Group Home vs Independent Living on the NDIS
Group home vs independent living NDIS: what each option means, how SIL and SDA fund them, who each suits, and how to decide which home fits your life.
When people talk about NDIS 'housing', they often picture two very different things: a group home shared with other residents, or your own place with support that comes to you. Both can be funded, and neither is 'better' — they suit different people at different stages. This guide explains what each really means, how the funding works, and how to decide which home fits your life.
Two ways of thinking about home
What a group home is
What independent living looks like
Side by side: the real differences
Who a group home suits
Who independent living suits
How to decide (and how funding follows)
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS pay my rent in independent living?
No. The NDIS never pays rent or mortgage costs, wherever you live. It funds the support you need and, if your disability requires it, a specially designed dwelling through SDA. Everyday rent and living costs come from your own income, just as they would for anyone.
Is a group home the same as SIL?
Not quite. SIL is the support — rostered help shared between residents — while the group home is the house it's delivered in. You can also receive SIL as drop-in support in your own home, so SIL doesn't have to mean a group home at all.
Can I choose who I live with in a group home?
You have a say, but not a guarantee. Providers try to match housemates for compatibility, and you should meet residents before moving in. If choosing your household is very important to you, an Individualised Living Option or your own tenancy may suit you better.
What if no group home suits me?
That is exactly what Individualised Living Options (ILO) are for. Instead of fitting you into an existing house, an ILO designs an arrangement around you, blending paid support with help from housemates, family or community. It takes more planning but can fit where standard options don't.
Related guides
- Group Programs vs 1:1 Community Support: Which Is Better Value?
- Home Care Package vs NDIS: What's the Difference?
- In-Home Support vs Centre-Based: Which Suits You?
- NDIS vs Aged Care: Which One Are You Eligible For?
- NDIS vs CHSP: Which Support Program Should You Use?
- NDIS vs Insurance Schemes (iCare, TAC, Lifetime Support): Who Covers What?