What Are Your Disability Housing Options in South Australia?
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions for anyone.
For people living with disability, the options can feel confusing, especially when terms like NDIS, SDA and SIL are involved.
The good news is that there are a number of housing pathways available in South Australia. Understanding these options is the first step toward finding a home that suits your needs, preferences and lifestyle.
At Access 2 Place, we specialise in community housing for people living with disability, as well as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
The purpose of this article is to provide a broader overview of the different housing pathways available, helping you better understand your options and how they may apply to your individual situation.
Living in Your Own Home (Private Rental or Ownership)
Some people choose to live independently in:
- A private rental property
- A home they own
In this situation, you may still receive NDIS supports to help with daily living, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.
This option can offer:
- Greater independence
- Flexibility in location
- Choice over who you live with
However, it can also present challenges, particularly if the home is not designed to meet accessibility needs.
Community Housing
Community housing providers, like Access 2 Place, offer affordable rental housing for people who may not be able to access the private rental market.
These homes are typically:
- More affordable than private rentals
- Managed by not-for-profit organisations
- Focused on long-term, stable tenancies
- Designed with accessibility in mind
- Available in both shared and individual living arrangements
For many people, community housing provides a balance between affordability and independence.
Financial Assistance with Rent
While the NDIS does not fund everyday housing costs such as rent, some people may be eligible for financial assistance through the Australian Government.
For example:
- Individuals receiving the Disability Support Pension (DSP) may also be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)
- CRA provides a contribution toward rent, depending on your circumstances and the amount of rent you pay
In community housing, rent is typically more affordable than private rentals and may be linked to income, depending on the provider and tenancy arrangements.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA is a type of housing funded through the NDIS for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
SDA funding may be included in an NDIS plan to contribute to the cost of the physical dwelling (the “bricks and mortar”), with the aim of increasing the supply of high-quality, accessible housing for people with disability. This funding is typically paid directly to the SDA housing provider.
SDA homes are:
- Designed to improve accessibility and safety
- Built to different design categories (e.g. Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust & High Physical Support)
It’s important to know:
SDA funding is for the home itself, not the support services provided within it.
Not everyone is eligible for SDA, but for those who are, it can be life-changing.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL refers to the support services you receive in your home, not the housing itself.
This can include help with:
- Daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, personal care)
- Building independence
- Managing routines
SIL is provided across a range of living arrangements.
Medium-Term and Short-Term Accommodation (Not available through A2P)
If you’re waiting for long-term housing or transitioning between living arrangements, the NDIS may fund:
- Short-Term Accommodation (STA): temporary stays, including respite
- Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA): housing while waiting for a permanent home
These options are designed to provide stability during periods of change.
Housing for People with Complex or High Support Needs
Some individuals require housing that is specifically designed to support complex needs, including physical disability or mental health conditions.
These homes often involve:
- Careful design to support safety and accessibility
- Coordination between housing and support providers
- A more tailored, individual approach
At Access 2 Place, this is a key area of focus. Working with tenants and their support networks to create housing solutions that genuinely meet their needs.
How Do You Choose the Right Option?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The right housing pathway depends on your individual circumstances and eligibility, including:
- Your support needs
- Your NDIS plan
- Your preferences and goals
- Whether you want to live alone or with others
For many people, the process starts with simply understanding what’s available — and then exploring what might be possible.
Where to Start
If you’re exploring your options, a good first step is to:
- Speak with your Support Coordinator
- Review your NDIS plan
- Reach out to housing providers to understand what’s available
If you’d like to learn more about current housing opportunities or discuss your situation, you can get in touch with the Access 2 Place team.
Looking for Disability Housing in South Australia?
If you’d like to learn more about available housing options or discuss your situation with our team, contact Access 2 Place or view our current housing opportunities.