NDIS in Home Support

Complete Guide to Services, Costs, and Housing Options

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most significant social reforms in Australia, designed to provide support and funding for people living with disabilities. Among the many services it covers, NDIS in home support plays a central role, offering participants the ability to live independently, access tailored care, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

This guide provides an in-depth look at NDIS home support, costs, eligibility, and housing. It also answers some of the most commonly asked questions about what the NDIS will and will not cover.


What is NDIS in Home Support?

NDIS in home support refers to the services and funding provided to participants who need assistance to live safely and independently at home. These services may include:

  • Personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, or mobility.
  • Household tasks, like cleaning, cooking, and maintenance.
  • Social and community support, enabling participants to connect with others.
  • Housing support, including rental assistance and modifications.

This tailored support allows participants to live more independently while still receiving professional care aligned with their personal needs and goals.

Does NDIS Cover Home Care?

Yes. The NDIS covers a range of home care services if they are considered "reasonable and necessary." These services include:

  • Assistance with daily activities like eating, showering, or dressing.
  • Home modifications to improve accessibility.
  • Support workers to help participants engage in community activities.

However, the NDIS will not cover everyday living costs like groceries or rent, unless these expenses are directly related to a disability.

What Services Does NDIS Pay For?

The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of supports that fall under three categories:

Core Supports

These cover daily living needs, such as personal care, household tasks, and consumables.

Capacity Building Supports

These aim to improve skills and independence, like therapy sessions or employment support.

Capital Supports

These are investments in assistive technology or home modifications that enable greater independence.

What Will NDIS Not Pay For?

The NDIS is designed to fund disability-related supports only. It does not pay for:

  • Everyday living expenses (e.g., food, electricity, rent).
  • Medical and hospital costs already covered by Medicare.
  • Items not directly related to a participant's disability (like holidays or luxury items).

Does NDIS Pay for House Cleaning and Home Maintenance?

Yes, if house cleaning and home maintenance are required because of a participant's disability.
For example:

  • Cleaning services for those unable to perform the tasks themselves.
  • Lawn mowing or gardening when mobility issues prevent participation.
  • Basic home maintenance to ensure safety and accessibility.

However, luxury upgrades or non-essential renovations are not covered.

Can a Family Member Be a Paid Carer Under NDIS?

In some circumstances, yes. The NDIS allows family members to provide paid care, but only when:

  • There are no other suitable care options.
  • The arrangement is temporary or necessary due to specific participant needs.

The NDIS prioritises professional carers to ensure quality and independence, so family caregiving arrangements are approved case by case.

Does NDIS Pay for Respite Care?

Yes. Respite care is included under NDIS support, giving participants and their families short-term relief. This may include:

  • Temporary accommodation.
  • In-home respite where a support worker steps in.
  • Community-based respite activities.

Respite services are crucial in preventing burnout for both participants and their families.

How Much Does NDIS Pay for Rent and Housing?

The NDIS does not directly cover everyday rent. Instead, it provides:

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

For participants with extreme functional impairments.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

For those who need 24/7 support while living independently.

Individualised Living Options (ILO)

Flexible arrangements tailored to the participant's preferences.

NDIS may contribute to housing costs when disability-related modifications or specialised housing is required.

Who Can Apply for NDIS Housing?

Participants who:

  • Have significant and permanent disabilities.
  • Require specialised housing to support daily living.
  • Have an approved NDIS plan with SDA or housing-related funding.

Housing supports are limited and assessed based on individual need.

What Are the Disadvantages of NDIS Property?

While NDIS housing provides independence, there are some challenges:

  • Limited availability of suitable properties.
  • Strict eligibility requirements.
  • Potentially higher rental costs compared to mainstream housing.
  • Longer waiting times for approvals and property matching.

Can I Rent My House to NDIS Participants?

Yes. Property owners can register their homes as NDIS-approved housing if they meet accessibility and compliance standards. This provides participants with more options while allowing property owners to contribute to disability inclusion.

What Does the NDIS Package Cover for Elderly Participants?

Although the NDIS is primarily for people under 65, some elderly participants who joined before reaching this age can still access support. These packages may include:

  • Assistance with personal care.
  • Mobility aids and home modifications.
  • In-home support to reduce reliance on aged care systems.

What is the NDIS Home Care Package?

The home care package under NDIS ensures participants receive funding for services that:

  • Help maintain independence at home.
  • Provide professional support for health, wellbeing, and daily living.
  • Include personal carers, therapists, and household assistance.

This is different from Aged Care Home Packages, which are managed separately.

What is an Example of Daily Living for NDIS?

Examples of daily living activities supported by NDIS include:

  • Eating and preparing meals.
  • Bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Cleaning and laundry.
  • Transportation for social, work, or health-related appointments.

These are essential for independence and dignity.

What is the Difference Between SIL and ILO NDIS?

  • Supported Independent Living (SIL): Provides 24/7 care in a shared or individual setting for people with high support needs.
  • Individualised Living Options (ILO): More flexible and participant-driven, focusing on choosing where and how to live with customised supports.

Both options aim to enhance independence but cater to different levels of support needs.

Can NDIS Help With Moving a House?

Yes, if moving is required due to disability needs (e.g., moving into accessible housing). Funding may cover:

  • Packing and transportation assistance.
  • Modifications in the new home.
  • Temporary housing if required during the transition.

Conclusion

The NDIS in home support system is vast and designed to give participants independence, safety, and a better quality of life. From personal care to housing, respite, and home modifications, the scheme provides critical services. However, it is equally important to understand its limits, such as what it will not cover, eligibility requirements, and the challenges involved in housing support.

By making informed choices and leveraging NDIS funding effectively, participants and families can create a sustainable, supportive living environment that enhances both independence and wellbeing.

Resources

Here are some useful resources to explore further:

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Official Website

The official NDIS website with comprehensive information about the scheme.

Visit Website
Disability in Australia – Wikipedia

Information about disability in the Australian context.

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Supported Independent Living – NDIS

Information about SIL options for NDIS participants.

Learn More
Respite Care – Wikipedia

Information about respite care services.

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Home Modifications and Assistive Technology – NDIS

Information about home modifications covered by NDIS.

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Specialist Disability Accommodation – Wikipedia

Information about SDA options for NDIS participants.

Learn More