Housing Assistance for NDIS Participants

Housing is a basic need for every human. Living in private accommodation not only provides satisfaction but also offers safety, security, privacy, and independence. The pain of homelessness can only be understood by those who lack a place to live.

Having a comfortable and secure home and being part of the community are rights that everyone, including those with disabilities, deserves. However, disabled individuals often face numerous housing challenges, especially in renting homes.

People with disabilities frequently encounter discrimination while seeking suitable accommodation. Despite various laws prohibiting housing discrimination against people with disabilities, they still face numerous challenges during the process. The NDIA is working toward breaking down barriers and enabling people with disabilities to choose where and with whom they want to live.

A well-designed house in the right location can allow for more independent living arrangements, increased community connection, and access to informal supports.

Housing and living arrangements can influence our quality of life and can be influenced by:

1. How close we want to live to friends and family
2. Where our children can go to school
3. Whether we can find work or transport options nearby
4. The type of community we want to live in
5. Whether we can access public spaces, activities, and services

There are different factors that decide the appropriateness of accommodation for people with disabilities. These include, but are not limited to:

Location:

The location of the accommodation is vital, especially for those with children or who need to visit the hospital regularly. A location close to amenities not only provides ease of access but also saves time. Transportation can be a challenge for people with disabilities, so an ideal accommodation should be located near essential social amenities including shopping centers, schools, transportation, restaurants, religious centers, hospitals, and local attractions.

Environmentally friendly household:

Moving around and independent maneuvering are as important for people with disabilities as they are for anyone. Individuals living with disabilities require regular physical and mental activities to acquire or improve specific skills related to their goals. Hence, it is essential to reside in an environment with adequate space for both indoor and outdoor activities. Living in a spacious, clean, and friendly environment will help people with disabilities stay occupied and active, which can have a positive impact on their personal development.

Accessibility:

People with disabilities need easy access to everything. Accessible homes are fitted with unique technologies and features to accommodate people with disabilities, including lowered kitchen counters and sinks, widened doorways, roll-under stoves, raised electrical outlets, and wheel-in showers.

Affordability:

The accommodation crisis is prevalent all over the world, especially in Australian metropolitan areas. As most people with disabilities don’t have a regular income flow, finding an appropriate home is challenging.

Availability:

At last, the process of finding good, affordable, strategically located, and accessible housing is quite demanding. The supply of houses with such features is far less.

Despite all these issues, you don’t have to stress yourself over the issue. At Affection Disability Care, we have a dedicated team who will find a suitable and affordable house that suits your specific needs. Whether you need the independence of living by yourself or shared accommodation, we have you covered. Our team will offer you a range of disability accommodation options to help you find a place to call home and build independence.

Participants and their families can discuss their home and living goals as part of their planning conversation. A participant’s plan will include the supports the NDIS will fund as well as the supports the participant will need to access through the housing system.

The NDIS Accommodation and Tenancy services include assessment, individual case planning, one-on-one consultations, capacity building assistance, and liaising with service providers to help you achieve your housing goals.

NDIS participants are responsible for day-to-day living costs including rent, groceries, utilities, telephone or internet costs. This is the same for general household items such as a bed, fridge, or cooking utensils. There are some limited circumstances where the NDIS may make a contribution to these costs.

Examples of participants who may require home and living support include, but are not limited to:

1. Participants whose living arrangement is no longer suitable for their disability-related needs.
2. Participants who have restricted or limited mobility and are limited by their accommodation and unable to carry out day-to-day activities or have difficulties accessing facilities e.g. bathroom, kitchen, toilet, inside and outside of their accommodation safely.
3. Participants who have a need for specialist home and living solutions to provide a basis for the provision of suitable care – for example an adult participant with complex behavior support needs.
4. Participants who have somewhere to live, but their quality of life would be significantly improved by moving to alternative suitable accommodation or accessing additional support.
5. Participants who are currently in health care facilities who are unable to return to their pre-admission accommodation setting safely when discharged from the health care facility.
6. Participants who are currently living in any other accommodation that is temporary, unsafe, or unsuitable and mainstream services / community supports are unable to provide a suitable alternative due to the participant’s disability-related needs.

Supports funded by housing and other systems:

1. Social and community housing: State and territory governments are responsible for social and affordable housing. Subject to waiting periods, state/territory government programs will support most people to find affordable housing in the general rental housing market.
2. Homelessness and emergency accommodation services
3. Commonwealth Rent Assistance, a payment through Services Australia (formerly the Department of Human Services) that assists eligible participants with the cost of housing
4. The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) that is creating additional affordable rental properties.
5. The NDIS may also contribute to the cost of accommodation in situations where the participant has a need for specialized housing due to their disability.

What does the NDIS fund?

It is important to note, the NDIS does not own or operate any housing but may provide funding if appropriate for:

1. Capacity building to assist participants to live independently in the community, supports to improve living skills, money and household management, social and communication skills, and behavioral management.
2. Capacity building support to assist participants with developing skills for independence.