NDIS Housing Options in Australia: A Simple Guide
Confused about disability housing options like SIL and SDA? Our simple guide explains the difference and helps you understand the right NDIS housing path for you or your loved one in Australia.
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’re 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.
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’re likely looking for SIL.
- If you need funding for the physical, purpose-built house or apartment, you’re likely looking for SDA.
Let’s break them down.
Path 1: Supported Independent Living (SIL)
What is it?
SIL is NDIS funding for the support services you receive in your home. It’s 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.
Path 2: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What is it?
SDA is NDIS funding for the physical home itself. It’s 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.
In simple terms: SDA is about funding the bricks and mortar of a specialist home.
How We Can Help You on Your Journey
Navigating this process is a big task. Our role is to be your trusted guide. We can help you:
- Understand Your Needs: We’ll have a simple conversation to understand your situation and help you figure out if SIL, SDA, or another path is right for you.
- Navigate the NDIS: We can help you understand your NDIS plan and how to get the right funding for your housing goals.
- Connect with Providers: We can connect you with our network of trusted SIL and SDA providers in the {suburb} area.
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.
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.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone.
Let’s have a simple, no-obligation chat about your situation. We can help you understand your options and take the first step towards finding the right home.
Find this service in your area
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ACT
NSW
- AlexandriaGreater Sydney
- AllawahSt George
- AnnandaleInner West
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- HaberfieldInner West
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- HornsbyUpper North Shore
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- MirandaSutherland Shire
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- PenrithWestern Sydney
- PenshurstSt George
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- ProspectWestern Sydney
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- QueanbeyanCapital Region
- Queens ParkEastern Suburbs
- QueenscliffNorthern Beaches
- RamsgateSt George
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- RydeNorthern Sydney
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- St MarysWestern Sydney
- StanmoreInner West
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- SutherlandSutherland Shire
- SydneyGreater Sydney
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- ToongabbieWestern Sydney
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- VaucluseEastern Suburbs
- VillawoodSouth Western Sydney
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- Warwick FarmSouth Western Sydney
- WaterlooGreater Sydney
- WentworthvilleWestern Sydney
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- West Pennant HillsHills District
- West RydeNorthern Sydney
- WestmeadWestern Sydney
- WilloughbyLower North Shore
- Winston HillsHills District
- WollongongIllawarra
- WollstonecraftLower North Shore
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- WooloowareSutherland Shire
- YagoonaSouth Western Sydney
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- ZetlandGreater Sydney
NT
QLD
- BrisbaneGreater Brisbane
- BundabergWide Bay Burnett
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- Hervey BayWide Bay Burnett
- MackayCentral Queensland
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- SouthportGold Coast
- Sunshine CoastSouth East Queensland
- ToowoombaDarling Downs
- TownsvilleNorth Queensland
- West EndInner Brisbane