Most NDIS participants have heard 2 keywords in this period of time. While the two terms sound similar, there are key differences in these two different services offered by NDIS.

What is Support Independent Living (SIL)?

Some NDIS participants may require the supervision or support of paid support workers to help them live as independently as possible. SIL may assist people living independently in the community, either alone or with family/friends.

SIL may include help you with:

• Personal care, i.e. showering and dressing

• Household tasks, i.e. shopping, preparing meals, and cleaning

• Medical needs

• Behaviour and social skills

• Clinical support, i.e. administering medication

• Medication management

• Others, etc.

NDIS participants may access three levels of SIL funding: "Lower needs" covers regular supervision, "Standard needs" covers around-the-clock active assistance, and "Higher needs" covers continuous and complex aid.

How to get SIL funding?

If SIL sounds like it would help you live the life you want, these are the steps to follow:

• Have an OT perform an assessment to determine the level of support you require and whether you’re eligible for SIL funding.

• Contact your support coordinator, who will work closely with you to find and connect you with the most suitable housing option and SIL provider.

• The SIL provider will create a quote based on your support needs.

• Your support coordinator will submit a change in circumstances form to the NDIS.

• The NDIS will review all the supporting evidence and the SIL providers quote to assess whether it’s reasonable and necessary. They’ll work directly with the SIL provider on this step.

• Once approved, you can begin your journey in SIL funding.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of funding for approved accommodation for NDIS participants that require specialised housing options. SDA Housing will be shared between participants. SDA funding is only provided to a small proportion (around 6 percent) of NDIS participants who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and meet specific eligibility criteria.

How to access SDA funding?

• Accessing SDA starts with meeting with your NDIA Planner and discussing your current situation.

• Based on this they will review your needs and see the potential of SDA.

• If your NDIA Planner determines that you require SDA Support, the next step is NDIA approving/disapproving your request.

• And then If approved the NDIA will help you meet your accommodation needs by finding you an SDA within your requirements.

WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIL AND SDA?

SDA refers to the physical homes in which support services are delivered, not the support services themselves. These supports are assessed and funded separately by the NDIS and known as Supported Independent Living (SIL) costs.

Where SDA funding is usually approved for participants with extreme impairment or high support need, SIL funding is approved for participants seeking to live as independently as possible.

You may be approved for both SDA and SIL, however they will be funded separately in your NDIS Plan. If you have both SDA and SIL funding in your plan, you can choose different providers for each. This can give you more choice and control and make sure you get the support that is best for you.

If you need more further information, please contact with Rosie’s Love and Care for Free Consultations!