How to Get Accommodation with NDIS?
If you’re an NDIS participant in Australia searching for the right place to live, working out where to start can feel overwhelming.
This article breaks down the main NDIS-funded accommodation options available, how each one works, and what to consider when applying — so you can move forward with more confidence and less confusion about your housing options.
How Do You Get Accommodation with NDIS?
Getting NDIS-funded accommodation starts with understanding which support category matches your situation, then having that support included in your NDIS plan.
The main options are
Each serves a different purpose — STA covers short respite stays of up to 14 days, MTA bridges a transitional period of up to 90 days (such as after a hospital stay or while waiting on a long-term home), SIL provides ongoing daily living support in a shared home, and SDA is for participants with high physical support needs who require specialist-built housing.
To access any of these, you’ll usually need your needs assessed, the relevant funding written into your plan by the NDIA or your planner, and then a registered provider to help match you with a suitable property and support arrangement. Working with an experienced local provider makes this process considerably smoother.
Related Questions
What’s the difference between STA and MTA?
STA (Short Term Accommodation) is funded for stays of up to 14 days and is typically used for respite when your usual carer is unavailable or you need a short break. MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) is funded for up to 90 days and is designed for longer transitional periods, such as when you’re between homes, recovering after hospital, or waiting for home modifications or an SDA placement to be finalised.
Do I need SDA-specific funding to access Supported Disability Accommodation?
Yes. SDA funding is only available to a smaller group of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, and it must be assessed and approved as part of your plan. It’s separate from SIL funding, which covers the day-to-day support you receive rather than the physical dwelling itself.
How long does it take to arrange NDIS accommodation?
This varies depending on the type of accommodation and property availability in your area. STA and MTA placements can often be arranged relatively quickly if funding is already in your plan, while SIL and SDA housing matches can take longer, since they involve finding a suitable property and, often, compatible housemates.
Can I choose where I live under NDIS accommodation supports?
Yes. Choice and control are core principles of the NDIS. You have the right to be involved in decisions about your accommodation, including location, housemates (for SIL), and the type of support provided, though availability in your preferred area will always be a practical factor.
Services It Relates To
These accommodation supports fall directly under Seachange Home Care, a registered NDIS provider supporting participants across South East Melbourne, including Narre Warren, Pakenham, Cranbourne, and Dandenong.
Seachange Home Care offers
Short Term Accommodation (STA/respite), Medium Term Accommodation (MTA),Supported Independent Living (SIL), and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), with a particular focus on supporting people living with psychosocial disability.
How Does Seachange Home Care Help?
Seachange Home Care takes a person-centred approach to accommodation support, taking the time to understand your individual circumstances, goals, and support needs before matching you with the right living arrangement.
Whether you need a short respite stay, a stable transitional home while you wait for your long-term housing to be sorted, ongoing daily support in a shared living environment, or specialist-built housing, Seachange’s local team can guide you through each step, from understanding your funding to settling into a home that supports your independence and wellbeing.
Get in Touch
If you’re exploring NDIS accommodation options and aren’t sure where to start, reach out to the Seachange Home Care team today. Their local South East Melbourne specialists can talk through your circumstances, explain your funding options, and help you find accommodation that genuinely fits your needs, contact Seachange Home Care now to take the next step.