How Do You Qualify for Disability Housing Under the NDIS?
Disability home and living support allows for people with disability to live in a supported environment which is tailored to their unique needs.
Navigating the application process for disability home and living support can be confusing for many, resulting in uncertainty about eligibility and how to access the services they need. This article aims to assist with demystifying the eligibility requirements for disability housing under the NDIS, so you can feel better equipped to commence the application process.
The benefits of NDIS disability accommodation
The NDIS plays a crucial role in supporting Australians with disability by providing funding for home and living goals that help them lead more independent lives.
Among these supports is disability housing, which is designed to meet the specific needs of individuals depending on their disability and personal goals and preferences.
NDIS home and living support offers numerous benefits designed to enhance the quality of life and independence of people with disability. Here are some key beneficial factors:
- Tailored living spaces: NDIS housing can be specially designed or modified to meet the unique needs of people with disability. This may include wheelchair-accessible features, customised bathroom fixtures, widened door frames and walkways, and emergency alert systems, all of which facilitate safer and more comfortable living environments.
- Increased independence: By providing a living space that accommodates specific physical needs, participants are empowered to manage daily tasks more independently. This fosters a greater sense of autonomy and control over their own lives.
- Community integration: NDIS housing can facilitate integrating residents into their local communities. This approach helps people with disability to participate in local activities, access community services, and interact with neighbours, creating greater social connections
- Support when needed: While promoting independence, NDIS housing also provides access to support when it’s needed. This can include in-home care services such as personal care, domestic assistance, and allied health services, which are all tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
- Quality of life: By addressing the specific needs of people with disability, NDIS housing can significantly improve the overall quality of life. Comfortable, accessible housing aids can help reduce daily frustrations and barriers, supporting improved mental and physical health.
- Stability and security: NDIS housing offers long-term solutions to provide stability and security for participants, providing peace of mind about their living situation and future, and reassurance to family members and carers.
- Flexibility: Housing options under the NDIS are diverse, ranging from shared accommodation to independent living, allowing participants to choose housing that best suits their preferences and lifestyle.
- Personalised funding: The NDIS provides funding that can be tailored to each individual’s home and living goals. This means that participants can use their funding to secure a housing solution that caters to their requirements.
What is the eligibility criteria for NDIS supported home and living?
To qualify for funding under the NDIS, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include having a permanent disability that affects their ability to perform daily activities without support.
Additionally, the individual must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, younger than 65 at the time of application, and meet residency requirements.
(For more information on eligibility criteria, please visit the NDIS Eligibility Checklist: https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible)
When you request home and living supports, the NDIS will explore all available options with you, including those from government agencies, community services, and informal support from family or friends, ensuring your current and future needs are considered.
If mainstream, community, or informal supports can’t meet your needs, the NDIS may fund reasonable and necessary home and living supports, such as assistance for independent living, skill development in household management, communication, and behavioural support.
For more information about requesting home and living supports, visit the NDISwebsite here: Requesting home and living supports | NDIS
What documentation is required?
Applicants must provide documents that support their meeting of the NDIS disability requirements, such as diagnostic reports and assessments from healthcare professionals. These documents should outline the nature of the disability, the level of functional impairment, and the type of support needed.
Types of housing supports under the NDIS
The NDIS categorises disability housing into several types, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), and Individualised Living Options (ILO). Understanding these categories can help applicants determine which is most appropriate for their needs.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA housing is designed for people who require a specialised home and higher levels of person-to-person support due to extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. These homes are built to accommodate physical needs and include features like wheelchair accessibility and emergency call bell systems.
When assessing your eligibility for Specialist Disability Accommodation the NDIS will ask you the following questions:
- Do you have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs?
- Do you have a specialist disability accommodation needs requirement?
- Does specialist disability accommodation meet the NDIS funding criteria for you?
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
SIL accommodation involves funding for supports that help people with disability to live as independently as possible. This can include assistance with daily tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, and medication management. SIL is designed for individuals with higher support needs who require continuous assistance at home. It offers flexibility, focusing on developing skills for greater independence.
To read more: SDA vs SIL
While the NDIS provides funding to support participants in achieving their home and living goals, participants may be responsible for everyday living costs which include rent, groceries and utilities.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
The ILO housing model offers an alternative, more independent living arrangement with informal support that focuses on individual needs and preferences. This model provides participants with the option of living alone, or with someone such as a partner, friend, family member, or host family.
Drop-In Support
A Drop-in Support service can also be offered, whereby participants can receive flexible support that promotes a greater degree of independence. This model is suitable for participants who do not require 24/7 staff support in their homes but would like to have the assurance of staff nearby being available to access flexibly when needed. The Drop-In Support model is uniquely offered by St Jude’s as a flexible service that can be delivered quickly across a variety of accommodation options.
Applying for housing support through the NDIS
The application process for NDIS home and living support can be summarised in a few key steps:
- Plan meeting: The first step is to have a planning meeting with an NDIS representative. During this meeting, you discuss your needs and goals. It’s essential to express clearly the necessity for specific housing solutions based on your disability.
- Provide documentation: As part of your application, submit all required medical and supporting documentation that verifies your disability and outlines your daily challenges and needs.
- Assessment: Your application and documentation will be reviewed by the NDIS to determine the appropriate type of housing support. This assessment will consider the nature of your disability and the level of support you require.
- Approval and placement: Once approved, you will receive support in finding and moving into suitable accommodation. This process can vary in duration depending on the availability of appropriate housing options that meet your needs and preferences.
For more information
For more information, visit the NDIS website, which provides comprehensive details on all aspects of disability support, including housing. St Jude’s also provides guidance and through our Support Coordination services, assisting participants to understand and navigate the process for accessing NDIS home and living support.
High-quality disability housing at St Jude’s
At St Jude’s, we offer a range of disability housing options for NDIS funded participants, designed to cater for people with various needs, goals and preferences. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their living environment facilitates greater wellbeing and independence.
Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about our disability accommodation options and what you may be eligible for. At St Jude’s, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way on your journey to finding a home that is not only suitable but truly empowering.
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