NDIS Accommodation Explained
The simplest way to understand SDA, SIL, STA and MTA
Here’s the quick summary most people need:
Want official definitions? See NDIS resources at NDIS (Participants) and NDIS (Providers).
- SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) = the home (housing)
- SIL (Supported Independent Living) = the supports (daily living help)
- STA (Short Term Accommodation) = a short stay (often respite)
- MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) = temporary housing while waiting for longer-term housing
Quick reference
SDA vs SIL vs STA vs MTA: comparison
| Type | Full form | What it’s for | Think of it as |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDA | Specialist Disability Accommodation | Specialist housing for eligible participants | The home/building |
| SIL | Supported Independent Living | Ongoing rostered supports to live day-to-day | The support team |
| STA | Short Term Accommodation | Short stays away from home (often respite) | A short break |
| MTA | Medium Term Accommodation | Temporary housing while long-term housing is arranged | A bridge option |
Costs & boundaries
What the NDIS usually pays for (and what you still pay for)
A lot of confusion comes from mixing up housing (the place you live) with supports (the help you receive). A simple rule of thumb is: the NDIS generally funds disability-related supports, not everyday living costs like rent and groceries (except in specific housing supports like SDA and MTA).
| Support | NDIS funding is typically for… | You still usually pay for… |
|---|---|---|
| SDA | The specialist home (the dwelling) — design features that make the home safer and more accessible. | A rent contribution and day-to-day living costs (e.g., bills, groceries). |
| SIL | Paid support hours (rostered help/supervision) to live day-to-day at home. | Rent/mortgage, groceries, utilities, and other everyday personal living costs. |
| STA |
Short Term Respite (NDIS term — many people still say “STA”).
It’s a short break from usual care arrangements and may include:
support with everyday activities plus standard accommodation
(and standard accommodation for a support worker if overnight support is needed).
Typical limits: most eligible participants receive funding for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days at a time. |
It can’t be used for non-NDIS items such as holiday accommodation, tickets/entry fees to entertainment events, or accommodation to attend an event. Personal spending outside agreed inclusions (extra shopping, personal items) is also usually extra. |
| MTA | Temporary accommodation while longer-term housing is being arranged (a “bridge” option). | Day-to-day living costs (food, everyday bills) and any ongoing supports that are funded elsewhere in the plan. |
Important notes to avoid bill shock
- SDA: SDA is about the home (the building) — it does not replace your everyday living costs. Ask the provider what your rent contribution covers and what bills you pay separately.
- SIL: SIL is paid supports — not rent, groceries, or utilities. If a provider bundles costs, make sure it’s clearly separated in your agreement.
- Short Term Respite (STA): The NDIS now calls “STA” Short term respite. It may include support with everyday activities plus standard accommodation (and support-worker accommodation if overnight support is needed). It can’t be used for holiday accommodation or tickets/entry fees. Always confirm what’s included in your provider’s arrangement and what costs are extra.
- MTA: MTA is intended as a temporary bridge while a longer-term solution is being finalised. It usually doesn’t include day-to-day living costs like food.
Tip: If you’re unsure which bucket a cost sits in, ask: “Is this a disability-related support, or an everyday living expense?” Your support coordinator or plan manager can help you interpret your plan and service agreements.
General information only — NDIS decisions are case-by-case and depend on “reasonable and necessary” evidence and your plan goals.
How it works
How SDA, SIL, STA and MTA can work together in an NDIS plan
These supports are often used together, because they solve different problems — the home (SDA), the daily supports (SIL), and short/temporary accommodation needs (STA/MTA). What’s approved depends on the participant’s goals and circumstances.
Common combo: SDA + SIL
SDA helps fund a specialist home, while SIL funds the support workers who assist day-to-day (routines, personal care, meal prep, household tasks, and overnight support if required).
Yes: SIL without SDA
Many people receive SIL supports in non-SDA housing (for example, a private rental, family home, or shared housing), depending on what’s reasonable and necessary in their plan.
STA as respite / a supported short break
STA is commonly used for a short supported stay away from home (often respite). It can give families/carers a break, help maintain routine, or support a short transition period.
MTA as a bridge (temporary housing)
MTA is typically used when someone can’t stay where they are and needs a temporary place to live while longer-term housing is being arranged (e.g., awaiting SDA vacancy, home modifications, or a discharge plan).
If you’re unsure which option fits your situation in Victoria, our team can help you understand what each support means and how they may apply to your goals.
