How the NDIS is changing the game for housing in the disability sector

For the first time, many people with disability see moving out into their own home as a realistic goal. If you are a person with disability looking to live in your own home, the NDIS should make it simpler for you to get the right support you need to live independently in the home you choose.

This is great news for people with disability, and for families who want to prepare their loved ones to live independently for when they are not around.

However, like many aspects of the NDIS, understanding the housing options for people with disability is complicated. In this article, we shed some light on funding arrangements and the options available for a person with disability. Remember, however, everyone’s situation is different and we recommend you speak with your support coordinator or NDIS specialist about your personal circumstances.

**How will funding for housing change under the NDIS? **

It’s important to recognise that for most people the NDIS will not directly fund the cost of accommodation. What it will do is provide you with greater access to the support services you need to live independently in a wider variety of housing settings.

Under the NDIS you will have more control over the services you use, and you will no longer be expected to simply rely on the day-to-day support offered by your housing provider. You will be able to choose between a range of services to help you with everything from personal care and domestic help to support with life skills such as cooking, budgeting and learning to catch public transport.

What are my housing options as a person with disability?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA is available to people who have complex needs and require a high level of support. Decisions on who is eligible for SDA are made by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

SDA covers the cost of adapting a property to the specific needs of residents, not the cost of accommodation itself. It’s designed to make sure no one pays more for their home because of their disability.

Support services for people living in SDA are assessed and funded separately under the NDIS.

If you have SDA funding and are looking for a home, register with Nest and create a profile. Nest’s matching engine will find you properties that meet your funding and support needs, as well as personal preferences.

Private rental

You can use any combination of your personal income, Disability Support Pension and Commonwealth Rent Assistance to live in a private rental property of your choice. While the NDIS will not pay your rent, it may fund modifications to the property to meet your needs and lifestyle.

If you’re considering this kind of accommodation, it’s a good idea to think about how your support needs are likely to change in the future. This will help you choose a home that will be suitable for you in the longer term, and assess what funding you might need to continue living there if your situation changes.

It’s also worth mentioning that many people with disability living in private rental properties choose to share with others with similar needs. This helps reduce the rent and the cost of support services you need to live independently.

Community Housing

Accessible, subsidised housing is available for people with disability. As with private rental properties, the NDIS will provide funding for the support services you need to live independently in this type of housing.

Supported Independent Living

The NDIS provides funding for supervising tasks for daily life in a shared living environment. This can include everything from cooking and cleaning to the management of complex behaviours and medical conditions. You may be eligible for this funding is you are living in SDA, private rental accommodation or your own home.

The family home

Many people with disability choose to live at home where they are close to loved ones. The NDIS recognises and respects the role of family carers, and provides funding for in-home support, community access, life-skills training and respite care.

How will the NDIS shape the future of housing for people with disability?

The next generation of NDIS housing will not look any different to other homes in the community. There will be a move away from larger ‘facilities’ to smaller, three to five bedroom houses. More people with disability will choose to live in duplex and townhouse style housing settings where they can live more independently, and be closer to amenities.