NDIS Accommodation Options Explained: STA, MTA, ILO, SDA and SIL
Navigating NDIS accommodation options can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a sea of acronyms like STA, MTA, ILO, SDA and SIL. While all of these relate to housing or support at home, they serve very different purposes and are designed for different needs and situations.
This guide breaks down each option simply, explains how they differ, and helps you understand who each one is for, how funding works, and when it’s typically used. If you’re exploring your housing or support options, Infinite Ability supports NDIS participants and families to understand what’s available and how to navigate the system.
Meet Liam: Our Case Study
To make things clearer, let’s follow Liam. Liam is 27, lives with his parents, and has an intellectual disability and autism. He wants more independence but still needs daily support. His family and Support Coordinator are exploring different NDIS accommodation and support options over time.
Short Term Accommodation (STA)
What is STA? Short Term Accommodation is temporary support and accommodation for up to 28 days at a time. It’s often described as respite, but it can also be used to build skills or trial independence.
STA usually includes:
- A place to stay
- Personal care and support
- Meals
- Activities
Who is STA for? STA is suited to people who:
- Need a short break from their usual living situation
- Are transitioning between homes
- Want to trial living more independently
- Have carers who need respite
How funding works: STA is funded through Core Supports (Assistance with Daily Living). Funding covers both support and accommodation for the short stay.
When is STA used?
- Planned respite for families
- Emergency situations
- During transitions (such as hospital discharge or a housing change)
Liam’s Example: Liam uses STA for a two-week stay while his parents are away. He stays with other participants, practices daily living skills, and enjoys social activities, while his parents get a break knowing he’s safely supported.
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)
What is MTA? Medium Term Accommodation provides temporary housing for up to 90 days when someone can’t live in their usual home, but their long-term housing isn’t ready yet. MTA covers accommodation only, while supports are funded separately.
Who is MTA for? MTA suits people who:
- Are waiting for long-term housing (such as SDA or a private rental)
- Can’t stay where they currently live due to safety, accessibility, or a breakdown of supports
How funding works:
- Accommodation is funded separately under home and living supports
- Daily supports are still paid through Core Supports
When is MTA used?
- After hospitalisation
- While waiting for SDA approval or a vacancy
- During urgent housing transitions
Liam’s Example: After deciding to move out, Liam’s SDA home isn’t ready yet. He moves into MTA for two months while waiting, with his usual support workers coming in daily.
Independent Living Options (ILO)
What is ILO? Independent Living Options is not a specific type of house. Instead, it is a flexible support model designed around how a person wants to live.
ILO focuses on:
- Who you live with
- Where you live
- How you’re supported
It’s split into two stages: Exploration and design, followed by ongoing supports.
Who is ILO for? ILO is ideal for people who:
- Want flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all model
- Need some support but not 24/7
- Want to live alone, with friends, or with a host
How funding works: ILO funding covers the design and planning of the living arrangement alongside ongoing paid and unpaid supports. Accommodation itself is usually not funded by ILO.
When is ILO used?
- When someone wants control and choice over how they live
- As an alternative to SIL or SDA
- To avoid group-home environments
Liam’s Example: Instead of a shared home, Liam chooses ILO. He rents privately and has a mix of paid supports during the day, informal support from family nearby, and technology for overnight safety.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What is SDA? Specialist Disability Accommodation refers to the physical building, which is specifically designed for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. SDA does not include daily supports.
Who is SDA for? SDA is for a small group of NDIS participants who:
- Need specialised housing due to disability
- Require accessible or robust housing design
- Have SDA approved in their plan
How funding works:
- SDA is funded separately from supports
- Participants usually pay a reasonable rent contribution
- Supports (often SIL) are funded separately
When is SDA used?
- When standard housing can’t meet a person’s needs
- For long-term, stable living arrangements
Liam’s Example: Liam is not eligible for SDA, as his needs can be met in standard housing. If his needs were much higher, SDA might be explored instead.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
What is SIL? Supported Independent Living provides help with daily tasks in a shared living environment. It does not pay for rent or the building.
SIL includes support with:
- Personal care
- Meals
- Medication
- Daily routines
Who is SIL for? SIL suits people who:
- Need 24/7 or regular support
- Want to live with others
- Can’t live independently without ongoing help
How funding works: SIL is funded through Core Supports, and housing costs are kept separate. Shared support hours help reduce individual costs.
When is SIL used?
- For long-term shared living
- When significant daily support is required
Liam’s Example: Liam trials living in a shared home with SIL. He has staff on-site 24/7 and shares support with two other residents.
Choosing the Right Option
There’s no single right option. It depends entirely on your current living situation, support needs, long-term goals, and desire for safety, independence, and choice. Many participants, like Liam, use different options at different times as their needs change.
Understanding NDIS accommodation options is a big step toward independence and stability. Taking the time to understand what each option offers, and what it doesn’t, can prevent stress and confusion later. If you’re unsure where to start, working with experienced providers and coordinators can make the process clearer and more manageable.
If you or someone you care for is looking for STA, MTA, ILO, SDA or SIL, we would love to help you. Please reach out to Infinite Ability for more information, or feel free to share this post with anyone who may be interested.
If you want to know how recent policy shifts affect your shared housing choices, check out our recent update on the New Mandatory SIL Provider Registration.