FAQS and Resources for People with Disability

What is Nest?

Nest is an online tool for people with disability and providers of disability housing. Nest matches people with disability to homes that meet their needs, support requirements and lifestyle choices. Nest makes it easy for providers to shortlist eligible applicants and quickly fill vacant properties and rooms. With listings from disability housing providers, community and social housing providers, real estate agents and private landlords, Nest is the go-to website for people with disability looking for a home.

How will Nest benefit me as a person with disability?

Nest is designed to make it easier for you (a person with disability) to find a home in the disability housing market that suits your needs.

How will Nest find me somewhere to live?

Nest will help you find a new place to live by matching your needs and wants with suitable properties and rooms. It is simple to use, free and fully accessible. Once you've registered and filled out your profile, Nest will automatically send you matched properties.

I want to remain anonymous, can I still use Nest?

Yes. Without registering, you can undertake a general search (based on the location and type of accommodation you are looking for) without putting in any personal information. Nest will then give you general results that may be suited to your needs. This level lets you see properties that may be available in your preferred location, but you will not be able to see room details, save the search or apply without registering.

When I sign-up, what information will I need to provide?

When you are creating your personal profile, Nest will ask you for:

• The locations (suburb or town/city name) you would like to live in
• The type of accommodation that suits you best, such as a house, apartment, villa, or group home
• Other features that you want in a home, such as a garden, ramp access, private laundry, ceiling hoist
• The type/level of NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding you may have
• The type/level of NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding you may have - If you are eligible for social or affordable housing
• If you are receiving the Disability Service Pension or being supported in another way
• When you would like to move to your new home

I’m located outside of NSW and want to find a home, can I sign-up to Nest?

Yes! We have also launched in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. Disability housing providers in these areas are listing their properties on our site. There are also a number of providers in Queensland listing properties with us. If you live elsewhere, join our Facebook page to keep up-to-date on our news. In the near future, we plan to expand into other Australian states and territories.

I’m worried about the privacy of my personal information, is Nest safe?

We take the privacy and security of your information very seriously. We do not share your information with others unless you agree to us doing that. Read our Privacy Policy.

How do I delete my profile?

If you wish to delete your profile, please go to your profile settings, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select ‘delete my account’. This will permanently delete your account and all associated data from Nest.

I’m not sure I have all the information Nest is asking for – where can I find it?

A lot of the information Nest requires to complete your profile is linked to the type of accommodation you are looking for. If you have SDA funding, usually that information can be found as part of your NDIS paperwork/plan. If you are looking for affordable or social housing, you will need to provide information about your income. You don’t have to provide this information to Nest, but if you do, your search results and the email notifications about new listings will better reflect your requirements and preferences.

Your profile information is not shared with anyone (such as providers) until you apply for a room.

Why does Nest need all this information?

The Nest matching platform using a powerful algorithm to find disability housing to match your requirements, funding and preferences. We will not share this information with other parties unless you give us permission – such as by submitting an application. For more about how we look after your information, please see our Privacy Policy.

What sort of information about me does Nest provide to providers?

We only provide your personal information to providers if you have submitted an application for one of their rooms. Providers will get information including your name, where you want to live, your level of funding (if applicable), the contact details you have provided and the type of accommodation you are looking for.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of funding services and supports for people with disability. If you are aged under 65 and you have a disability you may be eligible for NDIS funding to support you. For more information, visit https://www.ndis.gov.au

What is SDA Housing?

Specialist Disability Acccomodation (SDA) is housing that's been designed or modified to suit the needs of people who have an 'extreme functional impairment' or 'very high support needs'.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) defines Specialist Disability Accommodation as accommodation for people who require specialist housing solutions that meet their extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. If you have SDA funding included in your NDIS plan, you can source the SDA you require and choose from the market. Your SDA funding will cover the home itself, not the support services you may need. For more information, visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/specialist-disability-accommodation.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is funding for assistance with, or supervision of tasks of daily life in a shared living environment to help you develop skills to live as independently as possible.

The level of funding you receive is dependent on your level of needs, as well as the number of people living in the shared setting.

There are three levels of SIL funding:

• Lower needs – provides assistance for, or supervision of, living arrangements and is not usually provided 24/7.
• Standard needs – provides 24/7 support including active assistance and/or supervision of mostdaily tasks, overnight sleepovers.
• Higher needs – provides highly frequent (at least 1 instance per shift) assistance for managing challenging behaviours that require intensive positive behaviour support, continual assistance with all daily tasks, management of complex medical needs such as ventilation, support 24/7 including overnight.

What is Affordable Housing?

According to NSW Family and Community Services (FACS), “affordable housing is housing that is appropriate for the needs of a range of very low to moderate income households and priced so that these households are also able to meet other basic living costs such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education.” Read more here: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/providers/housing/affordable/about

What is Social Housing?

According to FACS, “social housing is secure and affordable rental housing for people on low incomes with housing needs. It includes public, community and Aboriginal housing.” Read more here: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ways/social-housing

I’m not ready to move out yet, but I’m thinking about it – can Nest help me?

Yes - Nest is designed to help people who want to move out now or sometime in the future. When you create your profile, you can nominate a “move date” up to two years into the future. This is so you can look at disability housing options that are planned, being built or have a room coming up in the next few months.

Do I have to answer all the questions in the sign-up process?

No. However, some questions are mandatory and will have an “asterix” or * next to them. If you don’t answer these questions, you will get an error message and you will not be able to save your profile. Answering as many questions as you can (even the optional questions) will mean Nest can better match you with properties and rooms more suited to your needs and wants.

Some of the things I want in a home aren’t listed – can I add them?

