SIL vs SDA vs ILO: NDIS Home & Living Options Compared
SIL, SDA and ILO are three different NDIS home and living supports. Here's what each funds, who each suits, and how they fit together.
SIL, SDA and ILO sound similar but do very different jobs. One funds the people who support you, one funds a specialist building, and one funds a flexible arrangement built around you. This guide explains each, who each suits, and how they can work together.
The one-line difference
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
How they fit together
How to decide
Frequently asked questions
Can you have SIL and SDA at the same time?
Yes — this is common. SDA funds the specialist home and SIL funds the support workers inside it. They're assessed and funded separately, but many people with very high needs receive both.
Is ILO better than SIL?
Neither is 'better' — they suit different people. SIL is a support-hours model often used in shared homes; ILO is a flexible, personalised arrangement. ILO can suit people who want more choice about who they live with and how.
Does SDA pay my rent?
No. SDA pays the specialist-housing amount to the provider; you still contribute a reasonable rent from your income. Everyday support in the home is funded separately, usually through SIL.
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