Adding Housing Goals to Your NDIS Plan: A Guide to Renting
For many NDIS participants, securing safe, accessible, and stable housing is a key part of living independently and achieving long-term goals. Whether you're looking to move into a rental property or upgrade your current living situation, it’s important to understand how you can include housing-related goals in your NDIS plan.
1. Understand What the NDIS Can Fund for Housing
The NDIS doesn’t pay rent or mortgage costs directly, but it can fund supports that help you live independently in a rental property. These might include:
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Supported Independent Living (SIL)
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Individualised Living Options (ILO)
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Home modifications
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Assistive technology (like smart home devices or mobility equipment)
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Support workers to assist with daily living tasks
NDIS funding is based on reasonable and necessary supports, which means you need to clearly show how your rental property goals align with your disability support needs.
2. Identify Housing as a Goal in Your NDIS Plan
When preparing for your NDIS planning meeting or review, be clear about your goal to live in a rental property. Use statements like:
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“I want to move into a rental home that is more accessible.”
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“My goal is to live independently in a safe and supported environment.”
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“I need help finding and maintaining suitable rental accommodation.”
Make sure your housing goal is included in the Goals and Aspirations section of your plan, as this will guide the kinds of supports the NDIS may fund.
3. Work with a Support Coordinator or LAC
Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you:
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Search for rental properties that meet your needs
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Apply for rental assistance (including state-based housing support)
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Connect with real estate agents and advocate on your behalf
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Organise home modifications (if approved)
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Coordinate moving logistics and new supports
They play a key role in ensuring your housing goal is realistic and properly supported within your plan.
4. Gather Evidence for Your Plan
To get the right supports, you’ll need documentation that explains:
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Why you need to move or modify your current home
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What kind of housing suits your disability needs
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Reports from Occupational Therapists, Allied Health professionals, or Social Workers
This evidence strengthens your case for receiving home modifications, assistive tech, or support worker hours tailored to your living needs.
5. Explore Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) if Eligible
If you have very high support needs, you may be eligible for SDA funding—a type of housing built specifically for NDIS participants. This can sometimes include rental properties that are SDA-compliant, offering long-term solutions.
6. Plan for Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Once you're in your rental home, your plan can include ongoing supports like:
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Cleaning or gardening help
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Assistance with bills or budgeting
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Check-ins from support workers to maintain your tenancy
Make sure these needs are discussed in your planning meeting so they’re funded appropriately.
Final Tips
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Start planning early, especially if your lease is ending or you're unhappy with your current housing.
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Be clear, specific, and realistic about what you want and need.
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Don’t forget to review and adjust your goals each year as your circumstances change.
Looking for SDA Accommodation?
We’re here to help. Whether you need support gathering reports, finding providers, or navigating the NDIS system, get in touch with our team. Let’s work together to help you find your perfect home.
Our team At Ausnew Home Care is here to assist you in finding the perfect living arrangement that supports your independence and well-being.
