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NDIS FAQs for Melbourne 2026/27: SIL, SDA and 24/7 Care
Plain answers to the NDIS questions we hear most in Melbourne and Perth, updated for 2026/27. Caring Hearts Home Care is a registered NDIS provider of onsite SIL and 24/7 care.
SIL is the support you get at home. SDA is the home itself. Your plan pays for each one separately.
SIL, SDA and 24/7 care
What each one is, and how they fit together.
What is Supported Independent Living under the NDIS?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the help you get at home. It pays for support workers to help with daily tasks like cooking, personal care and managing your day. It does not pay for the house itself.
Some people need help day and night, including overnight. That is 24/7 care. We are an onsite SIL provider in Melbourne and Perth. Your support is built around your goals and your routine.
What is the difference between SDA and SIL under the NDIS?
SDA is the home. It is a specially designed house or apartment for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. SIL is the support worker help you get inside that home.
They are funded separately, and you can have one without the other. SDA is a long-term home, not temporary. Every SDA provider is different, so each one needs to be checked on its own. We are an onsite SIL provider. We are not an SDA provider.
What is the difference between ILO and SIL?
ILO (Individualised Living Options) is a flexible way to design where and how you live. It could be your own place or sharing with others. SIL is a set amount of daily support, usually in a shared home, for people who need more help.
Not sure which one fits? Read more about ILO and SIL, or call us. We can talk through your situation.
What is changing with SDA in 2026/27?
SDA prices and rules are reviewed by the NDIA, and updates usually start from 1 July each year. The best place to check the current rules is the NDIS website.
If you are thinking about an SDA home, ask your support coordinator and OT to check what applies to you now. We can explain how SIL fits in with an SDA home.
Your plan and your funding
What to do when your needs or your funding change.
What happens if my SIL or SDA funding changes?
Your funding sits in your NDIS plan. When your plan is reviewed, your supports can go up, stay the same or go down. Nothing stops on the day. Talk to your support coordinator early, before the review date.
If your needs have grown, you may need 24/7 care. We can help you gather the evidence and explain what your plan needs to show, so your support continues without a gap.
Can I change my NDIS plan if my needs change?
Yes. If your health, home or support needs change, you can ask for a plan change. This is called a change of circumstances.
Send your latest reports, such as from your OT or doctor. We can help you work out what to ask for and what evidence to include.
How has NDIS funding changed for 2026/27?
NDIS price limits for supports are updated each year, usually from 1 July. This can change what your hours cost, and how far your funding goes.
Check your plan and your budget with your support coordinator or plan manager. If you think your funding is no longer enough, ask for a plan review.
What are the roles and responsibilities of the NDIS?
The NDIS pays for the disability supports in your plan. The NDIA runs the scheme. The NDIS Commission checks that providers are safe and meet the rules.
Your role is to use your funding on the supports in your plan, and keep your plan up to date. Our role is to deliver your supports well and help you understand the process.
Choosing a provider and building skills
Why registration matters, and what good support looks like.
What are the benefits of choosing a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne?
A registered NDIS provider must meet national safety and quality rules. It is checked by the NDIS Commission. Your support workers are screened and trained.
You can use any funding type, including plan-managed and NDIA-managed plans. You also have a clear way to make a complaint if something goes wrong.
What are the key benefits of building daily living and life skills?
Building daily living skills like cooking, cleaning, travel and money helps you do more for yourself. Over time, many people need less help and feel more confident.
Support workers teach and guide you. They do not just do the tasks for you. Your goals set the pace.
Still have a question?
Call us or send a referral. We will explain your options in plain words, in Melbourne and Perth.