NDIS Housing Pathways: A Complete Guide to Disability Housing Options

Understanding NDIS Housing Options

The NDIS provides several types of housing and accommodation support. Navigating these options can be complex, so this guide explains each type, who it's for, and how to access it.

The main NDIS housing categories are:

1. Supported Independent Living (SIL) — support workers
2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — purpose-built housing
3. Individualised Living Options (ILO) — flexible living arrangements
4. Short Term Accommodation (STA) — respite and transitional housing
5. Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) — temporary housing during transitions
6. Community Housing — social and affordable housing
7. Private Rental — mainstream rental with supports

1. Supported Independent Living (SIL)

SIL provides funding for support workers who help participants with daily tasks so they can live independently. SIL funds the support, not the dwelling.

Read our complete SIL guide →

Search SIL vacancies →

2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA provides funding for purpose-built or modified housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA funds the dwelling, not the support.

There are four SDA design categories:

• Improved Liveability
• Fully Accessible
• Robust
• High Physical Support

Read our SDA design categories guide →

Learn more about SDA →

Search SDA properties →

3. Individualised Living Options (ILO)

ILO is a flexible funding arrangement that allows participants to design their own living arrangement. ILO is for participants who need some support but not necessarily 24/7 rostered care.

ILO can include:

• A host arrangement (living with a host family or individual)
• Living alone with drop-in support
• Living with housemates (with or without disability)
• A combination of formal and informal supports

ILO is typically for participants with lower support needs than those in SIL, or for those who want a more individualised and flexible arrangement.

4. Short Term Accommodation (STA)

STA (formerly known as respite) provides short-term housing and support for participants. STA is typically used for:

• Respite for carers and families
• Transitional housing between placements
• Trial of a living arrangement before committing
• Recovery after hospital discharge

STA is usually funded for up to 28 days per year in an NDIS plan.

5. Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)

MTA provides housing for a longer period than STA (typically up to 90 days) for participants who are transitioning between housing arrangements. MTA is often used:

• While waiting for SDA housing to become available
• During hospital discharge planning
• While a home is being modified or built

6. Community Housing

Community housing is social or affordable housing provided by community housing providers (CHPs). It is not NDIS-specific, but many NDIS participants live in community housing.

Community housing is typically for participants with lower support needs who can live independently or with minimal in-home support. Rent is usually capped at 25-30% of income.

Learn more about community housing →

7. Private Rental

Many NDIS participants live in private rental housing, either independently or with support from SIL or in-home supports. The NDIS does not fund rent for private rental, but participants may be eligible for Rental Assistance through Centrelink.

How to navigate the housing pathway

Step 1: Understand your funding

Check your NDIS plan to see what housing-related funding you have. If you're unsure, speak to your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator.

Step 2: Assess your needs

Consider:

• Your support needs (low, medium, high, very high)
• Your preferred location
• Your accessibility requirements
• Your household preferences (living alone vs shared)
• Your lifestyle preferences

Step 3: Search for housing

Search properties on Housing Match and filter by type, location, and accessibility features.

Step 4: Apply or enquire

Submit an application through Housing Match, or ask your Support Coordinator to apply on your behalf. Can your Support Coordinator apply for you? Read our FAQ →

Step 5: Complete a compatibility assessment

Housing Match uses AI-powered compatibility matching to assess whether a property and household are a good fit. This considers support needs, accessibility, funding, lifestyle, and housemate compatibility.

Learn more about compatibility assessments →

Location-specific housing

We have dedicated location pages for disability housing:

• Newcastle
• Lake Macquarie
• Central Coast
• Hunter Region
• Sydney

Finding a provider

Browse our Provider Directory to find NDIS-registered providers for SIL, SDA, Support Coordination, and other disability services.

Hospital discharge and NDIS housing

If you or a family member are in hospital and need disability housing for discharge, we can help. Housing Match works with hospitals to prevent delayed discharges and connect patients with suitable housing.

Learn more about hospital discharge pathways →

Privacy and consent

Your privacy is protected when using Housing Match. We use de-identified data for AI compatibility matching, and your consent is managed through a permanent, event-based ledger.

Learn more in our Trust Centre → Read our Privacy Policy → Read our Consent & Information Sharing Policy →

Frequently asked questions

Is Housing Match free? Yes. Housing Match is completely free for NDIS participants, families, and Support Coordinators. Providers pay to list properties.

Can I have both SIL and SDA? Yes. Many participants in SDA housing also receive SIL support. SIL funds the support workers; SDA funds the dwelling.

What if my housing needs change? If your needs change, speak to your Support Coordinator about requesting an NDIS plan review. Your funding can be adjusted to reflect your current needs.

How long does it take to find housing? This depends on availability in your area, your specific needs, and the type of housing you're seeking. Housing Match shows current vacancies from registered providers, which can speed up the process.

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This article is for general information and does not constitute advice. For personalised guidance, speak to your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator, or an Occupational Therapist.