Specialized housing options for NDIS participants

Published at 04-03-2025 12:15:00

Specialized housing options for NDIS participants

For many people with disabilities, having a suitable and accessible place to live is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. The NDIS provides funding for specialized housing options to ensure participants can live safely and comfortably while receiving the necessary supports.

This guide explores the different specialized housing options available through the NDIS, the funding categories, and how participants can access housing that meets their needs.

NDIS funding for housing: What’s covered?

The NDIS does not provide direct funding for rent or mortgage payments, but it does fund specialized housing supports to help participants live independently. These supports may include:

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – Designed for people with extreme functional impairments or high support needs.
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) – Assistance with daily tasks for those who require 24/7 or ongoing support.
• Individual Living Options (ILO) – Flexible, personalized living arrangements based on participant needs.
• Home modifications – Adjustments to a participant’s current home to improve accessibility.

The type of housing support you receive will depend on your individual needs and NDIS plan funding.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

What is SDA?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing designed for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairments or very high support needs. These homes have specialized designs, accessibility features, and assistive technology to enable participants to live more independently.

Who is eligible?

SDA is only available to a small percentage of participants who require specialized housing due to significant support needs. To be eligible, participants must:

✅ Have an extreme functional impairment or require very high levels of support.

✅ Provide supporting evidence from health professionals explaining why SDA is necessary.

✅ Have SDA approved in their NDIS plan.

Types of SDA housing

SDA is classified into different design categories to suit various needs:

• Improved Liveability – Suitable for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities.
• Fully Accessible – Designed for those who require wheelchairs and accessible features.
• High Physical Support – For participants needing hoists, automated doors, and assistive technology.
• Robust Housing – Built for participants with complex behaviors that require secure and resilient housing.

How is SDA funded?

SDA funding covers the cost of the housing itself, but participants still pay rent and living expenses (usually 25% of their Disability Support Pension + Commonwealth Rent Assistance).

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

What is SIL?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides assistance with daily tasks for participants who require 24/7 support or ongoing supervision in a shared or independent living environment.

Who is eligible?

SIL is ideal for participants who:

✅ Need help with personal care, cooking, cleaning, or medication management.

✅ Require ongoing supervision for safety and well-being.

✅ Prefer to live in a shared home with support staff or independently with regular assistance.

How is SIL funded?

SIL funding does not cover rent or housing costs—it only funds the support staff needed to assist participants with daily living.

Participants can live in:

🏡 NDIS-funded Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

🏡 Private rentals or public housing with SIL support.

🏡 Shared living arrangements where multiple participants share a home and support staff.

SIL funding is usually included under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life in an NDIS plan.

Individual Living Options (ILO)

What is ILO?

Individual Living Options (ILO) provides a flexible and personalized approach to housing, allowing participants to design their own living arrangements with the necessary supports. Unlike SIL, ILO focuses on independence and choice rather than shared living.

Who is eligible?

ILO is best suited for participants who:

✅ Want to live alone, with friends, or in a host arrangement.

✅ Need support to maintain independence but do not require 24/7 assistance.

✅ Prefer a customized support model instead of traditional group housing.

ILO living arrangements

Participants can choose from:

• Co-residency – Living with a housemate who provides informal support.
• Host arrangements – Living with a supportive host family.
• Living alone – With flexible drop-in support as needed.
• Living with friends or family – With formal support services provided.

How is ILO funded?

ILO funding covers support services and planning, but does not include rent, utilities, or living costs.

ILO is included under Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Home in an NDIS plan.

Home modifications and assistive technology

What are home modifications?

For participants who wish to stay in their current home, the NDIS may fund modifications to improve accessibility and independence.

Examples of home modifications include:

✔ Installing ramps or lifts for wheelchair access.

✔ Widening doorways and hallways for mobility equipment.

✔ Bathroom modifications such as grab rails and accessible showers.

✔ Smart home technology like voice-activated lights or automated doors.

Who is eligible?

To receive home modification funding, participants must:

✅ Provide assessments and recommendations from an occupational therapist.

✅ Demonstrate that modifications will improve independence and safety.

✅ Get approval from the NDIA before modifications begin.

How is it funded?

Home modifications are funded under Capital Supports – Home Modifications in an NDIS plan.

How to access NDIS-funded housing support

If you believe you need SDA, SIL, ILO, or home modifications, follow these steps:

1. Review your NDIS goals

Make sure your housing needs align with your NDIS goals (e.g., "I want to live more independently" or "I need a safer home environment").

2. Gather supporting evidence

You will need reports from health professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, support coordinators) explaining why specialized housing is necessary.

3. Discuss options with your support coordinator (if you have one)

A support coordinator can help explore housing options, connect you with suitable providers, and assist in preparing your case for funding approval.

4. Apply for funding through your NDIS plan

• If you already have SDA, SIL, or ILO funding, review your plan to ensure it meets your needs.
• If you need to request or change your housing support, you may need to apply for a plan reassessment.

5. Track your funding with your plan manager

If you are plan managed, your plan manager (like Just Plan Managers) can:

✔ Ensure your funding is used correctly for approved housing supports.

✔ Process provider invoices for SIL, ILO, or home modifications.

✔ Provide access to our Portal, where you, your carers, and support coordinators can track housing-related spending and receive monthly reports.

While plan managers do not assist with provider selection, they help manage the financial side of your plan, ensuring you stay within budget.

Final thoughts

Finding the right specialized housing is a crucial step toward independence and well-being for NDIS participants. Whether you need SDA, SIL, ILO, or home modifications, understanding your options can help you make informed choices.

If you need help managing your NDIS funding for housing, Just Plan Managers is here to assist.

📞 Call us on 1300 217 037 or ✉ email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au to learn how we can support you in achieving your housing goals!