Don’t scrimp on the detail when applying for NDIS funding to support your independence

By Fiona Bridger, Researcher and Writer, Achieve Australia, 19 May 2023

For a person with a disability (PWD), moving out of home and living an independent life has always been a dream of mine.

As I am living with my mum, the decision to move out is not an easy one. I'm getting cold feet because it’s a big step. I'm also very picky about where I want to settle, and with whom I want to share my space. 

The NDIS tries to support the massive demand for independent living for PWD around Australia. Many new disability-friendly accommodation developments have been built over the years and are being offered to PWD. These accommodation types are very nice, new, modern, and accessible to all types of disabilities.

The NDIS provides several different types of support for PWD wanting to live independently. For example, purpose-built housing known as Specialist Disability Housing or SDA and services to support daily life known as Supported Independent Living or SIL. These can be tailored to someone with complex disability as well as those who require less support.

The key is in the detail you as a PWD provide when applying for funding.

Detail helps the NDIS determine what you need

For people who want to apply for SIL or SDA to live a more independent life, there are guidelines to follow.

Firstly, would-be participants are encouraged to talk to a Support Coordinator or the NDIS about this opportunity.

Secondly, they need to be approved in their plan to allow for independent living.

Once approval is provided, people can start exploring the types of accommodation and accommodation services available based on the level of funding in their plan and, of course, their personal preferences.

PWDs are often advised to secure SIL and SDA from different providers to get the best value from their NDIS funding. This is worth keeping in mind and doing your own research on.

It’s very important PWDs are very specific about their particular needs based on their level of support and their disability. This helps the NDIS to create a funding plan that will enable PWDs to access the right option for their care, support, and independent living aspirations both right now and for the long term.

The NDIS consider if the supports will assist the participant to:

• pursue their goals

• improve or sustain their functional capacity, helping participants do more things with less support

• reduce or sustain their need for person-to-person support

• create better connections with their family, community, health services, education, and employment.

Achieve Australia’s My Home services provide SIL to PWD where they live so they can be as independent as possible. PWDs can receive support from Achieve for shopping, cooking, cleaning, showering, dressing, getting to appointments or going out. Also, for setting and achieving goals.

The PWD who live in apartments or homes supported by Achieve may have housemates or they may live on their own. The aim is to provide PWDs with choice and control over the way they want to be supported to increase their independence to live a full life. If you are on the hunt for a new home where SIL can be accessed, check out these vacancies.

In the meantime, I am continuing my own search for the perfect home. I will keep you posted on what I find.