SDA provider vs SIL provider: who does what?
The different roles of your SDA provider (your housing) and your SIL provider (your support), and why keeping them separate protects you
What does an SDA provider do?
What does a SIL provider do?
Why keep them separate?
A day in the life: which provider handles what
How the two providers work together
What to do when you're not sure who to contact
Why the separation ultimately protects you
Frequently asked questions
Can I have SDA without SIL, or SIL without SDA?
Yes — they're separate. Many people have SIL (daily support) in an ordinary home without SDA, and some people have SDA (a specialist dwelling) with a lighter support model rather than full SIL. Whether you have one, the other, or both depends on your assessed needs for support and for a specialist building.
Do I sign separate agreements with each provider?
Usually yes — a tenancy or residency agreement with your SDA provider for the home, and a service agreement with your SIL provider for your support. Keeping them separate protects you, so you can change your support provider without risking your home. Read both, and get help if anything is unclear.
What's the difference between an SDA provider and a SIL provider?
The SDA provider is your landlord — they own or manage the specialist dwelling and maintain it, funded by the SDA payment. The SIL provider delivers your daily rostered support, funded from your SIL budget. One is responsible for your home, the other for your support.
Who do I contact for housing versus support issues?
Contact your SDA provider about the dwelling — maintenance, repairs and your tenancy. Contact your SIL provider about your daily support — rosters, workers and how your support is delivered. Knowing the split helps you go to the right one quickly.
Are SDA and SIL funded from the same budget?
No. SDA is funded from your Capital budget and paid to the housing provider for the dwelling, while SIL is funded from your Core budget and paid to the support provider for your daily support. They're separate funding streams.
Can the same organisation be my SDA and SIL provider?
Yes, and many are, but it creates a potential conflict of interest they must disclose and manage. Keeping the two separate protects your ability to change one without losing the other, and you have the right to choose your support provider separately from your housing.
Why should my housing and support providers be separate?
So you can change your support provider without risking your home, and change your home without losing your support relationships. If a single provider ties your housing to using their support, that's a red flag for your choice and control.