NDIS Housing and Living Supports – Your Complete Guide
We reveal how the NDIS can support you to thrive in your home environment.
Are you keen to unleash your independence?
Good news – the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can support your home and living goals.
Before you start packing your things, there are some crucial details you need to be aware of.
In this article, we explore the ins and outs of NDIS housing and living supports – also known as home and living supports – as you prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter.
What Does the NDIS Pays For?
Let’s deal with this vital detail right away…
It is important to know that only a small percentage of NDIS participants receive funding for their actual accommodation,namely Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
On top of that, in most cases, the NDIS does not fund rent or other day-to-day expenses like groceries, electricity or the internet.
So, what doesthe NDIS pay for?
The scheme funds ‘reasonable and necessary’ home and living supports that enable you to live as independently as possible.
These are supports that help to improve your living skills, money management or social and communication skills.
Other supports include home modifications, assistive technology and access to support workers to help you with daily living tasks or personal care.
Does the NDIS Own Houses?
No, the NDIS does not own or operate any housing. It simply funds housing-related supports that enable you to live a more independent lifestyle.
How Do I Get Started?
To begin your search for the ideal home, you can request ‘Coordination of Supports’ in your NDIS plan.
This funds a Support Coordinator to help you consider the various housing options available to you.
There is also a support item known as ‘Assistance with Accommodation and Tenancy Obligations’ that can help you to find and maintain appropriate accommodation.
This can include assistance to apply for a rental tenancy or to undertake tenancy obligations. You will need to ask for this support in your plan.
It helps to have a clear idea about your preferred living arrangements before you attend your NDIS planning meeting, so you can build this into your goals to get the outcome you want.
Disability Housing – Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Some people with disability require access to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
SDA is dedicated housing designed for those with very high support needs and/or extreme functional impairment and is aimed at enabling participants to increase their independence.
As mentioned, only a select number of NDIS participants are eligible for SDA funding. Eligibility is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Eligible participants requiring access to SDA will have funding included in their plan to cover any disability-related housing costs that are above the ordinary costs of housing. Tenants will still be required to pay a ‘reasonable rent contribution’.
SDA funding does not cover support costs, which are assessed and funded separately by the NDIS. These support costs fall into another funding category: Supported Independent Living (SIL). More about SIL below.
Usually, SDA is shared accommodation, either in a unit or a house that is designed with safety, security and comfort in mind and is close to key amenities.
Mainstream Housing Options
One potential gateway to independent living is through mainstream housing. This is housing that is not SDA, and it is available to people with or without disability.
Let’s explore mainstream housing options in more detail.
House Sharing
This involves renting a house, unit or apartment from a landlord and may include living with others who do not have a disability, living with friends or house sharing in some other capacity.
As we have mentioned, the NDIS will not fund your rent, as it does not pay for costs that people who do not have a disability incur in their daily lives.
You can use any income you have to pay for rent and/or your Disability Support Pension and Commonwealth Rent Assistance if you are entitled to these benefits.
The key advantage of house sharing is that it can significantly reduce the amount of rent you personally pay.
Another bonus with house sharing is that you may be able to share supports, which also helps to reduce costs. For example, a support worker who stays overnight to enhance independent living or helps housemates with dinner.
Private Rentals
Renting privately can give you greater flexibility about who you live with and where you live.
For example, you could choose to live close to work or public transport or community facilities that host activities you participate in.
Some private rentals may not be as accessible as you require, so it is important to consider what you need for comfortable and secure living.
Home modifications in private rentals – such as installing handrails or ramps – may be funded under the NDIS. But first they will need to be approved by your landlord, and you will need to request them in your plan.
Public Housing and Community Housing
Public housing is delivered via state governments, and there are usually long waiting lists.
Not everyone is eligible for public housing. It depends on your income and assets.
Your state government housing department can talk to you about what the eligibility requirements are and how to apply for housing.
Community housing is similar to public housing but is usually managed by a not-for-profit organisation that owns the property. Community housing is sometimes called social housing.
Living in the Family Home
Many people with disability prefer to stay in their family home.
While NDIS funding is not available for this option – in other words, paying ‘board’ to your parents – various supports are available that help to elevate your independence and build your skills.
Among these supports are Individualised Living Options (ILO), in-home support and social and community participation. These supports are also accessible if you live in your ownhome.
Additionally, home modifications required in the family home or your own home may be funded by the NDIS.
Supported Independent Living
As the name suggests, Supported Independent Living (SIL) is funding that supports you to live as independently as possible.
SIL is typically for participants who require 24/7 support with daily tasks in a shared living environment. It exists to cover the cost of the support staff in the home, to help with these tasks.
This funding can also be used to access social and community activities.
Even better, SIL focuses on individual goals, so you can tailor the funding to suit your needs.
People with disability who live in a private rental setting, own their own home, live with others or who live in an SDA home may be eligible for SIL funding.
Funding varies and is dependent upon the level of support required and the number of people living in the shared setting.
Clearly, there is a lot to consider before you transition to a new home setup. But with adequate planning, you are on the right track to a more independent lifestyle.
Your Path to Independence Starts Here
Are you ready to live life your way?
Then, it is time to partner with Endeavour Foundation.
We deliver outstanding home and living supports that put you first. Always.
Your home. Your life. Your way.
Wherever you are up to in your journey – from navigating NDIS funding to moving into your dream home – we have the expertise to help. Get in touch with us now.