By Kate Engledow, AASW-Registered Clinical Social Worker, PhD Candidate (University of Sydney) — Published 14 March 2026
Finding the right housing is one of the most significant challenges for NDIS participants and their families. The NDIS funds several types of accommodation support, but the system is complex, the acronyms are confusing, and the application process can feel overwhelming. This guide explains how NDIS accommodation support works, what the different options are, and how to navigate the system in Sydney and across NSW.
SDA vs SIL: What Is the Difference?
The two most commonly discussed NDIS accommodation supports are Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL). Understanding the difference between them is the first step to navigating the system.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA refers to the physical dwelling itself — the bricks and mortar. SDA funding is paid to the housing provider (not the participant) to cover the cost of building, maintaining, and providing specialist housing that meets specific design standards. SDA properties are purpose-built or modified homes that include features like wider doorways, ceiling hoists, assistive technology, and emergency power systems.
SDA is divided into four design categories:
- Improved Liveability — Housing with improved physical accessibility, suitable for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities
- Fully Accessible — Designed for people who use wheelchairs or have significant physical disabilities, with features like step-free access and accessible bathrooms
- Robust — Built to withstand high-impact use, suitable for participants whose behaviour may cause damage to standard housing
- High Physical Support — The highest level of SDA, with features like ceiling hoists, backup power, and technology for environmental control, designed for people with very high physical support needs
Only around 6% of NDIS participants are eligible for SDA funding. It is reserved for people with the most significant functional impairments who require specialist housing features that mainstream housing cannot provide.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL funding covers the cost of the support staff who assist participants in their home. This includes help with daily tasks like personal care, cooking, cleaning, medication management, and overnight support. SIL can be provided in a shared living arrangement (where several participants live together with shared staff) or in an individual arrangement.
SIL funding is calculated based on a detailed assessment of the participant's support needs, including the number of hours of support required during the day and night, and whether one-to-one or shared support is appropriate.
Importantly, a person can receive SIL without SDA (for example, in a standard rental property with support staff), and a person can live in SDA without SIL (if they need the specialist building features but not 24-hour support). However, many participants with high needs receive both.
Other NDIS Accommodation Options
Beyond SDA and SIL, the NDIS provides several other accommodation-related supports:
- Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) — Temporary accommodation (up to 90 days) funded while a participant's long-term housing is being arranged. This is commonly used during hospital discharge when a person cannot return to their previous home
- Short Term Accommodation (STA / Respite) — Short stays (up to 14 days at a time) to give participants a change of environment and carers a break
- Individualised Living Options (ILO) — Flexible arrangements such as living with a host family, sharing with a housemate, or other creative housing solutions that do not fit the SDA/SIL model
- Home modifications — Funding for modifications to an existing home, such as ramps, bathroom modifications, or widened doorways
- Assistive technology — Equipment and devices that support independent living within the home, such as communication aids, smart home systems, or mobility equipment
Eligibility: Who Can Access NDIS Accommodation Support?
Eligibility varies depending on the type of accommodation support:
For SDA: You must demonstrate that your disability is permanent and results in an extreme functional impairment, or that you have very high support needs that require specialist housing features. The NDIA assesses eligibility based on detailed clinical evidence.
For SIL: You must demonstrate that you need regular support with daily living tasks and that this support is most effectively delivered in a shared or individual supported living arrangement. The NDIA will consider whether SIL is reasonable and necessary compared to other support options.
For MTA: You must have a demonstrated need for temporary accommodation while permanent arrangements are being put in place. This often arises during hospital discharge planning or when a person's current living situation becomes unsafe.
How to Apply for NDIS Accommodation Support
The application process for SDA and SIL is one of the most complex areas of the NDIS. Here is an overview of the steps involved:
- Gather clinical evidence — You will need detailed reports that document the participant's functional capacity, support needs, and why specialist accommodation is required. A psychosocial assessment from a clinical social worker is often a key piece of evidence
- Complete the SDA/SIL assessment — The NDIA requires specific assessments that evaluate the level and type of support needed. For SDA, this includes identifying the appropriate design category and building type. For SIL, it involves estimating the number of support hours needed across a typical week
- Submit the request — The application is submitted to the NDIA, typically through a plan review or a change of circumstances request. Your support coordinator can lodge this on your behalf
- NDIA decision — The NDIA reviews the evidence and makes a decision about whether to include SDA and/or SIL funding in the participant's plan. This process can take several weeks to several months
- Find a provider — Once funding is approved, you need to find an SDA property and/or SIL provider. In Sydney, demand for SDA properties significantly exceeds supply, so this step often requires patience and flexibility
What Assessments Are Needed?
The NDIA expects robust clinical evidence to support accommodation funding requests. Key assessments include:
- Psychosocial assessment — Evaluates the person's overall functional capacity, mental health, social situation, and support needs
- Functional capacity assessment — Documents what the person can and cannot do independently, including personal care, mobility, communication, and household tasks
- Occupational therapy assessment — Evaluates environmental needs, recommends home modifications, and identifies assistive technology requirements
- Behaviour support assessment — If relevant, documents behaviours of concern and the environmental features needed to manage risk (this is particularly relevant for Robust SDA)
- Medical reports — From treating specialists, documenting the diagnosis, prognosis, and impact on daily functioning
The Role of Social Workers in NDIS Housing
Clinical social workers play a central role in helping NDIS participants access appropriate accommodation. At Create Allied Health, our social workers assist with:
- Conducting psychosocial assessments that provide the evidence base for SDA and SIL applications
- Writing reports that clearly articulate why the requested accommodation support is reasonable and necessary
- Coordinating with support coordinators, occupational therapists, and other providers to build a comprehensive case
- Advocating for participants when applications are delayed or rejected, including supporting internal reviews and AAT appeals
- Supporting the transition into new accommodation, including addressing psychosocial barriers to a successful move
Housing Options in Sydney
Sydney's NDIS housing landscape is evolving. New SDA properties are being developed across the city, with concentrations in Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith), South-West Sydney (Liverpool, Campbelltown), and the Inner West. However, demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly for High Physical Support and Robust categories.
For participants who do not qualify for SDA, there are other pathways including social housing through Housing NSW, community housing providers, private rental with in-home supports, and ILO arrangements. A clinical social worker can help you explore all available options and determine which pathway is most realistic given your circumstances.
Getting Started
If you or a client needs help navigating NDIS accommodation support in Sydney, Create Allied Health's housing and accommodation team can help. We provide psychosocial assessments, SDA/SIL application support, and advocacy throughout the process.
Call us on 1800 930 350 or submit a referral online. We respond to all referrals within 72 hours.