When people search for “NDIS housing”, they’re usually looking for a place to live that’s connected to their NDIS plan. But it’s helpful to know that “NDIS housing” isn’t an official NDIS funding category.
Instead, it’s a broad term people use to describe several different types of disability accommodation and support funded through the NDIS. Depending on your goals and support needs, this could include Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), or receiving in-home support while living in your own home.
Understanding the difference between these options can make it much easier to find the right living arrangement for your lifestyle and long-term goals.
What Is NDIS Housing?
When someone says they’re looking for “NDIS housing,” they may be referring to:
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Independent living with regular in-home supports
The right option depends on your individual circumstances, your NDIS plan, and the level of support you require.
NDIS Housing Option 1: Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is one of the most common things people mean when they talk about NDIS housing.
SIL provides funding for the support you receive in your home, rather than the home itself. This support helps you build independence while receiving assistance with everyday tasks.
Support can include:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Household tasks
- Medication assistance
- Developing daily living skills
- Community participation
- Overnight support where required
Many people receiving SIL live in a shared home with other participants, supported by a team of experienced support workers. Others may receive SIL in an individual living arrangement if appropriate.
The goal of SIL is to help you live as independently as possible while having the right level of support available.
NDIS Housing Option 2: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is different from SIL.
SDA is funding for the physical home itself. It is designed for people with very high support needs or significant functional impairment who require specially designed housing.
SDA homes may include features such as:
- Fully accessible bathrooms and kitchens
- Wider doorways
- Ceiling hoists
- Assistive technology
- Improved physical accessibility
- Robust designs for specific support needs
Only a small percentage of NDIS participants are eligible for SDA funding.
Many people who live in SDA homes also receive Supported Independent Living (SIL), but they are separate funding categories.
Simply put:
- SDA pays for the specialist home.
- SIL pays for the support provided inside that home.
Can NDIS Housing Include Support in Your Own Home?
Absolutely.
Not everyone wants or needs to move into a shared supported home.
If your goal is to remain in your own home, apartment, or with your family, you may be able to receive in-home supports through your NDIS plan.
Unlike SIL, this support is typically delivered on a visiting basis – a support worker comes to you rather than living onsite, providing as much help as you need, or are funded for, on your own schedule, while keeping your own home and routine.
Depending on your funding, this can include support with:
- Personal hygiene and self-care routines
- Shopping and errands
- Community access and outings
- Managing your daily routine
For many participants, in-home supports provide the right balance of independence while still receiving assistance when it’s needed.
How to Choose the Right NDIS Housing Option
The best option depends on your goals, support needs and living preferences.
You might benefit from SIL if you:
- Want to live more independently with regular support
- Need assistance throughout the day
- Would enjoy living with other people in a supported environment
- Want to build everyday life skills
SDA may be appropriate if you:
- Have SDA funding in your NDIS plan
- Require specialist housing because of significant functional impairment
- Need an accessible home designed around your support requirements
In-home support could be the right choice if you:
- Want to stay in your current home
- Need some assistance with daily activities
- Are working towards greater independence without moving house
Choosing where you live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make.
A good disability support provider won’t just help you find a vacancy, they’ll take the time to understand your goals, your lifestyle and the type of support that helps you thrive.
Whether you’re looking for a shared supported home, an SDA property or support to remain in your own home, it’s important to choose a provider that focuses on building independence, encouraging choice and helping you feel genuinely at home.
Looking for NDIS Housing? For Care Can Help
At For Care, we support people across South-East Queensland to find living arrangements that suit their individual goals and support needs.
Whether you’re searching for a Supported Independent Living (SIL) vacancy, looking for an SDA home, or would like to continue living in your own home with the support of our experienced support workers, our team is here to help.
We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options, and work with you, your family and your support network to find the right solution.
If you’d like to learn more about our current SIL and SDA vacancies or discuss in-home support services, we’d love to hear from you. Contact For Care today and let’s talk about how we can help you live more independently.
NDIS Housing FAQs
What does “NDIS housing” mean?
“NDIS housing” isn’t an official NDIS funding category. It’s a general term people use to describe accommodation and living supports funded through the NDIS, including Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), and in-home support services.
What’s the difference between SIL and SDA?
SIL funds the support you receive in your home, such as assistance with daily living, while SDA funds the specialist home itself for eligible participants with very high support needs. Some people have both, but they’re separate types of NDIS funding.
Providers such as For Care consider lifestyle preferences, routines, communication styles and support needs to ensure compatibility.
Can I access SIL without SDA funding?
Yes. Many participants receive Supported Independent Living funding without being eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation. SIL and SDA are assessed independently.
Can I receive NDIS support while living in my own home?
Yes. If your NDIS plan includes the appropriate funding, you may receive in-home support to help with personal care, household tasks, community participation, meal preparation and building independent living skills while remaining in your own home.
Who is eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
SDA is available to a small number of NDIS participants who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and meet the NDIS eligibility criteria for specialist housing.
How do I know which housing option is right for me?
Your support needs, goals, level of independence and NDIS funding will all influence which option is most suitable. Speaking with an experienced provider like For Care can help you understand your options and find the right fit.
Does For Care have SIL and SDA vacancies?
Yes. For Care regularly has Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) vacancies across South East Queensland. If you’re looking for a new home or would like support to live more independently, contact our team to discuss current vacancies and available support options.
