What NDIS supports cover housing?

SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) funds the dwelling itself for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SIL (Supported Independent Living) funds the daily living support delivered inside a home. ILO (Individualised Living Options) funds a participant-designed living arrangement such as a host household. Each is a separate line item in an NDIS plan and each is decided on its own evidence.

What is the difference between SDA and SIL?

SDA pays for bricks and mortar — an accessible, purpose-built or modified home. SIL pays for the people who support you in that home. You can have SIL without SDA, and in rare cases SDA without SIL. Most participants in SDA homes also have SIL funding.

Who is eligible for SDA support in an NDIS plan?

SDA is for a small group of participants — roughly 6% — who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs where a specialist dwelling reduces the support they otherwise require. The NDIA looks at functional capacity, informal supports, and evidence from occupational therapists and other allied health professionals.

Does support coordination help me find housing?

Yes. Support coordinators help participants explore housing options, understand SDA and SIL, shortlist vacancies, contact providers and submit enquiries. SDA Listings gives coordinators a dedicated workspace for participant profiles, matching, shortlists and enquiry tracking.

How do I get NDIS support for housing added to my plan?

Raise housing goals at your planning meeting or request a plan reassessment. Gather evidence: an OT functional assessment, a housing report addressing SDA design category and location, and any allied health or medical reports. A support coordinator or specialist housing provider can help build the case.

How long does SDA approval take?

Timeframes vary. Preparing an SDA housing report with an occupational therapist commonly takes several weeks, and the NDIA decision can take a few months after submission. Starting your vacancy search while evidence is being prepared avoids losing time later.

Can I choose my own SDA and SIL providers?

Yes. Choice and control is a core NDIS principle. You can choose your SDA provider (the dwelling) and your SIL provider (the support staff) separately, and you can change SIL providers without moving house.

Is NDIS support for housing free?

SDA is subsidised, not free. Participants pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution — generally 25% of the Disability Support Pension plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance — and cover their own utilities and living costs. SIL support hours are funded through the plan.

NDIS Support: SDA, SIL, ILO & Coordination Explained

The four main NDIS housing supports

SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) — funds a purpose-built or modified dwelling across design categories such as Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust and High Physical Support.
SIL (Supported Independent Living) — funds day-to-day support inside a home: personal care, meal preparation, medication prompts, overnight assistance and household tasks.
ILO (Individualised Living Options) — funds a participant-designed living arrangement, often with a host household or a mix of paid and informal supports.
Support coordination — funds a professional to help you navigate the above, connect with providers and manage housing decisions.

SDA vs SIL vs ILO at a glance

Support	What it pays for	Typically suits
SDA	The dwelling — accessible design, assistive build features	Extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
SIL	Support staff hours in the home, including overnight	Participants needing daily assistance, shared or individual
ILO	A tailored living design and the supports that make it work	Participants wanting a non-group, individualised arrangement

How to get NDIS housing support approved

Set a clear housing goal in your NDIS plan.
Arrange an occupational therapy functional assessment and, for SDA, a housing report covering design category and location.
Collect supporting allied health and medical evidence.
Submit to the NDIA through your planner, LAC or support coordinator.
While waiting, explore live vacancies so you can move once funding is approved.

What NDIS support costs participants

SDA is subsidised rather than free. Participants pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution — generally 25% of the Disability Support Pension plus any Commonwealth Rent Assistance — along with utilities and everyday living costs. SIL hours and support coordination are paid from plan funding, not out of pocket.

Finding NDIS support providers in Australia

SDA Listings publishes live SDA and SIL vacancies from registered providers across every state and territory. Browse by location, design category, bedrooms and support arrangement, then enquire directly with the provider.

NDIS support: frequently asked questions

What NDIS supports cover housing?: SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) funds the dwelling itself for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SIL (Supported Independent Living) funds the daily living support delivered inside a home. ILO (Individualised Living Options) funds a participant-designed living arrangement such as a host household. Each is a separate line item in an NDIS plan and each is decided on its own evidence.
What is the difference between SDA and SIL?: SDA pays for bricks and mortar — an accessible, purpose-built or modified home. SIL pays for the people who support you in that home. You can have SIL without SDA, and in rare cases SDA without SIL. Most participants in SDA homes also have SIL funding.
Who is eligible for SDA support in an NDIS plan?: SDA is for a small group of participants — roughly 6% — who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs where a specialist dwelling reduces the support they otherwise require. The NDIA looks at functional capacity, informal supports, and evidence from occupational therapists and other allied health professionals.
Does support coordination help me find housing?: Yes. Support coordinators help participants explore housing options, understand SDA and SIL, shortlist vacancies, contact providers and submit enquiries. SDA Listings gives coordinators a dedicated workspace for participant profiles, matching, shortlists and enquiry tracking.
How do I get NDIS support for housing added to my plan?: Raise housing goals at your planning meeting or request a plan reassessment. Gather evidence: an OT functional assessment, a housing report addressing SDA design category and location, and any allied health or medical reports. A support coordinator or specialist housing provider can help build the case.
How long does SDA approval take?: Timeframes vary. Preparing an SDA housing report with an occupational therapist commonly takes several weeks, and the NDIA decision can take a few months after submission. Starting your vacancy search while evidence is being prepared avoids losing time later.
Can I choose my own SDA and SIL providers?: Yes. Choice and control is a core NDIS principle. You can choose your SDA provider (the dwelling) and your SIL provider (the support staff) separately, and you can change SIL providers without moving house.
Is NDIS support for housing free?: SDA is subsidised, not free. Participants pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution — generally 25% of the Disability Support Pension plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance — and cover their own utilities and living costs. SIL support hours are funded through the plan.

NDIS support for housing and daily living