NDIS housing options explained
A plain-English map of every NDIS housing option — SIL, SDA, respite, MTA and ILO — and how to choose the right one for you
Start here: the home and the support are two separate things
The five main NDIS housing and living options
You don't have to move: home modifications and assistive technology
Which NDIS housing option is right for me?
How the options fit together
How you get any of this funded: the Home and Living request
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between SIL and SDA?
They answer different questions. SIL (Supported Independent Living) funds the support you receive — help with daily life. SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is a contribution toward a specially designed building. Many people who need both have them as two separate lines in their plan.
Does the NDIS pay my rent?
No. Rent and everyday living costs come from your own income, commonly the Disability Support Pension plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance. If you live in SDA you also pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution to the provider. NDIS funding covers support and, for a smaller group, a contribution toward the specialist dwelling —…
Can I stay in my own home and still get help?
Yes. Many people receive support such as SIL in an ordinary home they rent or own. If the home needs changes, the NDIS may fund home modifications or assistive technology from your Capital budget after an OT assessment. Moving is only one option among several.
What if I need somewhere to live right now, like leaving hospital?
Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) is designed for exactly this — a temporary home while your confirmed long-term home isn't ready, often described as up to around 90 days. Short-Term Accommodation (respite) can also help for a brief period. Your support is funded separately as usual.
How do I actually get a housing option into my plan?
You typically complete a Home and Living request with supporting evidence, usually including an OT assessment, and the NDIA decides. A support coordinator and OT generally help you build the case. Confirm the current process and forms with the NDIA.
Which option is best for me?
That depends on how you want to live, how much support you need, and whether an ordinary home works for you. There is no single right answer and no one can promise an individual outcome — an OT and support coordinator can help you weigh the options against your own goals.