What is NDIS Housing?
NDIS housing is an initiative that helps pay for housing arrangements for people with disabilities in Australia. For qualified candidates, NDIS develops a plan to handle your support while the NDIS Housing System handles your living arrangements.
The National Disability Insurance Agency and NDIS also collaborate to find applicants who are eligible for these support services.
Importance of suitable housing for NDIS participants
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the individual requirements of Australians with permanent disabilities and impairments are given priority. The autonomous government organisation seeks to guarantee that participants receive the assistance they need to live well, including NDIS housing and medical care.
However, many people with disabilities may not be aware of the NDIS’s benefits, especially housing, because they lack knowledge. One of the best programs for individuals with disabilities is the NDIS housing project, which provides applicants with the assistance they need to live independently of their parents.
The well-designed NDIS homes in the ideal area facilitate access to informal supports, more community connections, and independent living arrangements.
Different Types of NDIS Housing Options
There are 3 type of options available:
1. Specialist disability accommodation (SDA): It is one of the housing options offered by NDIS, designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
SDA dwellings have accessible features to help residents live more independently and allow other supports to be delivered better or more safely.
Eligibility Criteria for SDA under NDIS Housing option:
- Those who have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
- Those who meet the specialist disability accommodation needs requirement and the NDIS funding criteria
2. Supported Independent Living (SIL): One form of assistance under NDIS Houses and Support living to help you stay in your home is supported independent living. It involves monitoring or assistance with everyday duties, including meal preparation and personal hygiene.
- It helps you develop your abilities and live as independently as possible.
- People with higher support needs who require constant assistance at home are eligible for supported independent living.
3. Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA): Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) is a temporary housing solution that the NDIS offers for participants in transition or who are awaiting more permanent housing arrangements.
- It is typically provided for up to 90 days and can be extended if necessary.
- MTA is particularly handy for participants moving out of hospitals or rehabilitation facilities, requiring a transitional living arrangement, and looking for more long-term housing solutions.
4. Home Modifications: Custom-built changes to a participant’s home that facilitate their access to and usage of specific spaces are known as home modifications. These modifications under the NDIS homes support initiative can range from simple adjustments to more intricate ones.
Modifications that don’t alter the home’s structural components or cost more than $20,000 are considered minor. They fall into two groups:
- Category A minor home modifications cost under $10,000.
- Category B minor home modifications cost between $10,000 and $20,000 or involve minor changes to a bathroom floor. These are funded using a set NDIS budget based on current market costs in MMM1 locations using the Modified Monash Model (MMM).
5. Group homes
- A housing option where people with disabilities can learn new skills, be part of the community, and have a support network.
- Group homes aim to create a safe and friendly environment where residents can make friends and do activities together.
How to Access NDIS Housing?
To access the NDIS Housing support, you must follow these steps:
1. Making a request for access
In the first step, as the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) oversees the NDIS, it must receive an Access Request. Either directly or through a partner organisation, like an Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), you can get in touch with the NDIA.
2. Presenting Data and Proof
Applicants must submit valid records and data to back up their claims as part of the access request procedure. These may include medical records, evaluations from allied health specialists, and information regarding their NDIS Houses support requirements and impairment.
- Giving precise and thorough information on the applicant’s disability, assistance requirements, and living situation is crucial throughout the application process.
- The NDIA uses this data to make decisions and customise the individual’s specific circumstances.
3. Consultation with an NDIS Agent
Following receipt of the Access Request, the NDIA will schedule a meeting with the applicant to discuss their circumstances, objectives, and support requirements.
4. Creating the NDIS Strategy
The NDIA will create an individualised NDIS plan based on the data collected. The plan will list the participant’s qualifying reasonable and necessary supports, including NDIS housing alternatives, if any. The strategy will also detail the budget allotted for these supports.
5. Putting the NDIS Plan into Practice
As soon as the NDIS plan is approved, the participant can start using the services listed in it, including housing alternatives if necessary. This could entail coordinating with service providers, finding appropriate NDIS Houses, and setting up assistive technology or other necessary adjustments.
Eligibility Criteria for NDIS Housing Funding
To access NDIS housing funding, participants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- NDIS Access: To be considered for housing funding, individuals must first meet the NDIS access requirements. This involves providing evidence of a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to perform daily activities.
- Assessment for SDA: The NDIA conducts an independent assessment to determine eligibility for participants seeking SDA funding. The assessment considers the individual’s functional impairment and the level of support required to live independently.
- Assessment for SIL: To qualify for SIL funding under the NDIS Housing initiative, participants need to assess the level of support required for daily living activities. This assessment involves collaboration with healthcare professionals and carers to accurately ascertain the participant’s needs.
Benefits of NDIS Houses
The purpose of these NDIS housing supports is to enhance and add value to the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with the proper support and to:
- promote independence
- improve quality of life for participants
- improve community participation and inclusion
- provide customised support
Features of Typical NDIS Houses
The NDIS SDA Houses are built according to the outline mentioned in the Design Standard document. There are four different design categories:
- Improved Livability (IL)
- Robust
- Fully Accessible (FA)
- High Physical Support (HPS)
| Improved Livability | Robust | Fully Accessible | High Physical Support |
| Task lighting | High-impact wall lining | Power supply to install assistive technology | Emergency power solutions for a minimum 2-hour power outage |
| Limited corridor | Laminated glass & secure windows | Wheelchair passages | 950mm clear opening-width doors |
| None or very few stairs | Soundproofing & Retreat areas | No stairs or level changes | Provisions for ceiling hoists |
Conclusion
For those with disabilities, NDIS housing is both appropriate and accessible to improve their independence and general quality of life. It guarantees that people can live safely, participate in their communities, and get the required help.
Teuila is an important NDIS service provider who can help you get the appropriate housing support. Teuila also provides access to medical, assistive technology, and other services. For assistance with the disability application and a comprehensive list of NDIS services, contact our team.
Please contact us by phone at 1300 172 911 or by email at hello@teuila.com.au if you have any issues with the administration of your NDIS plan.
NDIS Housing FAQs
- Does NDIS provide housing?
Yes, the NDIS, under its home and living support, provides various housing options, such as STA, SIL, MTA, and group housing.
- Will the NDIS pay for a house?
No, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) does not typically pay for a house.
- What is an NDIS house?
The NDIS House is built according to the outline mentioned in the Design Standard document. There are four different design categories: Improved Livability (IL), Robust, Fully Accessible (FA), High Physical Support (HPS)
- Will NDIS provide you with a house cleaner?
As previously stated, the NDIS will only pay for services that are relevant to you, reasonable, and required. These services could include cleaning, transportation, housekeeping, and assistance at work. However, specialised services like house cleaners and electricians are typically not covered by the NDIS.