SUPPORTING YOUR CHOICE OF SAFE AND PURPOSE-BUILT HOMES
What is SDA in NDIS? (SDA Meaning)
SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) is NDIS funding for the home itself — meaning the physical building and design features that support someone with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment.
Think of SDA as: “the right house”. It’s not the daily support hours — it’s the specialist design (for example, accessibility features, safety considerations, and layouts that make living easier).
SDA covers
Specialist housing features and suitability of the property.
SDA does not cover
Daily rostered support hours (that’s usually SIL or other supports).
- Goal: match the participant to a home that meets their needs safely and comfortably.
- Often paired with: SIL (supports), ILO, or other support arrangements.
- Helpful question: “Do I need a specialist home environment?”
SUPPORT TO LIVE MORE INDEPENDENTLY DAY-TO-DAY
What is SIL in NDIS? (SIL Meaning)
SIL (Supported Independent Living) is funding for the supports a person receives to live as independently as possible. SIL is about the help delivered in the home — not the building itself.
Think of SIL as: “the support team”. This can include help with routines, personal care, cooking, household tasks, and support delivered across the day (including overnight if required).
Examples of SIL supports may include:
- Personal care and daily routines
- Meal preparation and household help
- Support with planning and life skills
- Community access support (where relevant)
- Key difference: SDA = home, SIL = supports.
- Can SIL happen without SDA? Yes, depending on plan and circumstances.
- Helpful question: “Do I need ongoing daily living supports?”
Related service: Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SHORT BREAKS FROM USUAL CARE ARRANGEMENTS
What is STA in NDIS? (Short Term Respite meaning)
The NDIS now calls “STA” Short term respite. It gives you time apart from your usual care arrangements, and gives your primary informal supports (family/carers) a short break.
Short term respite focuses on the support being provided (not fancy accommodation). It may include support with everyday activities plus standard accommodation, and standard accommodation for a support worker if overnight support is needed.
Typical limits
Most eligible participants receive funding for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days at a time.
Not covered
Not for holiday accommodation, tickets/entry fees, or accommodation to attend events.
- STA vs MTA: STA/short term respite is a short break; MTA is temporary housing while long-term options are arranged.
- Plan wording tip: If your plan says “short term accommodation”, it means the same as short term respite.
- Helpful question: “Do we need a short break from usual care arrangements (with supports)?”
Related service: Accommodation & Assistance (STA – Respite & MTA)
TEMPORARY HOUSING WHILE LONGER-TERM OPTIONS ARE ARRANGED
What is MTA in NDIS? (MTA Meaning)
MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) is typically used as temporary housing when a person can’t stay where they are and longer-term housing isn’t ready yet.
Think of MTA as: “a safe bridge” — it supports someone to live somewhere appropriate while permanent options are organised.
Common scenarios for MTA:
- Waiting for home modifications to be completed
- Transitioning from hospital or another setting
- Waiting for longer-term housing to become available
- MTA vs STA: MTA is a bridge (temporary housing need), STA is a short supported stay (often respite).
- Helpful question: “Do I need a temporary place to live while housing is arranged?”
Related service: STA & MTA
FAQ
Common questions about SDA vs SIL (NDIS)
What is the difference between SDA and SIL?
SDA is funding for the home (housing). SIL is funding for the supports (staff/help) delivered to live day-to-day.
Can you have SIL without SDA?
Yes. Many participants receive SIL supports in non-SDA housing, depending on their plan and circumstances.
What is STA in NDIS?
The NDIS now calls “STA” short term respite. It’s a short break from usual care arrangements and may include support with everyday activities plus standard accommodation (and accommodation for a support worker if overnight support is needed). Most eligible participants receive funding for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days at a time.
What is MTA in NDIS?
MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) is temporary housing while longer-term housing is being arranged or modified.
Practical guidance
Who each option may suit (NDIS)
SDA
Best when the primary need is specialist housing (the right home environment).
SIL
Best when the primary need is daily living support (staff assistance and routines).
STA
Best for short stays—often respite, planned breaks, or short-term support changes.
MTA
Best as a temporary housing bridge while long-term housing is arranged or modified.
Downloadable resource
Download the PDF: SDA, SIL, STA & MTA (NDIS)
Prefer a printable or shareable version? Download our plain-English PDF guide explaining the difference between SDA, SIL, STA and MTA under the NDIS.
- Ideal for participants, families & carers
- Useful for support coordinators, plan managers & allied health professionals
- Clear definitions, comparisons & examples
You may share or reference this guide with attribution to Good Care.
File type: PDF • Free to download • Shareable with attribution
