SIL, ILO and SDA Explained: Which NDIS Housing Support Is Right for You?

Depending on the person’s needs, support may involve:

SIL can involve shared support workers or individual assistance, depending on the participant’s assessed needs and funding arrangements.

SIL is not the physical accommodation itself. It funds eligible assistance with daily living activities and does not ordinarily pay for rent, groceries or standard household expenses.

What Is Individualised Living Options (ILO)?

Individualised Living Options provide a more flexible approach to designing a participant’s home and living support arrangements.

ILO focuses on how a person wishes to live, who they want to live with and what combination of formal and informal supports can help sustain that arrangement.

An ILO arrangement may involve a participant living with a host, sharing with another person or living in their own home with a tailored support structure.

ILO is not simply another name for SIL.

The suitability of ILO depends on the participant’s circumstances, preferences, support needs and whether the proposed arrangement can be maintained safely and sustainably.

What Is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation refers to housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

Unlike SIL, SDA funding relates to the specialist dwelling rather than the daily support workers assisting the participant.

• Showering, dressing and personal care.
• Meal preparation and eating.
• Household activities.
• Assistance with daily routines.
• Support with communication and decision-making.
• Managing disability-related risks.
• Overnight support requirements.

Depending on eligibility and assessed needs, SDA design categories include:

Each category addresses different accessibility, physical or environmental requirements.

For example, a participant with significant physical impairments may require a home designed for wheelchair access, specialised transfers or integrated assistive technology.

Another participant may require a robust environment because of disability-related behaviours and associated safety risks.

Not everyone requiring daily support is eligible for SDA.

Can Participants Receive Both SIL and SDA?

Yes.

A participant may have SDA funding for an eligible specialist dwelling and SIL funding for the support workers who assist with everyday activities.

However, eligibility for one does not automatically establish eligibility for the other.

The NDIA considers each support separately.

How Does Occupational Therapy Contribute to Housing Decisions?

Occupational therapists examine how disability affects a person’s ability to function safely within their living environment.

An assessment may consider personal care, mobility, cognition, communication, behavioural risks, environmental accessibility and the frequency of assistance required.

• Improved Liveability.
• Fully Accessible.
• Robust.
• High Physical Support.

For complex living arrangements, occupational therapy evidence can help clarify:

The purpose is not simply to recommend a particular housing model, but to identify an arrangement that responds appropriately to the participant’s individual needs.

• Whether a participant can safely live independently.
• How much daily assistance is required.
• Whether support is needed overnight.
• Whether shared support arrangements are suitable.
• What environmental features are necessary.
• Whether alternative housing arrangements have been considered.

Why Choosing the Right Living Arrangement Matters

An unsuitable living arrangement can create significant consequences.

These may include increased falls, difficulties accessing essential facilities, inadequate personal care, social isolation, carer burnout or preventable safety incidents.

Equally, a support arrangement that unnecessarily restricts a participant’s independence may limit opportunities to develop skills and exercise choice.

The goal should be a living arrangement that balances safety, independence, personal preferences and sustainable support delivery.

Specialist Housing and Living Assessments

Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services provides occupational therapy assessments and reports to assist with understanding complex home and living needs.

Our services include Functional Capacity Assessments and assessments relevant to SIL, ILO and SDA considerations.

We work with participants, families, support coordinators and other professionals to identify functional needs and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Exploring NDIS housing options?

Contact Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services to discuss an occupational therapy assessment or submit a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SIL pay for accommodation?

No. SIL generally funds eligible daily living assistance rather than the accommodation itself.

Can someone have SDA without SIL?

Yes. SDA and SIL are separate supports, and eligibility is assessed independently.

Do you need an occupational therapy assessment for NDIS housing?

The evidence required depends on the housing support being requested. Occupational therapy assessments can provide important information about functional and environmental needs.