Home and living supports

The group of NDIS supports about where and how you live, such as SIL, SDA, ILO and MTA.

What it means

Home and living supports are the group of NDIS supports that relate to where and how a person lives. Rather than one single service, it is a broad area that brings together several options, each suited to different needs and levels of support.

This group can include Supported Independent Living (SIL), which is help with everyday tasks in a shared or individual living setting; Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), which is specially designed housing for people with very high needs; Individualised Living Options (ILO), which is a flexible way to arrange support in a home of your choosing; and Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), which is temporary housing while you wait for a longer-term home. The focus across all of them is helping people live as independently as possible in a way that suits them.

In practice

Choosing a home and living support is a big decision, and the right option depends on your goals, your needs and how much support you want day to day. Some people want help with daily tasks while living with others, while others want to live alone with tailored support.

It usually helps to talk through the options with a support coordinator or planner, who can explain how each one works and what evidence the NDIS looks for. You can think about what independence means to you, who you want to live with, and where you want to live. The aim is to build an arrangement that fits your life, rather than fitting your life around a single set model.

A real example

For example, Aisha wanted to move out of her family home but still needed daily help with cooking and personal care. With her support coordinator, she looked at the different home and living options and decided that Supported Independent Living suited her best. She now shares a home with two others and gets the support she needs while building more independence than she had before.

Home and living supports — FAQs

What supports are included in home and living?
Home and living supports can include Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Individualised Living Options (ILO) and Medium Term Accommodation (MTA). Each suits different needs and levels of support. Because they work in different ways, it helps to talk with a support coordinator or planner about which option, or combination, might fit your goals and the way you want to live.
What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and personal care, often in a shared home. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is specially designed housing for people with very high needs. In short, SIL is about the support you receive, while SDA is about the building itself. Some people receive both, but they are funded as separate things.
What is an Individualised Living Option?
An Individualised Living Option (ILO) is a flexible way to arrange the support you need in a home of your choosing. Rather than a set model, it is built around your preferences, such as who you live with and how your support is provided. ILO can suit people who want more control over their living arrangement. A support coordinator or planner can explain whether it might work for you.
What is Medium Term Accommodation for?
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is temporary housing for when you are ready to move but your longer-term home is not yet available. It is a stopgap rather than a permanent arrangement, helping you avoid being stuck while you wait. If you think you might need MTA, talk with your support coordinator or planner about your situation and how it could fit into your plan.
How do I choose the right home and living option?
Start by thinking about your goals, your daily support needs, who you want to live with and where. The right option depends on your situation, so there is no single answer that suits everyone. A support coordinator or planner can walk you through how each option works and what evidence the NDIS looks for, helping you build an arrangement that fits your life.

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