NDIS Housing Options Explained: SDA, SIL, ILO and Onsite Shared Supports
NDIS Housing Options Explained
SDA • SIL • ILO • Shared Supports
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions anyone can make. For people living with disability, housing is about more than just a roof over your head. It is about safety, independence, accessibility and the ability to live the life you choose.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds different housing and support options depending on a participant’s needs and goals.
Understanding these options can feel confusing at first. Terms like SDA, SIL, ILO and Onsite Shared Supports are often used in the disability sector, but they each mean something different.
This guide explains the main NDIS housing options in plain English, helping participants, families and support coordinators understand what each model is designed to do.
Why Housing Matters in the NDIS
The goal of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is to support people with disability to live more independently and participate in the community.
For some participants, this means living in a standard home with minimal support. For others, it may require specialised housing or more structured supports.
Housing supports within the NDIS aim to:
• improve independence
• support safety and accessibility
• increase choice and control
• help participants participate in community life
Housing funding is always assessed based on individual needs and goals within a participant’s NDIS plan.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing designed for people with very high support needs or significant functional impairment.
SDA homes often include accessibility features such as:
• step-free access
• wider doorways and hallways
• accessible kitchens and bathrooms
• assistive technology
• reinforced structures for specialised equipment
SDA funding is not for support services. Instead, it helps cover the cost of the specialised housing itself.
Participants who qualify for SDA can live in different settings, including:
• apartments
• villas or units
• shared housing
• small community precincts
Eligibility for SDA is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is typically approved only for participants with very high support needs.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides daily support services for participants who need regular assistance at home.
These supports may include help with:
• personal care
• cooking and meal preparation
• cleaning and household tasks
• developing independent living skills
• daily routines
SIL is commonly delivered in shared housing environments, where several participants live together and support staff assist them throughout the day.
The focus of SIL is to help participants develop independence while still receiving structured daily supports.
The exact level of support is determined by the participant’s needs and the funding included in their NDIS plan.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Individualised Living Options (ILO) offer a more flexible and personalised approach to housing supports.
Instead of fitting into a standard housing model, ILO focuses on creating a living arrangement tailored to the participant’s preferences and goals.
Examples of ILO arrangements may include:
• living with a host or housemate
• living with a supportive roommate arrangement
• living alone with a tailored support network
• living with friends or chosen housemates
ILO emphasises choice, relationships and independence, allowing participants to design a living arrangement that suits their lifestyle.
Funding for ILO usually includes:
• exploration and design funding
• ongoing support to maintain the living arrangement
Onsite Shared Supports (OSS)
Another model that is becoming more common in SDA communities is Onsite Shared Supports (OSS).
In this approach, support staff are located within the housing precinct and can respond when assistance is needed.
Participants live independently in their own homes but can request help when required.
OSS may provide:
• short-duration assistance
• help with unexpected needs
• additional support outside scheduled services
• a quick response if assistance is required
OSS is generally considered a secondary support, meaning it does not replace regular support providers.
Participants can still receive scheduled supports from their usual providers while also having access to onsite assistance.
Comparing the Main NDIS Housing Supports
Understanding how these housing supports differ can help participants make informed decisions.
Support TypeWhat It FundsMain PurposeSDASpecialised housingAccessible homes for people with high support needsSILDaily living supportsRegular assistance with daily tasksILOFlexible living arrangementsTailored housing and support optionsOSSShared onsite supportQuick response assistance in housing communities
Many participants may receive a combination of these supports, depending on their situation.
For example, someone may live in SDA housing while receiving SIL supports, or live independently with ILO supports.
Choosing the Right Housing Option
Selecting the right housing arrangement is a personal decision that should reflect the participant’s goals, preferences and support needs.
When exploring options, participants may wish to consider:
• how much independence they want
• the level of daily support required
• location and access to community services
• housing design and accessibility features
• relationships with housemates or neighbours
Support coordinators, housing providers and family members can help participants explore options and understand what may work best.
Planning for Housing in Your NDIS Plan
Housing supports are usually discussed during NDIS planning meetings or plan reviews.
Participants may need to provide evidence demonstrating:
• their current housing situation
• support needs within the home
• risks or challenges with current arrangements
• goals related to independence or community participation
The National Disability Insurance Agency considers this information when determining whether housing supports such as SDA or ILO may be reasonable and necessary.
The Importance of Choice and Control
A core principle of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is choice and control.
Participants should feel empowered to:
• explore different housing models
• ask questions about supports and providers
• choose who delivers their supports
• make decisions about where and how they live
No single housing option is right for everyone. The best solution is the one that supports a participant’s independence, wellbeing and personal goals.
Choosing the Right NDIS Housing
A Guide to SDA, SIL and ILO
How Bridges Alliance Can Help
Understanding housing options under the NDIS can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Bridges Alliance, we support participants and families to explore the options available and make informed decisions about housing and supports.
Our team works alongside participants to help them:
• understand different housing models
• navigate NDIS processes
• connect with appropriate providers
• plan for greater independence
Final Thoughts
NDIS housing supports continue to evolve as the sector looks for ways to increase independence, safety and choice for participants.
Whether it is SDA housing, Supported Independent Living, Individualised Living Options or Onsite Shared Supports, each model plays an important role in helping people with disability live the life they choose.
Understanding these options is the first step toward finding a housing solution that supports both independence and wellbeing.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information purposes only. Housing supports and funding are determined individually by the National Disability Insurance Agency, and participants should consult their support coordinator or NDIA representative for advice specific to their situation.
