limited too; personal care, domestic and household assistance, medication administration, social and emotional support, transport and community access. SIL services aim to build your independence while keeping you connected to your community.
What To Expect From SIL
- SIL happens in your home. You might be living by yourself, with your family or in a shared living arrangement with other NDIS participants. It’s designed to provide a comfortable and supportive environment where you can live as independently as possible.
- Supports are available for daily tasks such as personal care, cooking meals, and household management. SIL also includes help with activities outside the home, like getting to appointments, social outings or using public transport.
- SIL can provide 24/7 support, including overnight assistance, to ensure you have the care you need at any time of the day or night.
- SIL funding is focused on personalised support for you, meaning it covers the costs of Support Workers helping you with your day-to-day needs.
- It’s important to note that SIL funding does not cover living expenses such as rent, groceries, or utility bills. These costs remain separate from your SIL supports. Generally rent, groceries and utility bills in agreement with a service provider and yourself can be covered by Commonwealth Rental Assistance and a portion of your Disability Support Pension (DSP).
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is designed for NDIS participants with high support needs or significant functional impairments. SDA is not about providing services but about offering purpose-built homes that are designed for accessibility, safety, and long-term living.
What To Expect From SDA Accommodation
- SDA is specially designed housing for people with high support needs. It provides an accessible and supportive living environment tailored to your specific requirements. SDA homes are designed with features such as wheelchair access, assistive technology, and modifications to support daily living.
- SDA provides you with the option to live independently although depending on your circumstances, it may sometimes involve shared living with a small number of other residents.
- SDA funding covers the cost of the home or building, ensuring you have access to a suitable living space. However, you’ll still be responsible for paying rent and other personal living costs.
- SDA doesn’t include the support services you might receive in your home—these are provided separately under Supported Independent Living (SIL) through other NDIS funding.
Key Differences Between SIL and SDA
While both SIL and SDA provide essential support to help individuals live as independently as possible, they are designed for participants with different needs:
| Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) |
| Designed for people who can live in mainstream accommodation with support. | Built for those who need specialist housing to suit their support needs. |
| Flexible support is provided as needed (day or night), with the goal of increasing independence. | Will generally be supported by 24/7 on-site assistance (SIL) for those who need a high level of support. |
| Allows you to live in housing of your choice such as your private home or shared housing. | SDA offers purpose-built, highly accessible and customisable housing. |
| Focuses on helping participants build skills for independent living. | Focuses on providing a stable, accessible home with integrated supports. |
When to Choose SIL or SDA: How to Know Which is Right for You
Choosing between SIL and SDA depends on your specific support needs, lifestyle goals, and level of independence. There is also eligibility criteria for each.
SIL may be the right option if you want to live independently in your own home or shared accommodation but still need help with daily tasks. It’s a great choice for people who value community living and want to build their independence with flexible support.
SDA, on the other hand, is ideal for individuals with more complex support needs who require specialist housing features. If you need constant assistance, a highly accessible living environment, or have significant physical impairments, SDA might be more suitable for you.
To decide between SIL and SDA, it’s important to think about your personal goals, the level of support you need, and what kind of living environment you envision. Speaking with your NDIS support coordinator or a specialist SIL provider like Allara Support Services can also help you assess your needs and determine your eligibility.
SIL and SDA Accommodation With Allara Support Services
At Allara Support Services, we offer both SIL and SDA accommodation options working collaboratively with SDA Providers designed to meet the diverse needs of our NDIS participants. Let’s take a look at two different properties and highlight how they differ in terms of support and accommodation.
SIL Accommodation Service in Newcastle
Our Newcastle SIL property features eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with shared living spaces that encourage social engagement. This setup is ideal for individuals who need some support but still want to maintain a high level of independence. The property’s welcoming environment and community-focused design make it perfect for participants aiming to develop life skills and live as independently as possible.
SDA Accomodation in Liverpool
Our SDA apartments in Liverpool are designed for participants with high physical support needs. The 10 architecturally designed units are equipped with essential accessibility features, including wheelchair access, height-adjustable benchtops, and 24/7 on-site support through our concierge support model. This SDA accommodation provides a fully accessible living environment, making it ideal for individuals who require more intensive support to live independently.
While both accommodation options offer spacious, homely living environments close to community services, each is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of different participants.
If you’re unsure whether SIL or SDA is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Allara Support Services. We’ll work closely with you to understand your living needs and lifestyle goals to match you with the right SIL or SDA property.
View our full range of SIL and SDA vacancies here.
Tailored SIL and SDA Accommodation to Meet Your Needs
At Allara Support Services, we’re committed to helping you find the right living arrangement, whether it’s Supported Independent Living or Specialist Disability Accommodation. With options across Greater Sydney, Illawarra, Hunter / Newcastle, and Central West NSW, we provide homes that are safe, supportive, and designed to meet your unique needs.
Contact Allara Support Services today to explore our range of SIL and SDA vacancies and find the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
