SIL is a support arrangement
Supported Independent Living concerns assistance or supervision with daily life at home. It can include substantial support across the day and night. It is not limited to people who need only occasional help, and it does not itself fund a house.
SDA is the housing
Specialist Disability Accommodation is housing for eligible participants with particular disability-related accommodation needs. SDA does not include the disability supports delivered in the home. Eligibility for housing and funding for support must be considered separately.
They are not competing packages
A participant may need both an appropriate home and substantial daily assistance. Avoid deciding between SIL and SDA based only on how many hours of support someone needs. Discuss the person’s home environment, access, support requirements and funding decisions with the relevant parties.
Questions for a provider
Ask which service is being offered, whether there is an actual property available, who provides daily support and how costs are explained. Discuss privacy, housemates, staffing, overnight arrangements and what happens if needs change.
Before signing an agreement
Confirm current eligibility and funding, tenancy arrangements, the support roster and the participant’s preferences. Do not rely on a website description or property photograph as confirmation of a vacancy or a suitable service.
Official information
Use the latest official guidance and confirm what applies to the participant’s circumstances.