Not at this stage. You can, however, discuss your preferences with the provider of the room when they contact you regarding your application.

I’ve changed my mind about some things I want, can I change/update my profile?

Yes. To make changes to your profile after you have set it up, login to Nest and click on “Your Profile”. Then click “Edit Profile” to make changes.

Can I list more than one state, suburb or region for where I want to live?

Yes you can! You can select more than one location when you search. If location isn't an important factor, choose a state (eg: NSW) as your location.

What is the difference between a “Property” and a “Room”?

A “Property” is the whole building, like a group home, house, villa or apartment.

A “Room” is a space in that building that may be available. In a group home or house that could be a bedroom, room or unit, depending on how they describe the space. Most properties will have a number of rooms. When you get matched results, you will see both properties and any rooms you may be able to apply for.

Will Nest remember my searches and let me know if something suitable comes up?

Nest does not save your searches. However, as property suppliers upload new properties, you will receive email alerts each time this happens. Also, you can “favourite” or save any rooms you like the look and so you can find them easily and check back on the availability. If you favourite property’s that are not currently vacant, you will also receive notifications as soon as these are changed from occupied to vacant.

Will I ever see rooms that are not available at the moment?

Yes. One feature of Nest is to show properties with no vacancies, as well as free rooms so you can see what is generally out there in the market. You can “favourite” any rooms even if they are not currently available. This makes it easy for you to check back and keep track of when you can submit an application.

How does the Nest matching work?

When you conduct a search, Nest will give you a range of possible disability housing options that suit your needs and wants for you to review.

If you are not logged in or haven’t signed up to Nest, this will be a general search and some of the information about the properties may not be displayed. There may also be properties that might not meet some of your specific needs. Until you provide us with more details about your needs we can’t make specific matches. If you sign-up and provide more information, then you'll be able to access all of the details about properties and rooms and get much better matches.

Nest will always try and match the most important needs first and rank your options based on your profile. If there is a property/room that meets lots of your needs but is not in the location you prefer, then it will still appear, but it might be further down the list. Try to review the whole list to see what is in there and make sure you don’t miss out on some options worth considering even though they are not high up in your search results list.

I’ve found a home I like, what should I do?

If you are very interested in a room and it’s available you should apply. When you apply your details are shared with the disability housing provider and they may then contact you. It is entirely your choice to submit an application. Your details will not be shared with anyone if you don't apply.

If you're not quite ready to move, you can add rooms or properties to “Your favourites”. You can also “favourite” properties/rooms which may not be accepting applications. Then you can check back and see if they become open for applications at a later date.

What do the room status categories mean (Open, Under Review, Occupied, Under Offer)?

Open – The provider is accepting applications.

Under Review – The provider has received the maximum number of applications and is reviewing those applications.

Occupied – This room has been accepted by an applicant and is no longer available.

Under offer – The provider has offered this property to an applicant.

Does submitting an application guarantee that I will get that room?

No. If you submit an application it does not mean the room is automatically yours or that you must accept the room if it is offered to you. By submitting an application, you are expressing an interest in the room and want to talk to someone about it in more detail.

Nest allows more than one person to apply for a room at any one time and it is the responsibility of the provider who listed the room to contact all applicants to discuss the room and property in more detail.

Can providers search for people that might match with their properties/rooms?

No. Providers cannot search for people with disability registered on Nest. The only time that providers get personal information about somebody is if you choose to submit an application about a room. When you apply, you are permitting us to share your profile information with the property provider.

Who will contact me about my application?

The provider who listed the room will contact you about your application. Providers must adhere to the Nest Provider Code of Conduct, which stipulates they must contact applicants.

Nest is a matching service. We help you find rooms that might meet your needs based on what you have told us. We don’t manage the rooms or make any decisions about whether a room is offered to you. That is up to you to work out with the provider.

If you need help finding a property and dealing with the provider, and if you are registered with the NDIS, we might be able to help you. You can contact us to request this service.

What will a provider ask me when they contact me about an application?

Every provider is different, but it is likely they will ask you about what you are looking for in a home, more details about your funding and supports, and your interests and hobbies. The provider will be trying to find out whether you'll be compatible with any people already in the property, and if they will be able to adequately support you. This is also the opportunity for you to ask any questions about the property/room and any other preferences you have.

Is Nest accessible?

Nest has been designed to meet the international benchmark for accessibility (WCAG 2.0 AA Level). It should be accessible to a variety of users, including people using screen readers, keyboard or other device inputs. If you are having issues accessing any part of Nest, please [mailto:info@gonest.com.au](contact us).

Can I see Nest on my mobile?

Yes. Nest is designed to work on desktops, laptops, tablets, mobiles (iPhones, Android and Windows).

What if I have any other questions?

You can contact Nest direct. It’s best to email: info@gonest.com.au or phone 1300 547 905.

Emergency Accommodation

If you are in need of urgent housing / accommodation please contact the appropriate service in your state:

ACT

OneLink on 1800 176 468 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

NSW

Link2Home on 1800 152 152 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NT

Shelter Me

QLD

Homelessness Hotline on 1800 474 753 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DVConnect on 1800 811 811 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SA

Homelessness Gateway (including families) on 1800 003 308 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Youth Gateway (aged 15 to 25 years) on 1300 306 046 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Domestic Violence and Aboriginal Family Violence Gateway on 1300 782 200 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

TAS

Housing Connect on 1800 800 588 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

VIC

Statewide After Hours Service on 1800 825 955 (free call) – available Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 9 am and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre for women and children on 1800 015 188 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

WA

Homeless Advisory Service on 1800 065 892 – available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008 - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.