Finding the right place to live can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to understand what support may be available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Many people ask whether the NDIS can help with housing.
In some circumstances, yes.
The NDIS does not usually pay everyday living costs such as rent, mortgage repayments or household bills. However, it may fund disability-related housing and support where these supports are considered reasonable and necessary.
These supports can help people live safely, take part in their community and work towards their goals.
This guide explains housing and support options, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), and Individualised Living Options (ILO). It also covers other supports that may help you live more independently.
Quick Answer
The NDIS generally does not pay for:
However, the NDIS may fund disability-related housing and support, including:
The funding available depends on a person's goals, circumstances, assessed support needs and NDIS plan.
What You Will Learn
One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between housing and support
Housing refers to the place where you live, such as a house, apartment or unit.
Support refers to assistance with daily life. This may include help with personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, learning new skills or participating in the community.
This distinction matters because NDIS funding relates to housing, while other funding relates to support in the home.
Two people may live in similar homes but need very different levels of support. For example, one person may only require occasional help with daily tasks, while another may require support throughout the day and overnight.
The level of support is based on the person’s needs, not simply the type of home they live in.
The NDIS generally does not fund everyday living expenses that people would usually pay regardless of disability, such as:
However, it may fund disability-related housing and support arrangements where these are considered reasonable and necessary.
This may include:
The support available depends on a person's individual circumstances, goals and assessed support needs.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing designed for people who have very high support needs or extreme functional impairment.
SDA funding helps cover the cost of the specialised home itself. It does not cover day-to-day support in that home.
SDA homes may include:
Not all NDIS participants are eligible for SDA. Funding is generally available only to a small proportion of participants who meet specific criteria.
Example
A person who uses a wheelchair and requires significant accessibility features throughout their home may be eligible for SDA funding if specialist design features are needed to support daily living.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is not a type of housing.
Instead, SIL is funding for support that helps people live as independently as possible.
SIL funding may contribute to support workers providing assistance with:
SIL is often delivered in shared homes, although it can also be provided in other living arrangements depending on a person's circumstances.
Importantly, SIL generally funds support rather than the home itself.
Real-life example: Cameron's story
Moving into the right home can make a big difference to everyday life.
For Cameron, accessible design features such as wider hallways and space to move around safely helped him feel more confident and independent at home.
With the right support and assistive aids, he has also been able to take on more daily tasks independently, including making his own tea or coffee and preparing a light lunch.
The combination of a home that suited his needs and the right support has helped Cameron live more independently each day.
Individualised Living Options (ILO) is designed to help people explore and create living arrangements that suit their preferences, relationships and support needs.
An ILO arrangement may look different for every person.
For example, a person may choose to:
ILO focuses on designing a living situation around the person rather than fitting the person into a standard model of support.
|
Option |
What It Funds |
Who It May Suit |
|
SDA |
Specialised housing designed for people with very high support needs |
People who meet specific SDA eligibility criteria |
|
SIL |
Support provided in the home |
People who need regular support with daily living tasks |
|
ILO |
Tailored living arrangements and support models |
People who want a personalised approach to living arrangements and support |
A person may receive SDA and SIL funding together, or they may receive one without the other. The most appropriate pathway depends on individual needs, goals and circumstances.
If you’re exploring housing and support options, the first step is understanding what support you need to live safely and independently.
Consider:
It can also be helpful to speak with family members, support coordinators, allied health professionals or other trusted members of your support network.
In some situations, assessments or supporting evidence may be required to explore specific funding pathways such as SDA, SIL or ILO.
Taking the time to understand your support needs and preferences can make it easier to identify the options that may best support the life you want to live.
Not everyone requires SDA, SIL or ILO.
There are a range of Home and Living pathways available, depending on the support you need and how you want to live.
Some people receive support while continuing to live:
Depending on individual circumstances, NDIS funding may support assistance with daily tasks and other supports that help people manage everyday life.
This may include help with:
There is no single pathway that suits everyone.
The most suitable option depends on factors such as:
Questions to consider include:
Focus on support that will help you live the life you want. One pathway is not necessarily better than another.
For example, SIL may suit some people, while others may be better suited to ILO or supports delivered in their existing home.
If you are considering SIL or other Home and Living supports, provider registration may be one factor to consider.
It can also help to ask questions about:
A good provider should explain how their support works in everyday life. They should explain how they help people reach their personal goals.
In most cases, no. The NDIS generally does not fund everyday living expenses such as rent, mortgage repayments or utility bills. However, it may fund certain disability-related housing and support arrangements.
SDA is funding for specialised housing. SIL is funding for support provided in the home. Some people may receive both, while others may only receive one.
Yes. SIL and SDA are separate types of funding. Some people receive SIL funding while living in homes that are not SDA properties.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to receive supports while living independently. The support available will depend on your individual needs and NDIS funding.
The most suitable option will depend on your goals, support needs, living preferences and circumstances. It may be helpful to speak with your support network and relevant professionals.
Depending on a person's circumstances and eligibility, the NDIS may fund different housing and support arrangements.
These can include:
Explore More home and Living Resources
Endeavour Foundation supports people with intellectual disability to explore Home and Living options that align with their goals, preferences and support needs.
If you're exploring housing options for yourself or someone you support, our team can discuss available pathways and current opportunities and help you understand the different Home and Living options that may be available.
Explore disability housing vacancies and learn more about Home and Living options with Endeavour Foundation.