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When it comes to housing under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), confusion is common—and understandable. The terms, supports, and eligibility criteria can be complex, and misinformation often leads to disappointment or missed opportunities for participants and their families.
This guide is here to help you cut through the noise. Whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, a support coordinator, or simply curious about what NDIS housing involves, this blog will break down the facts, bust the myths, and empower you to make informed choices that align with your goals.
What is NDIS Housing?
NDIS housing refers to the various forms of accommodation support funded under the NDIS to help participants live more independently and safely. These supports are not automatically granted to all participants but are designed for individuals with significant support needs relating to their disability.
The NDIS offers different housing supports:
- SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) – purpose-built homes designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
- SIL (Supported Independent Living) – funding for daily support in a shared or individual living arrangement.
- ILO (Individualised Living Options) – tailored living solutions that provide greater flexibility and choice.
- STA (Short Term Accommodation) – temporary housing, including respite care.
- MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) – transition housing while waiting for long-term housing solutions.
It’s important to note that NDIS housing supports focus on access and inclusion, aiming to improve participants’ quality of life, community participation, and autonomy.
Common Myths and Misconceptions about NDIS Housing
Myth 1: “All NDIS participants get free housing”
Fact: Not everyone is eligible for housing-related funding. NDIS housing supports are only available for participants with assessed extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Even when approved, the funding is not for rent or mortgage payments—it covers supports related to disability-specific needs.
Myth 2: “NDIS builds the homes themselves”
Fact: The NDIS does not build houses. Instead, it funds eligible participants to access homes built by registered SDA housing providers. These providers develop properties that meet certain design standards and cater to a range of support requirements.
Myth 3: “You can live anywhere you choose under the NDIS”
Fact: While choice and control are core principles of the NDIS, housing options depend on availability in your area, your level of funding, and compatibility with support needs. Participants may need to work with providers and coordinators to find the right fit.
Myth 4: “Only group homes are funded”
Fact: The NDIS supports a wide variety of living arrangements, including individual apartments, duplexes, and even living alone with tailored support. It’s about what works best for the participant’s lifestyle and support requirements.
Myth 5: “SIL and SDA are the same”
Fact: These are two distinct supports:
- SIL is about the support you receive (e.g., help with cooking, personal care).
- SDA is about the place where you live (i.e., a specialised home built for accessibility).
You can have one without the other or both, depending on your plan and goals.
Breaking Down the Types of NDIS Housing Supports
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA is funding for participants who need specialist housing due to significant functional limitations. These homes are designed with features like wide doorways, assistive technology, and hoist systems.
There are four design categories: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support, and Robust. SDA funding is for the home only—not the support workers or day-to-day assistance.
Participants can find registered SDA providers and work with them to secure housing that meets their needs.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL funding supports participants with daily tasks like:
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Personal care
- Community participation
It’s most common in shared accommodation, but the SIL house can also be used in individual living. The support is rostered and delivered by a team of professionals tailored to the participant’s routine.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
ILO offers flexible, personalised arrangements for participants who don’t need 24/7 rostered support. Examples include:
- Living with a host family
- Co-residency models
- Living alone with remote support
ILO takes time to design and implement and is often rolled out in stages with the help of a support coordinator or provider.
Short Term and Medium Term Accommodation (STA & MTA)
STA (formerly known as respite) allows participants to stay in temporary housing for a short duration—useful for caregiver breaks, unexpected events, or trialing new living situations.
MTA helps participants who are waiting for their long-term accommodation to be ready, such as after a hospital stay or while SDA is being arranged.
How to Get the Right Housing Support in Your NDIS Plan
To access housing supports, you need to:
- Clearly state your housing goals in your NDIS planning or review meeting.
- Provide evidence of need, such as occupational therapist assessments or behavioural support plans.
- Work with a support coordinator to prepare your documentation and advocate for funding.
Your plan should reflect your current challenges, aspirations, and how a particular housing support will improve your life.
Navigating the Application and Approval Process
Here’s how to approach the housing process under the NDIS:
- Define your goal – Example: “I want to live more independently in a supported home.”
- Gather supporting documents – Reports from allied health professionals, GPs, and therapists.
- Submit a Home and Living Supports Request – NDIS provides a form and guidance on this.
- Wait for a decision – The NDIA may seek further clarification or assessments.
- If approved, find a provider – Use the NDIS Provider Finder or ask your coordinator for help.
- Transition and move in – Providers often offer transition support to ease the process.
If you’re declined, you can request a review of the decision or appeal with updated information.
Tips for Families and Support Coordinators
- Start early: Plan months in advance as assessments and approvals can take time.
- Use plain language: Help the participant communicate their goals in their own words.
- Stay up to date: Policies around NDIS housing evolve—check the NDIS website and attend expos or webinars.
- Find the right providers: A good housing provider listens, adjusts, and supports long-term independence.
Facts Empower, Myths Confuse
Understanding NDIS housing is not just about knowing your options—it’s about knowing your rights and advocating for the supports that genuinely improve your life. There is no one-size-fits-all. What works for one participant may not suit another.
By separating fact from fiction, participants and families can avoid unnecessary delays and disappointment—and instead, work toward a living arrangement that promotes dignity, choice, and empowerment.
Learn More with Kuremara
Finding the right NDIS housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and at home.
At Kuremara, we proudly offer purpose-built, fully NDIS-friendly supported Independent Living housing options across SIL Brisbane and SIL Sydney. Each of our properties is thoughtfully designed to ensure accessibility, with features like wheelchair access, modified bathrooms, and open-plan layouts to support various mobility and sensory needs.
Whether you’re seeking a short-term trial stay or a longer-term home where you can thrive with daily living supports, Kuremara provides a compassionate and experienced team to help you every step of the way—from exploring vacancies to settling into your new environment.
We’re not just a provider—we’re your partner in building a more independent and empowering future.
