Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful NDIS Terms
NDIA
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) runs the NDIS. It helps people with disability by:
- Giving information and advice
- Connecting them to services and activities
- Creating personal plans
- Providing money for support when needed
NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s system to support people with disability. It gives money to eligible people through a personal plan.
NDIS Plan
Your NDIS Plan is a document that explains:
- What support you need
- What goals you have
- How NDIS money will help you reach those goals
Your plan is made with you and can change over time—for example, when you leave school, start work, or move out of home.
Support Coordinator
A Support Coordinator helps you:
- Understand your NDIS Plan
- Use your funding wisely
- Connect with service providers
- Build your confidence and skills
Plan Manager
A Plan Manager helps you pay for services using your NDIS money. You can choose:
- NDIA to manage your plan
- To manage it yourself
- A Plan Manager (paid for by NDIS)
Budgets in Your Plan
Your NDIS Plan may include one, two, or all three types of budgets:
Budget Type | What It’s For |
Core | Everyday needs and working towards your goals. Most flexible. |
Capital | Big items like wheelchairs, home changes, or special housing. |
Capacity Building | Learning new skills to become more independent. Includes Supported Independent Living. |
Home and Living
This is a budget or funding in an NDIS Plan that can help you live more independently. You can talk about your housing needs during your planning meeting.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL helps you live safely at home with support. It includes help with:
- Showering, dressing, cooking
- Daily supervision or care
- Support at night if needed
- SIL pays for support workers—not for rent, food, or bills.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA is the actual building or home for people with very high physical needs. These homes may have:
- Adjustable benches
- Wider doors
- No steps
- Lifts or hoists
- Accessible bathrooms
You may live with others or alone. SDA pays for the home, but you still pay rent and everyday living costs.
How Do I Apply for SIL or SDA?
To apply, NDIS will talk to you and your Support Coordinator about:
- Housing options
- Help from family or community
- Your current and future needs
You’ll need a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from an Occupational Therapist to show what level of living support you need.
If your situation changes, you can ask NDIS to update your plan.
SIL vs SDA – What’s the Difference?
- SIL pays for support workers to help you live at home – e.g. help with tasks.
- SDA pays for the special purpose-built home – the building – you live in.
If you get SDA funding, you usually also get SIL funding to help with daily tasks.
How does Possability help?
We connect people to compatible homes and housemates based on accessibility and support needs, and lifestyle preferences.
We take the time to get to know you, what you need and what you like.
We can support you to:
- choose and move into a safe and secure home
- take care of yourself e.g. daily living and personal care skills
- be a part of your community
- learn new things
- make decisions and plan your week
- use and budget money
- see and talk to your family and friends
Ready to make an enquiry?
Here’s a handy checklist of information you’ll need to get started. Have these things ready:
- Your NDIS Plan and NDIS Number
- Check your NDIS plan includes Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding – called ‘Home and Living’
- OR Core funding for ‘Assistance with Daily Life’
- A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from your Occupational Therapist (OT)
- If you have a nominee, guardian or public advocate, please make sure you have their information handy when you make an enquiry
- Visit our vacancies page Disability Housings Archive – Possability and see which home or homes might suit you. Click on the home you like, fill in the form and our team will be in touch.