Finding suitable accommodation can be an important part of living independently for people with disability. Under the NDIS, some participants may receive home and living supports that help them find, maintain, or live more independently in suitable housing, depending on their individual disability-related needs and NDIS plan.
Understanding what the NDIS can fund, what participants are responsible for paying, and which accommodation options may be appropriate can make the process easier for individuals, families and carers. Above & Beyond Carers is a registered NDIS provider offering personalised support to people across Sydney, including Western Sydney and surrounding communities.
What is accommodation tenancy under the NDIS?
Accommodation tenancy generally refers to the housing arrangement a person lives in and the responsibilities associated with maintaining that home. The NDIS does not generally pay a participant’s rent, mortgage, groceries, utilities or ordinary household expenses. Instead, NDIS funding may support disability-related needs that help a person live safely and independently in their chosen home.
These supports can include assistance with daily living, personal care, household tasks, skill development and other disability-related supports. Depending on individual circumstances, the NDIS may also fund supports that assist a participant to find and maintain suitable housing.
For families looking at their options, our Accommodation Tenancy support provides a useful starting point for understanding how personalised support can fit into a participant’s living arrangements.
Does the NDIS pay for accommodation?
In most circumstances, the NDIS does not pay for ordinary rent or the general cost of housing. Participants are generally responsible for rent, utilities, groceries and other everyday living expenses. The NDIS may instead fund reasonable and necessary disability-related supports that help a person live independently.
There are specific circumstances where the NDIS can fund housing-related supports. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), for example, is designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and provides specially designed housing. However, SDA is different from support services delivered by workers in the home.
Who may be eligible for NDIS accommodation support?
Eligibility depends on the participant’s individual disability-related needs, circumstances, goals and the NDIS funding criteria. Not everyone who receives NDIS funding will automatically be eligible for home and living supports.
When considering home and living supports, the NDIS may look at the participant’s functional capacity, the assistance they require at home, their current living arrangements, their goals and other formal or informal supports available to them. Evidence from relevant treating health professionals may also be required.
Participants should discuss their circumstances with their NDIS contact when they believe their housing or support needs have changed. The NDIS can consider evidence about what the participant can and cannot do because of their disability and how this affects their daily life and housing needs.
What types of Accommodation Tenancy NDIS home and living support are available?
The Accommodation Tenancy NDIS has several home and living options. The appropriate support depends on the participant’s circumstances rather than simply the type of property they live in.
Assistance with daily life
Assistance with daily life can help participants with everyday activities at home, such as personal care, cooking, cleaning and other tasks where support is required because of disability. The purpose is to help the person live as independently as possible.
Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living, commonly known as SIL, provides support from workers to help eligible participants develop their skills and live as independently as possible. SIL is not the accommodation itself and cannot be used to pay rent or ordinary day-to-day expenses.
For some participants, SIL may work alongside an appropriate accommodation arrangement. The level and type of support depends on individual needs, including how much assistance is required throughout the day.
Individualised Living Options
Individualised Living Options (ILO) can provide a flexible approach to living arrangements and support. An ILO can be designed around the participant’s individual needs, preferences and goals, with support from family, friends and other people where appropriate.
Specialist Disability Accommodation
SDA is specially designed housing for people who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Features may include accessible design elements such as wider doorways, specialised bathrooms, ceiling hoists or automated doors.
SDA is the housing component, while supports such as personal care or SIL are separate NDIS supports. Participants generally still pay an agreed rent contribution and other everyday living costs. citeturn0search3
Medium Term Accommodation
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is a temporary option that may be available for eligible participants who cannot move into their long-term home because their disability supports or accommodation are not yet ready. It can generally be funded for up to 90 days in specific circumstances.
MTA is not emergency accommodation and does not cover ordinary living expenses such as food, internet or electricity. citeturn0search2
How to request accommodation and home living support
The first step is to understand what type of assistance is needed and how the participant’s disability affects their daily life and housing requirements. This may include identifying personal care needs, household tasks, safety concerns, independence goals, and the level of support required at home.
Participants can then discuss their needs with their NDIS contact. The NDIS may ask for evidence from treating health professionals, such as an occupational therapist, to explain the person’s functional capacity and disability-related housing needs. citeturn0search0
Evidence should clearly explain what support is needed, when it is needed, how the disability affects everyday activities, and what other housing or support options have been considered. This information helps the NDIS determine which home and living supports may be appropriate.
How accommodation tenancy support can promote independence
Suitable accommodation is only one part of independent living. Participants may also need practical assistance to manage daily activities, develop skills and participate safely within their home and community.
Personalised support can help participants work towards goals such as:
- Greater independence in daily activities
- Improved physical and emotional wellbeing
- Increased community participation
- Development of essential life skills
- Support with personal care and household tasks
- Better social inclusion
- Flexible support tailored to individual goals
- Improved confidence and quality of life
- Ongoing support through NDIS-funded programs
Accommodation tenancy support in Sydney and Western Sydney
Participants and families in Sydney may have different housing and support requirements depending on their circumstances, accessibility needs and personal goals. This can be particularly important when considering support options across Western Sydney, including Guildford, Parramatta, Blacktown, Liverpool, Bankstown, Fairfield, Auburn, Penrith and Campbelltown.
Above & Beyond Carers takes a family-first approach to disability support, with a focus on honesty, reliability, compassion and trust. As a registered NDIS provider, the organisation works with individuals and families to provide personalised support that respects each participant’s goals, preferences and circumstances.
Whether a participant needs assistance with daily activities, household tasks, community participation or developing greater independence, support should be tailored to what matters to that individual. The same principles apply when exploring accommodation and tenancy-related support across Sydney and surrounding communities.
Accommodation tenancy and independent living goals
A good living arrangement should support more than basic housing needs. It should provide an environment where a person can develop skills, maintain relationships, participate in their community and work towards greater independence.
NDIS home and living supports are based on individual circumstances, needs and goals. Participants may be able to use more than one type of home and living support where appropriate, so it is important to consider the whole picture rather than focusing on accommodation alone. citeturn0search1
For people considering accommodation tenancy support in Sydney, understanding the difference between housing costs and disability-related support costs is an important first step. A clear understanding of individual needs can help participants, families and support networks explore suitable options with their NDIS contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NDIS pay my rent?
Generally, no. Participants are normally responsible for rent, mortgage payments, groceries, utilities and other everyday living costs. The NDIS may fund eligible disability-related supports that help a participant live independently.
Can the NDIS help me find suitable accommodation?
In some circumstances, the NDIS may fund disability-related supports that assist a participant to find and maintain suitable housing. Eligibility depends on the participant’s individual needs and NDIS funding criteria.
Is SIL the same as accommodation?
No. Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides funding for support workers to assist eligible participants with living independently. SIL is not the accommodation itself and cannot be used to pay rent or ordinary living expenses.
What evidence may be needed for home and living support?
The NDIS may request evidence from relevant treating health professionals, such as an occupational therapist. Evidence should explain the participant’s disability-related support and housing needs, functional capacity and why other options may not meet those needs.
Can I receive more than one type of home and living support?
Yes, some participants may have more than one home and living support included in their NDIS plan. The combination depends on individual circumstances, disability-related needs, goals and the NDIS funding criteria.
