What is the difference between SIL and SDA?

SIL, or Supported Independent Living, is the funded support that helps you with daily tasks and living skills in a shared or individual home. SDA, or Specialist Disability Accommodation, is the specialist housing itself, designed for people with high or complex needs. SIL is the support you receive; SDA is the building you live in. They are funded and arranged separately.

Can I visit or stay in a SIL or SDA home before I move in?

Yes. Many providers will arrange a visit, and some can offer a trial stay so you can experience the home before committing. Visiting lets you check accessibility, meet potential housemates and get a feel for the staff and routines. Ask the provider what is possible early, as a visit or overnight stay can make a big difference to your decision.

Are the tenancy agreement and support agreement the same document?

No, they are separate. The tenancy agreement covers your right to live in the property, similar to renting. The support agreement covers the SIL support you receive from your provider. Keeping them separate means you can, in many cases, change your support provider without losing your home. Read both carefully and check the exit terms in each before signing.

How do I know if my housemates will be a good fit?

Ask the provider about the people you may live with, including their routines, support needs and interests. Where possible, arrange to meet them before deciding. Compatibility matters for a happy home, so consider shared preferences, noise levels and daily rhythms. If you feel unsure, it is completely reasonable to ask more questions or to look at other options.

Should I get independent advice before signing anything?

It is a good idea. An independent person, such as a support coordinator, advocate or trusted family member, can review the agreements, check the exit terms and confirm the SDA design category suits your needs. Independent advice helps you understand what you are agreeing to and gives you confidence that the home and support are the right choice before you commit.

Moving into a SIL or SDA home

Moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a big step. These checks help you find a home — and a support arrangement — that genuinely fits.

The home

Is it accessible for you now and as your needs change?
Is the location close to family, transport, health services and community?
What modifications or assistive technology are already in place?
Can you visit and, ideally, stay overnight before deciding?

Who you’ll live with

Who are the other residents, and do you get along?
Can you meet potential housemates first?
How are decisions made in the house?
What happens if it isn’t working out?

The support

Who provides the SIL support, and what is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Is there overnight or active-night support if you need it?
How is the roster set, and how consistent are the workers?
How will your goals and preferences be respected day to day?

The agreements

Are the tenancy (where you live) and the support (who helps you) separate agreements?
What are the exit terms if you want to leave?
Is SDA funding in your plan, and does the home meet that SDA category?
Have you had someone independent check the agreements?

Good to know

SIL and SDA are different things — SIL is the support, SDA is the specialist housing. You may have one or both.
Browse SIL & SDA vacancies on Novida and take your time comparing.

Why this checklist

Moving into a Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home is one of the biggest steps you can take with your NDIS plan, so it is worth getting right. It helps to remember that SIL is the support you receive to live as independently as possible, while SDA is the specialist housing itself. They are funded and arranged separately, and a single move can involve two different providers, two agreements and two sets of expectations.

This checklist brings together the four things that shape day-to-day life in a shared home: the property itself, the people you will live with, the support on offer, and the agreements you will sign. Rushing any one of these can lead to a home that does not suit your access needs, housemates you do not click with, or terms that are hard to leave. Working through it early gives you the confidence to say yes to the right home.

How to use it

Start with the home. Check accessibility, location, nearby transport and whether the property has, or can have, the modifications you need. Ask to visit and, where possible, to stay overnight before you decide. Then look at who you will live with. Ask about potential housemates, whether your needs and routines are compatible, and arrange to meet them.

Next, focus on the support. Find out who provides the SIL, the staff-to-resident ratios, whether overnight or active support is included, and how consistent the roster and staff will be. Finally, review the agreements. Your tenancy agreement and your support agreement are separate documents, so read both. Check the exit terms, confirm the SDA funding and design category match your needs, and consider getting an independent person to look over anything before you sign.

Benefits of preparing it beforehand

Preparing beforehand turns a stressful move into an informed choice. When you have visited the home, met your housemates and understood the roster, there are fewer surprises after you move in, and you are far more likely to settle well. You will also spot mismatches early, such as a home that does not suit your access needs or support that does not cover your overnight requirements.

Reviewing the agreements in advance protects you too. Knowing the exit terms and confirming your SDA category means you are not locked into something that does not fit. Preparation also makes conversations with providers easier, because you know what to ask for. The result is a home that genuinely supports your independence, chosen with clear eyes rather than under pressure.

Moving into a SIL or SDA home — FAQs

What is the difference between SIL and SDA?: SIL, or Supported Independent Living, is the funded support that helps you with daily tasks and living skills in a shared or individual home. SDA, or Specialist Disability Accommodation, is the specialist housing itself, designed for people with high or complex needs. SIL is the support you receive; SDA is the building you live in. They are funded and arranged separately.
Can I visit or stay in a SIL or SDA home before I move in?: Yes. Many providers will arrange a visit, and some can offer a trial stay so you can experience the home before committing. Visiting lets you check accessibility, meet potential housemates and get a feel for the staff and routines. Ask the provider what is possible early, as a visit or overnight stay can make a big difference to your decision.
Are the tenancy agreement and support agreement the same document?: No, they are separate. The tenancy agreement covers your right to live in the property, similar to renting. The support agreement covers the SIL support you receive from your provider. Keeping them separate means you can, in many cases, change your support provider without losing your home. Read both carefully and check the exit terms in each before signing.
How do I know if my housemates will be a good fit?: Ask the provider about the people you may live with, including their routines, support needs and interests. Where possible, arrange to meet them before deciding. Compatibility matters for a happy home, so consider shared preferences, noise levels and daily rhythms. If you feel unsure, it is completely reasonable to ask more questions or to look at other options.
Should I get independent advice before signing anything?: It is a good idea. An independent person, such as a support coordinator, advocate or trusted family member, can review the agreements, check the exit terms and confirm the SDA design category suits your needs. Independent advice helps you understand what you are agreeing to and gives you confidence that the home and support are the right choice before you commit.

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Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.