Feeling Overwhelmed by NDIS Housing Options? Let’s Make It Simple.

Finding the right home for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important parts of the NDIS journey. But the system can be incredibly confusing, with a lot of acronyms and complex rules.

You are not alone if you feel lost. Most people are confused by the two main types of NDIS housing support: Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

This page is a simple guide to help you understand the difference and figure out which path is right for you.

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First, a Simple Question: What Do You Need Help With?

The easiest way to understand NDIS housing is to ask: are you looking for funding for the support services in your home, or for the specialist home itself?

• If you need funding for people to help you with daily life, you are likely looking for SIL.
• If you need funding for the physical, purpose-built house or apartment, you are likely looking for SDA.

Let’s break them down.

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Path 1: Supported Independent Living (SIL)

What is it?

SIL is NDIS funding for the support services you receive in your home. It is designed to help you live as independently as possible. This is the most common type of housing support.

Who is it for?

SIL is for people who need a significant amount of help with daily tasks. This could include:

• Needing help with personal care like showering and dressing.
• Assistance with cooking, cleaning, and managing a household.
• Supervision and support to stay safe at home.
• Shared support with housemates in a group home environment.

In simple terms: SIL is about funding the people who support you at home.

For more information about SIL, visit our detailed SIL services page.

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Path 2: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

What is it?

SDA is NDIS funding for the physical home itself. It is for homes that have been specially designed or built for people with very high support needs.

Who is it for?

SDA is for a smaller number of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. This means you need a specialised home to live safely. This could include a home with:

• Ceiling hoists and other mobility equipment.
• Automated doors and windows.
• Reinforced walls and ceilings.
• A design that makes it easy for support workers to help you.

SDA Design Categories

SDA properties are built to different design standards depending on the level of need:

• Improved Liveability: Homes with improved physical accessibility and features that make them easier to live in.
• Fully Accessible: Homes designed for people who use wheelchairs or have significant mobility limitations.
• Robust: Homes built with reinforced materials for people who may damage standard housing.
• High Physical Support: The highest level, with features like ceiling hoists, assistive technology integration, and designs that allow support workers to provide care safely.

In simple terms: SDA is about funding the bricks and mortar of a specialist home.

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Other Housing Options to Consider

NDIS housing is not limited to SIL and SDA. Depending on your situation, you may also want to explore:

• Respite Care: Short-term accommodation that gives carers a break while you receive support in a different setting.
• Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA): Temporary housing for up to 90 days while you look for a longer-term arrangement.
• Independent Living with Support: Living in your own home or a standard rental with disability home support services provided by support workers.
• Living with Family: Remaining at home with family while receiving in-home support to reduce the caring load.

Your Support Coordinator can help you explore all available options and determine which combination of housing and support works best for your situation.

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How You Can Find the Right Support

Navigating this process is a big task. MD Home Care connects you with trusted experts who can guide you through the process:

1. Understand Your Needs: Connect with experienced housing experts who can have a simple conversation to understand your situation and help you figure out if SIL, SDA, or another path is right for you.
2. Navigate the NDIS: Find specialists through MD Home Care who can help you understand your NDIS plan and how to get the right funding for your housing goals.
3. Connect with Providers: Browse trusted SIL and SDA providers in the Australia area through the MD Home Care network.

Talk to a Housing Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both SIL and SDA funding? Yes. If you have very high support needs that require you to live in a specialist home, you will likely have funding for both. The SDA pays for your home, and the SIL pays for the support you receive in that home.

What if I don’t qualify for SDA? Most NDIS participants do not have SDA funding. If you don’t qualify for SDA, you can still receive SIL funding to help you live independently in a regular rental property, community housing, or your own home.

How do I apply for SIL or SDA? You cannot apply for SIL or SDA directly. These supports are included in your NDIS plan based on an assessment of your needs. Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator can help you request a plan review if you believe you need housing support. The process typically involves functional assessments by occupational therapists and other professionals to demonstrate your support needs.

Can I choose who I live with in a SIL home? In many cases, yes. The NDIS supports choice and control, and this extends to housing. If you are entering a shared SIL arrangement, providers often facilitate “meet and greet” sessions with potential housemates. Some people also choose to live with friends or family members who also receive SIL funding, and MD Home Care can help you find providers who support this arrangement.

Where do I start? The best place to start is with a conversation. Understanding your specific needs and goals is the first step to finding the right housing solution.

“My daughter has a physical disability and we spent months trying to understand SDA categories and SIL funding. It was overwhelming. We connected with a housing specialist through MD Home Care who explained everything in plain language. They helped us find a beautiful, fully accessible SDA apartment in Australia and matched her with a SIL provider who really understands her needs. She has been living independently for a year now and she is thriving. We could not have done it without that guidance.” - Catherine B., Australia

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone.

Connect with experienced housing specialists who can have a simple, no-obligation chat about your situation. Find the right experts through MD Home Care to help you understand your options and take the first step towards finding the right home.