When people first come across the NDIS housing system, it can feel confusing—especially when terms like SDA, SIL, and Short Term Accommodation start appearing together. While they are all part of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), they serve very different purposes. Understanding how Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) differs from regular NDIS housing supports helps participants and families choose what best fits their needs.

What Is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

SDA is a specific type of housing designed for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. Unlike general housing options, SDA focuses on the physical design of the home itself. These properties are purpose-built to be accessible, safe, and adaptable, often including features such as wider doorways, reinforced walls for assistive equipment, ceiling hoists, and smart-home technology.

Importantly, SDA funding covers the cost of the building, not the daily care or support provided inside it. Because of this, SDA is only approved for a small percentage of NDIS participants who meet strict eligibility criteria.

What Are Regular NDIS Housing Supports?

Regular NDIS housing supports focus less on the building and more on support services that help participants live independently. These supports may be delivered in private rentals, family homes, or shared housing environments that are not purpose-built like SDA properties.

One of the most common examples is SIL Accommodation, where participants receive help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and medication management. In SIL, the home itself may be a standard property, but the key funding is for staff support, not specialised construction.

Key Differences Between SDA and Other NDIS Housing Options

The main difference between SDA and regular NDIS housing supports lies in what the funding is designed to pay for. SDA funding is about the physical environment—ensuring the home is built or modified to suit complex needs. Regular NDIS housing supports, on the other hand, are about how support is delivered within the home.

Another major distinction is eligibility. SDA is only available to participants whose disability-related needs cannot be met in standard housing, even with support. Supports like SIL Accommodation or Short Term Accommodation are far more flexible and accessible to a wider range of participants.

How SIL Accommodation Fits Alongside SDA

SDA and SIL Accommodation often work together but should not be confused. A participant may live in an SDA property and also receive SIL funding to support daily living. However, it is equally possible to receive SIL in a non-SDA home.

Think of SDA as the structure and SIL as the support system inside it. One can exist without the other, depending on individual needs and NDIS plan approvals.

The Role of Short Term Accommodation

Short Term Accommodation is another regular NDIS housing support that differs significantly from SDA. It is designed for temporary stays, often to provide respite, support transitions, or allow participants to try new living arrangements. Unlike SDA, Short Term Accommodation is not intended to be a long-term housing solution and does not involve specialised property design.

This option is especially helpful for participants who need flexibility or are exploring what type of living arrangement suits them best before committing to a permanent setup.

Choosing the Right Housing Support

The right choice depends on the participant’s level of physical support needs, independence goals, and long-term living plans. SDA is ideal for those who require highly specialised housing to live safely and comfortably. Regular NDIS housing supports, including SIL Accommodation and Short Term Accommodation, are better suited for participants who can live in standard housing with the right level of assistance.