What is the Difference Between SIL and SDA and which one is right for you?
People with disabilities need some form of assistance to get on with their daily lives. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government program that offers support to eligible participants. The NDIS provides funding for reasonable and necessary support for eligible participants, so you don’t have to burden the costs yourself. Two of the most important services funded under this are Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
These living arrangements ensure that individuals live as normally as possible. However, for someone new to the NDIS, it can be confusing. Hence, this blog will discuss their differences at length. So, if you’re looking for more information about these NDIS services, read on.
What are SIL and SDA?
Although they may sound similar, both services focus on very different areas of a participant’s life.
Supported Independent Living (SIL): SIL accommodation support handles tasks and activities performed in day-to-day living. As the name suggests, the idea is to help people live independently. As such, supervision of chores, personal hygiene, household tasks & more are covered.
Funding is provided for support workers who’ll handle all the necessary details. The assistance is provided at the participant’s residence, shared home or any other accommodation. SIL is beneficial for individuals who always require some level of care at home. Moreover, it also encourages capacity building, fostering self-reliance and confidence.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): It is a specialised support meant for NDIS clients with higher needs. A person may have extreme disabilities that require round-the-clock assistance. This may be related to a medical condition or extreme motor impairment, for instance. In such cases, Supported Independent Living accommodation may not be enough.
When we talk about SDA, it technically refers to the living arrangement that is provided to the participant. While SIL can be provided in personal residences or shared homes, Specialist Disability Accommodation comes with its place. They are wheelchair accessible and have special equipment that caters to the person’s needs.
To sum things up, here’s how these two supports differ:
Purpose and Support: SIL provides assistance with daily tasks to help NDIS clients live independently. SDA refers to the specially designed accommodation for individuals with higher care needs.
Funding Allocation: The funding for SIL pays for the various services. However, it cannot be used for rent or other day-to-day expenses. Whereas, the SDA funds go into the cost of the home you live in.
Accommodation Types: Supported Independent Living can be provided at home, in shared living spaces or in group homes. Specialist Disability Accommodation, on the other hand, is available in specialist housing solutions.
The biggest advantage is that the NDIS provides separate funding for both. Hence, a person with disabilities can have SIL and SDA included in their plans. This flexibility allows them to enjoy both supports at once. They’ll first have to meet eligibility requirements for both programs.
Find the Right NDIS Living Arrangement with Marika Care
Marika Care is a leading provider of NDIS services for independent living. We help participants find the ideal support they need to achieve their goals. If you need help deciding whether SIL or SDA is the right choice for you, our team is here for you. We’ll answer all your queries related to NDIS SIL and rents or SDA-related concerns. So, call us on 0406 936 117 or email us at info@marikacare.com.au and learn how best we can serve your interests.
