Finding the right housing option, no matter what stage of life you are at, or what your circumstances are, can be frightening and exciting at the same time. But don’t worry, help is at hand.

For people with disability, there are several options to choose from, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and providers like HELP, can assist in finding the right home for your individual needs.

How does the NDIS assist with housing?

Before you start looking for houses and living supports, it’s a good idea to first meet with your LAC or Planner to discuss moving out of home as a goal in your plan. Depending on your circumstances you may also receive funding for a support coordinator who can help you to get started with navigating the right type of housing and living supports. Here are a few things to think about when considering independent living:

• how close you want to live to friends and family
• whether you can find work or transport options nearby
• the type of community you want to live in
• whether you can access activities and services.

The housing supports the NDIS can fund includes:

• home modifications: necessary adjustments to help navigate your home safely
• personal care: assistance with showering and dressing
• household duties such as cooking and cleaning
• capacity building supports, for example: assistance to manage your household and finances, improve your communication skills and develop better behavioural skills

It is important to note here that for the majority of people, the NDIS does not cover funding for daily living expenses. You will be responsible for your own day to day costs such as rent, groceries, utilities, telephone and internet. You will also be responsible for furnishing your home and general household items such as a cooking utensils and home decor.

Knowing what type of independent living fits you best is the first step to ensure you get the right amount and type of funding in your NDIS plan. There will be different requirements for different types of funding.

There is a range of housing options in the private market, or through public and community housing:

• renting or buying privately
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing specifically designed for people who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) is available if you require access to 24/7 support
• Short term accommodation (STA) provides you with a safe and secure home away from home at times when you need some new scenery

The process to apply for SIL or SDA will be more extensive than applying for daily living supports. This could include getting a functional capacity assessment from an Occupational Therapist. You may also need to have multiple meetings with the different service providers to make sure the home, supports, and other tenants are the right fit for you.

For SIL you will need to work with your chosen provider to submit your ‘Roster of Care’ to the NDIS to request the correct amount of funding for this support. This funding won’t automatically be put into your plan once you find the right house.

Live independently with Help Disability Care

Help Disability Care can support you to live more independently with a range of supported housing and accommodation options, including:

• Long-term accommodation (LTA). Funding is provided by your NDIS plan for Supported Independent Living (SIL) services.
• Short-term accommodation (STA). This is funded through specific core funding in your NDIS Plan.
• Houses and room vacancies and also offer in-home support either drop in or 24/7

HELP also provides housing and tenancy support to enable you pursue your goals of living with greater independence. To find out more, contact us today.