What is the difference between Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Housing?

Supported Independent Living (SIL):

• is about the support services provided
• covers daily living assistance from support workers
• includes help with cooking, cleaning, personal care and life skills
• can be provided in any home setting.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):

• is about the physical housing itself
• refers to specially designed or modified buildings
• often features physical modifications such as ramps, hoists, or wider doorways
• is specifically built or modified for people with a range of needs
• focuses on the building and its accessibility features.

Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation are two key components of disability support in Australia, primarily funded through the NDIS. Here’s how they work:

Supported Independent Living:

• Provides support for daily living activities in your home.
• Includes help with personal care, household tasks and developing independent living skills.
• Typically involves support workers who provide assistance based on individual needs.
• Can be delivered in your own home or in shared accommodation.
• Funding is based on your assessed support needs and goals.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):

• Refers to specially designed housing for people with very high support needs.
• Properties are modified with features like wider doorways, ceiling hoists, or automated systems.
• Funded separately from SIL through the NDIS.
• Different design categories available (Improved Livability, Fully Accessible, Robust, High Physical Support).
• Only about six per cent of NDIS participants qualify for SDA funding.

A person can receive SDA funding for their housing and SIL funding for support services.

Not everyone who receives SIL needs to live in SDA housing.

Participants can choose their preferred SDA property and SIL provider separately.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is support typically provided within shared Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). While SDA is the physical house, SIL is the support and care provided within this house to help you live within this house. This might include personal care like help bathing or dressing and other daily tasks. You will usually live with other people within SDA which allows you to socialise if you like. You typically need both SDA and SIL funding within your NDIS support plan, unless you want to engage SIL within a home you already reside in.

SIL funding is for people who cannot live independently without significant assistance.

If you are able to live independently with minimal or no support, you might not qualify for SIL funding.

The NDIS will assess how much help you need to manage daily tasks.

Specific eligibility factors include:

• Having significant support needs that impact daily functioning.
• Requiring regular assistance with personal care, household tasks, or skill development.
• Having goals related to increasing independence.
• Being unable to live completely independently without support.
• Having funding approved in your NDIS plan.

The process:

1. Assessment of eligibility through NDIS planning.

2. Selection of appropriate housing and support providers.

3. Development of a service agreement.

4. Regular reviews to ensure support meets needs.

We offer Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes across Victoria including in and around: Ballarat, Horsham, Lilydale, Warragul, Sale, Frankston, and Mornington Peninsula.

Key steps to follow:

• Research registered NDIS providers in your area.
• Check their experience and specialties.
• Request detailed information about their services.
• Visit potential homes/locations.
• Interview providers with prepared questions.
• Review service agreements carefully.

Important things to ask about:

• Staff qualifications and training.
• Staff-to-resident ratios.
• How they handle emergencies.
• Daily routines and flexibility.
• Support for individual goals.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Cost breakdown.
• Complaint handling processes.

Red flags to watch for:

• Providers who can’t clearly explain their services.
• Unwillingness to provide references.
• Lack of proper NDIS registration.
• Inflexible service arrangements.
• Poor communication during enquiry process.

Practical tips:

• Take your time making the decision.
• Involve family/advocates in the process.
• Ask to meet potential housemates if shared accommodation.
• Request support with transitioning.