NDIS Housing Glossary: SDA, SIL, ILO, MTA and More
An NDIS housing terms glossary in plain English: SDA, SIL, ILO, MTA, STR, roster of care, design categories, settlement offers and more, defined simply.
NDIS housing comes wrapped in acronyms, and it is easy to feel lost among SDA, SIL, ILO and MTA. This plain-English glossary defines the terms you will meet, grouped so they make sense together. Keep it handy as you read the other home and living guides, and the jargon will stop getting in the way.
How to use this glossary
The housing types
The funding words
The design and support words
The process words
The people words
Where this fits in the bigger picture
Frequently asked questions
What do SDA, SIL, ILO and MTA stand for?
SDA is Specialist Disability Accommodation (the specialist building). SIL is Supported Independent Living (daily support in your home). ILO is Individualised Living Options (a flexible arrangement using your informal supports). MTA is Medium Term Accommodation (temporary housing, usually up to 90…
What is a roster of care?
A roster of care is the detailed plan of who supports you, when, for how long, and at what staffing ratio across a typical week, including overnights. It is the backbone of SIL and should reflect your real daily pattern of need. Your provider builds it, and it can change as your needs change.
What is the Reasonable Rent Contribution?
The Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) is the fair rent you pay when living in SDA, usually drawn from your income and any Commonwealth Rent Assistance. SDA covers the extra cost of the specialist building, but you still contribute rent because everyone pays something to live somewhere.
What replaced the AAT for NDIS appeals?
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in October 2024. The ART is the independent body that reviews NDIS decisions, including housing decisions, after an internal review. Free support for appeals is available through the NDIS Appeals Program.