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SDA vs SIL — how NDIS funding actually works

New participants and families often confuse SDA and SIL. They sit in different parts of the NDIS plan, are priced differently and are provided by different (or sometimes overlapping) organisations. Getting the distinction right saves months of confusion.

NDIS plan documents and calculator on a desk.

By SDA Listings Editorial · 2 July 2026 · 6 min read

Two separate line items

SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is capital funding — it pays the building owner for providing an accessible, high-cost home. SIL (Supported Independent Living) is support funding — it pays workers to help you cook, shower, take medication and get to appointments.

Why the split exists

Splitting housing and support gives participants choice and control. You can change support providers without moving home, and you can change home without losing your workers. Historically, group homes bundled everything under one roof — the NDIS deliberately broke that apart.

How pricing differs

  • SDA is a fixed price per bedroom, per year, set by the NDIA based on category, building type and location.
  • SIL is quoted per participant per year based on a roster of care, ratios of support and shared vs 1:1 hours.

Choosing your combination

Start with the housing. Use Find an SDA Home to identify homes in your category, then talk to the SDA provider about which SIL providers already work in the building. Some SDA providers have preferred SIL partners; you are not required to use them.

Read our SIL vs SDA comparison for a longer breakdown, or our guide on using SIL in an SDA home.

Rent, RRC and Commonwealth Rent Assistance

On top of SDA payments, participants contribute the Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) — typically 25% of the Disability Support Pension plus 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance. This covers rent, not support. See our guide on reasonable rent contribution.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming SDA funding covers support workers.
  • Signing a SIL agreement before the SDA vacancy is confirmed.
  • Not comparing SIL quotes — they can vary by tens of thousands.

Frequently asked questions

Can one provider deliver both SDA and SIL?
Yes, but they must be contracted separately. Choice and control mean you can also mix — one provider for the home, another for support.
Do I need SIL to live in SDA?
Not always. Many SDA participants use Home and Community Care, informal supports or drop-in assistance instead of SIL.

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