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NDIS Housing: 5 Pathways to Greater Independence

NDIS housing example - A modern, accessible home in Melbourne with a wheelchair ramp and wide doorway

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Let me tell you a secret about the NDIS. It’s not just about therapy and support workers. Housing sits at the very heart of what the NDIS aims to do—help people with disabilities live their best lives.

I’ve spent five years writing about NDIS supports. During that time, I’ve discovered that having the right home can change everything. It’s the foundation for independence, community connection, and personal growth.

If you’re in Melbourne, Frankston, or the Mornington Peninsula, and wondering about your housing options under the NDIS, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore what’s available, how to access it, and how The SALT Foundation can help with daily living support.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • NDIS offers five main housing support pathways to match different needs and independence levels
  • Your housing options depend on your support needs, informal networks, and personal goals
  • The SALT Foundation provides Assistance with Daily Living to help you thrive in your chosen home
  • NDIS won’t pay your rent directly but can fund supports, modifications, and specialised accommodation
  • Support coordinators are essential guides on your housing journey
  • 2018 research shows a shortfall of over 10,500 NDIS housing places nationwide

Understanding NDIS Housing Support

First things first: does NDIS help with housing? Absolutely. But the support varies based on your needs.

Most NDIS participants live in private market, public, or community housing. The scheme doesn’t pay rent directly. Instead, it funds supports that help you live independently.

A 2018 article from La Trobe University found Australia has a shortfall of more than 10,500 housing places for NDIS participants. The situation has likely worsened since 2020 amid our ongoing housing crisis.

Let’s break down your options.

Option 1: Individualised Living Options (ILO)

ILO might be perfect if you need some daily support but want to maintain significant independence.

Think of ILO as creating your personalised housing solution. It funds support workers to help with daily tasks in your chosen living arrangement. This could be your own place, shared housing, or even living with friends.

ILO works best for those with lower to medium support needs. The funding typically caps at seven hours of support daily. Your support package considers both your needs and what help your informal network (family, friends) can provide.

In Victoria’s diverse neighbourhoods, ILO lets you choose where you want to live while getting the right level of support.

Option 2: Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Need more hands-on help? SIL might be your answer.

SIL provides 24/7 support for people living in shared arrangements. Picture a home with 2-5 housemates of similar ages and interests. Support workers help with personal care, community access, and household tasks like cooking and cleaning.

Here’s an important distinction: SIL only funds your supports, not the accommodation itself. You’ll still need to pay rent, often through your disability support pension or other income.

Many SIL homes create wonderful mini-communities. You get both independence and companionship, with support always available when needed.

Option 3: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

For those with very high support needs, SDA offers purpose-built housing solutions.

These homes aren’t just accessible—they’re specifically designed around your needs. Features might include lowered kitchen counters, wider doorways, ceiling hoist provisions, or emergency power solutions.

SDA falls into four design categories:

  1. Improved Livability—For people with intellectual, sensory, or cognitive impairments
  2. Robust—For those who need help to manage challenging behaviours
  3. Fully Accessible—For people using wheelchairs, with features like level thresholds
  4. High Physical Support—The highest level, with emergency power and technology-ready features

The NDIS funds the building and modification costs, but you’ll still pay rent (typically assessed based on your income and circumstances).

Melbourne has seen significant growth in SDA properties since the scheme began. These modern homes allow for true independence despite complex support needs.

Option 4: Home Modifications

Sometimes the best solution is adapting your current home.

The NDIS can fund modifications to make your existing house or apartment more accessible and functional. These range from minor changes (lowering light switches) to major renovations (bathroom redesigns or ramps).

To qualify, you’ll need to show that your current home no longer meets your needs and negatively affects your care. An occupational therapist’s assessment is crucial here.

For many Melburnians, changing an existing home means staying in familiar surroundings while gaining greater independence.

Option 5: Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)

Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes you need a temporary solution.

MTA provides funding for up to three months in temporary accommodation. It’s perfect when you’re waiting for:

  • Your SDA home to be completed
  • Home modifications to be finished
  • Adaptive equipment to arrive

Think of MTA as the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. It ensures you’re not left without suitable housing during transitions.

How The SALT Foundation Helps

SALT Foundation support worker helping a person with disability with daily living tasks in an NDIS housing setting

While The SALT Foundation doesn’t provide SDA or housing directly, we play a crucial role in your housing journey.

We specialize in Assistance with Daily Living—the supports that help you thrive in whatever home you choose. Our team helps with personal care, household tasks, and building independent living skills.

These services complement your housing solution, ensuring you have the practical support needed to make the most of your living arrangement.

Getting Started with NDIS Housing Support

Ready to explore your options? Here’s how to begin:

First, ensure your NDIS plan includes housing goals. Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or planner needs to understand your housing aspirations.

All NDIS participants with housing goals should receive funding for support coordination. This is invaluable—support coordinators can help you navigate the complex housing landscape.

An occupational therapist assessment provides crucial evidence for housing support. They can document exactly what features you need to live safely and independently.

Remember that respite care (Short Term Accommodation) can be a great stepping stone. It lets you experience independent living and determine what support level works best for you.

Conclusion

NDIS housing support opens doors to greater independence for Melburnians with disabilities. The right home forms the foundation for your goals, relationships, and community participation.

Whether you need minimal support through ILO, 24/7 help with SIL, a purpose-built SDA dwelling, modifications to your existing home, or temporary accommodation, the NDIS can help.

The SALT Foundation stands ready to provide the daily living help that complements your housing solution. Together, we can create a living arrangement that truly works for you.

Action Steps

  1. List your specific housing needs, accessibility requirements, and location preferences
  2. Talk to your LAC or planner about including housing goals in your NDIS plan
  3. Request support coordination funding if not already in your plan
  4. Arrange an occupational therapist assessment
  5. Research NDIS-registered housing providers
  6. Visit potential housing options and meet staff/residents
  7. Contact The SALT Foundation about Assistance with Daily Living services
  8. Create a pros/cons list for your options
  9. Work with your support team to implement your chosen solution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the NDIS pay my rent?

No, the NDIS doesn’t pay rent directly. It funds supports, home modifications, and specialised accommodation designs. You’ll still need to cover rent from other income sources like the Disability Support Pension, employment income, or Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

How do I know which NDIS housing option is right for me?

Your ideal housing solution depends on your support needs, goals, and preferences. Consider how much daily help you require, where you want to live, and your informal support network. A support coordinator and occupational therapist can help assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate options.

How long does it take to get NDIS housing support approved?

Timeframes vary based on the type of support requested. Home modifications might take 3-6 months for approval and implementation. SDA funding can take 6-12 months for assessment and approval. Your support coordinator can help manage expectations and advocate for timely decisions.

Can I choose who I live with in shared NDIS housing?

Yes, participant choice is central to the NDIS. While availability might limit options, you should have input into your living arrangement, including potential housemates. Many SIL providers try to match participants with similar interests, ages, and compatibility.

What if my housing needs change over time?

The NDIS recognises that needs change. Your plan reviews provide opportunities to reassess housing supports. If circumstances change significantly between reviews, you can request a plan reassessment. Document how your current arrangement no longer meets your needs to support your case for changes.

Need help with daily living support in your Melbourne, Frankston, or Mornington Peninsula home? Contact The SALT Foundation today at 1300 777 258 or email support@thesaltfoundation.org.au. We’re here from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.