Helpful NDIS Terms
NDIS stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme. It gives money (called funding) to people with disability so they can get the help they need.
NDIA stands for National Disability Insurance Agency. It runs the NDIS and helps people find services, activities, and information.
An NDIS Plan is a personal document that shows:
- What help you need (like speech therapy or a support worker)
- How NDIS money (funding) will be used
Your plan is made just for you and can change as your life changes—like when you finish school, start a job, or move out of home.
A Support Coordinator helps you:
- Understand your NDIS Plan and budgets
- Find the right services
- Use your plan well
- Build your skills and confidence
A Plan Manager helps you:
- Pay your service providers
- Make sure money is used from the right budget
You can choose:
- NDIA to manage your plan
- To manage it yourself
- A Plan Manager (paid for by NDIS)
Your plan may have up to three types of budgets:
| Budget Type | What It’s For |
| Core | Everyday help like personal care, cooking, cleaning. Most flexible. |
| Capital | Big items like wheelchairs, home changes, or special housing. |
| Capacity Building | Learning new skills to be more independent. Includes Supported Independent Living (SIL). |
NDIS can help you live independently:
- In your own home
- Or in a shared home with others You can talk about this in your planning meeting. Learn more at Home and Living | NDIS
Supported Independent Living
SIL helps you live safely at home with support. It includes help with:
- Showering, dressing, cooking
- Daily supervision, support or care
- Support at night if needed
SIL is for people who need help or support, all the time. It pays for support workers—not rent, bills, or groceries.
SDA is a special home for people with very high or complex needs. These homes may have:
- Wider doors
- No steps
- Hoists and accessible bathrooms
- Accessible appliances
SDA pays for the building—not everyday costs like rent or food. You may live alone or with others.
To apply, NDIS will talk to you and your Support Coordinator (if you have one) about:
- Housing options near you
- Help from family, friends, or community
- Your current and future needs
You’ll need a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from an Occupational Therapist to show what support you need.
If your situation changes (like moving out of home), you can ask NDIS to update your plan.
| SIL (Supported Independent Living) | SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) |
| Pays for support workers | Pays for the special home/building |
| Helps with daily tasks | For people with very high physical needs |
| Comes from Core budget | Comes from Capital budget |
Lifestyle Solutions helps you:
- Find a safe home that suits your needs
- Choose who you live with
- Learn new skills and be part of your community
- Make decisions and manage money
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Your NDIS Plan and NDIS Number
- SIL funding (under ‘Home and Living’) or Core funding for ‘Assistance with Daily Life’
- A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) from your Occupational Therapist
- Contact details for your nominee, guardian, or advocate (if you have one)
Ready to look for a home? Visit Supported Independent Living - Lifestyle Solutions and have a look through our homes across Australia.