SIL vs SDA: What’s the Difference Between Support and Housing?
Oct 1, 2026
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Most NDIS participants already live in a home they own, rent or have through social housing, and apart from SDA, the NDIS doesn’t fund housing.
Home and living supports are for people whose disability-related needs mean a different arrangement may be needed. The right option depends on your needs, your eligibility and the support you require. Three terms come up most often: SDA, SIL and MTA.
SDA, SIL and MTA: What Is the Difference?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
Homes may include features such as wide doorways, ceiling hoists or backup power, and fall into design categories like improved liveability, fully accessible, robust or high physical support. SDA funds the housing only. Participants still pay a reasonable rent contribution and everyday bills.
Supported Independent Living (SIL):
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is funding for support workers who help or supervise you in your home.
They can assist with personal care, cooking and household tasks while helping you build skills and independence. SIL is not housing funding and can’t be used for rent or groceries.
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA):
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is a one-off support for up to 90 days when you can’t yet move into your long-term home. Examples include waiting for an SDA vacancy, home modifications being completed, or leaving hospital.
It isn’t emergency accommodation, and it covers only the accommodation itself, not personal care, food or electricity.
In short, SDA is the home and SIL is the support inside it. Some participants who meet the criteria for both have SDA and SIL in their plans.
Which Option May Suit Your Needs?
Start with the practical questions:
- How much help do you need day to day, including overnight?
- Does your home need accessibility or safety features?
- What are your longer-term living goals?
The NDIS considers how a home and living support fits with your other supports and whether it meets funding criteria, so decisions are individual. Not every participant qualifies, and other home and living options may suit you better.
Finding Suitable Housing and Support in Perth
If you’re exploring Specialist Disability Accommodation Perth, Compass Care can walk you through the options and help you understand what to consider. Our team can talk with you and your family about your accommodation needs, accessibility requirements and long-term goals, so you can have an informed conversation with the NDIS about your plan. Your my NDIS contact and support coordinator, where funded, can work alongside us.
For help with day-to-day living, Supported Independent Living Perth services from Compass Care focus on supporting you with daily tasks while building your skills and independence. Get in touch to learn how our support works and whether it may suit your situation. Eligibility and funding are decided by the NDIS, so we encourage you to talk with them as well.
Steps to Explore Your NDIS Housing Options
- Review your support needs. Note what help you need, when, and why.
- Gather evidence. Collect recent assessments and reports from your therapists and health professionals.
- Talk to the NDIS. Ask about home and living supports at your plan meeting or through your my NDIS contact.
- Check eligibility and funding. Confirm the arrangement meets NDIS requirements before committing.
- Compare providers. Ask questions and review any service agreement carefully.
Every participant’s situation is different. Take your time, ask questions, and choose an arrangement that fits your needs and long-term goals.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between SDA and SIL?
SDA is the housing itself, designed for people with very high support needs. SIL is funding for support workers who help you with daily tasks in your home.
2. Can an NDIS participant receive both SDA and SIL funding?
Yes. Many participants living in SDA also have SIL, provided they meet the criteria for each. SDA funding goes to the SDA provider, and SIL pays for support workers.
3. How long can someone stay in Medium Term Accommodation?
MTA can be used for up to 90 days. It’s a one-off support and only available in specific circumstances.
4. Does the NDIS pay rent and bills for SDA or SIL participants?
No. SDA funds the housing, but participants pay a reasonable rent contribution and day-to-day costs like electricity. SIL can’t be used for rent or groceries.
5. Who may be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation in Perth?
SDA is for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, particularly where other home and living supports don’t meet their needs. The same national rules apply in Perth, and the NDIS decides eligibility individually.
6. How can someone access Supported Independent Living in Perth?
Ask the NDIS about home and living supports. If SIL is included in your plan, a support coordinator can help you find a registered provider. Funding depends on your assessed support needs.
7. Does Medium Term Accommodation include personal care and support workers?
No. MTA covers the accommodation only. Personal care and other supports are arranged separately under your plan, and it doesn’t cover food, internet or electricity.
