Finding the right place to call home is important and if you need support to get there, navigating your options can feel overwhelming.
Below, we've put together a quick overview to help you get started. And if anything catches your eye, we also have a free downloadable guide below that goes into much more detail.
SDA, SIL, MTA, ILO… what does it all mean?
If you’ve come across these acronyms and thought “What the?”, you’re not alone.
The truth is, most people on the NDIS won’t need help finding housing. But for participants who do need extra support at home, the NDIS offers different funding options to help people live as independently as possible, in the way that suits them best.
That’s where all these acronyms come in.
The NDIS has created several types of housing and living supports for people who meet certain criteria. You may even layer them to ensure that you’re getting the support that you need.
It’s easiest to imagine them in two categories:
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Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is once-off housing support for when you can’t move into your permanent home just yet. This might happen if:
- Your home modifications are still being completed.
- Your assistive technology hasn’t been installed.
It’s short-term support for up to 90 days.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing for people who have very high support needs or extreme functional impairment.
These homes are designed to make daily living safer and more accessible. They might include:
- Extra-wide doorways and hallways.
- Step-free access and ramps.
- Reinforced structures to support equipment.
- Automated or sensor-based features.
As SDA is complex and costly to develop, it’s reserved for participants with the most significant support needs.
If approved, you have flexibility in how you live. You can:
- Live independently.
- Live with family or a partner.
- Share with another SDA participant.
- Or share with someone who doesn’t receive SDA funding.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is about having the right support around you to manage day-to-day life at home.
Supports may include:
- Assistance with personal care.
- Help with cooking and meals.
- Support to build confidence and skills.
- Supervision when needed.
- Overnight support.
SIL gives you flexibility. For example, you can:
- Share supports with others.
- Live in a shared home.
- Choose your housemates.
Many people layer SDA and SIL funding. That means that they receive funding for both. Think of it this way:
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Individualised Living Options (ILO) is a flexible home and living support designed around you.
Instead of fitting into a set model, ILO allows you to shape your supports around how you want to live, where you want to live and who you want to live with.
ILO focuses on:
- Choice and control.
- Stability.
- Safety.
- Flexibility.
ILO happens in two stages:
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some common arrangements:
- Living alone.
- Co-residency with a primary support person.
- Live with other people.
- Be hosted by a primary support person in their home.
- Have friendly neighbours that help you with either paid or unpaid supports.
At the heart of every option is choice: the chance to live in a place you call home, with the people you choose, in a way that supports your life and your goals.
Still need help with housing, but not eligible for assistance through NDIS?
If you need affordable housing or are at risk of homelessness, there are state or territory government programs that can help you.
Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator can help you apply for state or territory housing or homelessness services.
If any of the above options have caught your eye and you’d like to know more (including eligibility criteria), we’ve created a free NDIS-funded Home and Living Options Guide for you. Just enter your email address below.
