The NDIS has truly revolutionized housing options for people with disabilities, offering them more choices, enhanced support, and greater independence.
It’s worth noting that only a small portion of NDIS participants will receive funding for accommodation, specifically referred to as specialist disability accommodation. For most individuals, the NDIS won’t cover rent or everyday expenses like phone bills, internet, or groceries.
What the NDIS consistently supports is empowering independent living.
Participants can now access life skills training, such as cooking and budgeting, and learn to use public transportation. They can also request home modifications or receive assistance from support workers for tasks like showering, shopping, or cooking, all of which boost their confidence to live more independently.
Many people with disabilities can now realize their dream of moving out of their family home or a group setting and into mainstream housing of their choice and in a preferred location.
Transitioning to such a move might take a few years, so discussing your long-term goals with your planner is important. This way, you can factor in where and how you’d like to live, with a clear goal of achieving increased independent living.
Help to find a suitable home
There are numerous housing options to consider. You can ask for ‘coordination of support in your plan, which funds a support coordinator to help you explore different housing choices.
Additionally, there’s a support category called ‘Assistance with Accommodation and Tenancy Obligations’ that can assist you in securing suitable housing. This might involve guidance for rental tenancies or meeting tenancy obligations. Be sure to include this in your plan.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Some Australians living with a disability require access to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) which is housing designed for those with very high support needs and/or extreme functional impairment. Only about 6% (28,000) of NDIS participants are estimated to be eligible for SDA, although the actual figure may be higher.
- Eligibility for SDA is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Those eligible for SDA funding will have their housing-related costs covered, above regular housing costs. However, tenants are expected to contribute a reasonable rent.
It’s important to mention that SDA funding doesn’t cover support costs, which are assessed and funded separately as Supported Independent Living (SIL) costs. This distinction has led to separate SDA and SIL providers.
Mainstream Housing Options
Mainstream housing options include all alternatives that aren’t classified as SDA. These options are available to all Australians and encompass:
Private Rentals or Shared Housing
This involves renting a house, apartment, or unit, potentially with housemates without disabilities. NDIS doesn’t cover rent, but your income or disability-related assistance can contribute.
Sharing accommodations can significantly reduce costs and facilitate shared support, such as overnight assistance or commuting help.
Private renting offers more choices in roommates and location, promoting proximity to work and community activities.
Public and Community Housing
Public housing is managed by state governments, with eligibility determined by income and assets. Community or social housing is owned by non-profit organizations. Your state government housing department can talk to you about what the eligibility requirements are, and how to apply for housing.
Staying in the Family Home or Independent Living
Many people with disabilities prefer staying with family or living independently. Although the NDIS doesn’t financially support staying at home, various NDIS options provide in-home support, community access, or respite care.
Home adaptations can also be funded if needed, such as ramps or bathroom modifications.
Supported Independent Living – Home Support
Supported independent living is funding for supervising tasks of daily life in a shared living environment, either temporary or ongoing. People with a disability who live in a private rental setting, own their own home, and live with others, or those who live in specialist disability accommodation may be eligible.
Funding is available for supervising daily tasks in shared living, whether temporarily or ongoing. Different levels of support are available based on needs.
While many receive SIL funding alone, some participants get both SDA and SIL funding. This results in separate SDA and SIL providers.
The NDIS indeed offers remarkable opportunities for more independent living. Planning ahead and incorporating your preferences can lead to achieving the outcomes you desire in your life.
Conclusion
By offering a diverse array of options, from Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to private rentals and community housing, the NDIS empowers individuals to choose housing solutions that align with their needs and aspirations. Through careful planning and collaboration with NDIS professionals, individuals can pave the way to a future where their housing arrangements truly reflect their preferences and enhance their quality of life.
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