The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide individualized support to eligible Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. A key aspect of the NDIS is empowering participants to live as independently as possible, and this includes support for various aspects of home and living. This article provides a comprehensive guide to NDIS household support, covering eligibility, types of support, the application process, and more.  

Understanding NDIS Home and Living Supports

The NDIS recognizes that a suitable and accessible living environment is crucial for a participant's well-being and independence. Home and living supports aim to assist participants in achieving their individual goals related to where they live and how they manage their home. It's important to understand that the NDIS primarily funds supports that are directly related to a participant's disability.  

What the NDIS Can Fund

The NDIS can fund a wide range of home and living supports, including:

• Capacity Building Supports for Independent Living: These supports focus on developing skills and knowledge to enhance a participant's ability to live independently. This can include assistance with:  

  • Developing living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting).  
  • Improving money and household management.
  • Enhancing social and communication skills.
  • Managing behaviours of concern.
  • Accessing and maintaining employment.

• Home Modifications: The NDIS may fund modifications to a participant's home to improve accessibility and safety. This can include:  

  • Installing ramps or grab rails.
  • Widening doorways.
  • Modifying bathrooms or kitchens.
  • Adapting lighting or other fixtures.

• Assistive Technology: The NDIS can fund assistive technology that helps participants with daily tasks and promotes independence. This can include:  

  • Mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers).  
  • Communication devices.
  • Home automation systems.  
  • Specialized equipment for personal care.

• Support with Daily Tasks and Personal Care: Participants may receive funding for assistance with:

  • Showering and dressing.  
  • Meal preparation.
  • Medication management.
  • Other personal care needs.

• Household Tasks: The NDIS can fund support for household tasks that a participant cannot manage due to their disability. This can include:  

  • Cleaning.
  • Laundry.
  • Gardening.
  • Shopping.

• Specialized Accommodation: In certain circumstances, the NDIS may contribute to the cost of specialized accommodation, such as:

  • Supported Independent Living (SIL): Provides support with daily tasks in a shared living arrangement.  
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Designed for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.  

What the NDIS Generally Doesn't Fund

It's important to note that the NDIS generally doesn't fund:

• Day-to-day living costs: This includes rent, mortgage payments, utilities (electricity, gas, water), groceries, internet, and phone bills.  
• Standard household items: This includes furniture (beds, couches, tables), appliances (fridges, washing machines), and kitchenware.

Accessing NDIS Home and Living Supports

To access NDIS home and living supports, follow these steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: You must meet the NDIS eligibility criteria to access funding. This includes having a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities.  
2. Contact the NDIA: Get in touch with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to start the application process. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a local NDIA office.
3. Develop an NDIS Plan: Work with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to develop your NDIS plan. This plan will outline your goals and the supports that the NDIS will fund.  
4. Request Home and Living Supports: During your planning meeting, clearly communicate your needs and goals related to home and living. This is crucial, as these supports cannot be met through mainstream services.
5. Provide Evidence: You will need to provide evidence from relevant allied health professionals to support your request for home and living supports. This evidence should detail your functional capacity, support needs, and why alternative options are not suitable.
6. Plan Review: Your NDIS plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to meet your needs. You can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances change or you require additional supports.

Important Considerations

• Choice and Control: The NDIS emphasizes participant choice and control. You have the right to choose your own supports and service providers.  

• Informal Supports: The NDIS encourages the use of informal supports, such as family and friends, where possible.  
• Reasonable and Necessary Supports: The NDIS funds supports that are considered "reasonable and necessary" to enable you to live an ordinary life.  
• Early Intervention: Early intervention supports can be crucial in helping young people develop skills and independence.  

Relevant Links and Resources

• NDIS Website: www.ndis.gov.au - This website provides comprehensive information about the NDIS, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and types of supports available.  

• Home and Living Supports: www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living - This page provides detailed information about NDIS home and living supports.  
• What Home and Living Supports the NDIS Funds: www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/what-home-and-living-supports-ndis-funds - This page outlines the specific types of home and living supports that the NDIS may fund.  
• Requesting Home and Living Supports: www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/requesting-home-and-living-supports - This page provides guidance on how to request home and living supports in your NDIS plan.
• Supporting Evidence Form: www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/requesting-home-and-living-supports (scroll down to find the form) - This form can be used to provide information to the NDIA about your home and living support needs.

Summary

By understanding the NDIS and the available home and living supports, participants can work towards achieving their goals and living fulfilling lives in their communities. Remember to actively participate in your NDIS planning process, clearly communicate your needs, and seek assistance from NDIA staff or support coordinators when needed.