SIL, SDA or ILO – Which NDIS Home and Living Pathway Does Your Client Need?
SIL, SDA, and ILO are three different NDIS Home and Living pathways, and knowing which one — or which combination — is right for your client is not always straightforward. The differences between them matter not just for the application process, but for the type of Functional Capacity Assessment needed to support the application.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL funds the support a person needs to live as independently as possible — the staff and services that assist with daily tasks such as personal care, domestic activities, community access, and medication management. SIL is typically provided in a shared living arrangement but can also be individual.
A Home and Living Assessment for SIL needs to demonstrate, with functional evidence drawn from direct observation, that the participant requires the level of daily support that SIL provides — across self-care, domestic tasks, self-management, community access, and safety.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA funds the physical accommodation itself — purpose-built or significantly modified housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA housing comes in four design categories: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, and High Physical Support.
An assessment supporting an SDA application must demonstrate that the participant meets the eligibility threshold and identify which SDA design category is appropriate for their specific functional profile.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
ILO is a flexible pathway that allows participants to design their own support arrangement — a co-resident arrangement, a host family model, or another creative, participant-led structure. An ILO assessment documents functional capacity and considers how different living arrangements might meet those needs.
Can a participant access more than one pathway?
Yes. SIL and SDA often go together — a participant may be funded for both SDA housing and SIL support. ILO and SDA can also be combined. Each type of funding covers different things and requires separate evidence.
How a Home and Living Assessment supports the application
Whichever pathway you are working towards, the Home and Living Assessment is the primary clinical document that provides evidence for the NDIS to make a decision. A strong report documents the functional picture in detail, explains why the level of support sought is necessary, and provides a clear clinical recommendation.
To discuss which pathway your client may be working towards, or to make a referral, contact Sina OT on 0467 712 199 or at sina@sinaot.com.au.
Refer to Sina OT
Sina OT is an independent Occupational Therapy practice providing Functional Capacity Assessments across Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. All assessments are completed by experienced, registered Occupational Therapists. Services are available in English and Farsi (Persian). 400+ FCAs completed.
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