A Guide to Home and Living with the NDIS!

22 May 2024 – Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The NDIS empowers participants to live independently by offering funding for Home and Living needs.  This support varies based on individual circumstances, ensuring tailored assistance for everyone. Home and Living is categorised as a stated support within the Core Budget, which means the allocated funds are exclusively for Home and Living needs and can’t be flexibly used across other budget categories.

The NDIS offers three main Home and Living options:

1. Supported Independent Living (SIL)
2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
3. Individualised Living Options (ILO)

Since SIL is the most popular choice for plan-managed participants, let’s dive deeper into what it entails, including the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)  

Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports people with disabilities who want to live independently, offering various services to assist with daily tasks while maintaining independence.  SIL is perfect for those who want to live independently but need help with daily tasks.  With access to support services, participants can develop skills, confidence, and self-sufficiency.  SIL offers a flexible, person-centered approach, allowing individuals to choose the support that suits their needs.

SIL can be provided in group homes, shared accommodations, and individual units.  Services include:

• Personal care: help with bathing, dressing and grooming.
• Household tasks: help with cleaning, cooking and laundry.
• Community participation: support to join social groups or events.
• Health and Wellbeing: access to healthcare and emotional support.

The NDIA sets the prices that providers can charge. It’s important to note that the rates outlined in this article are taken direct from the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.   These rates outline the maximum price.  A participant can negotiate a lower rate in accordance with their needs and budget.

Item Number	Item Name and Notes	Hourly Rate
01_801_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living –  Weekday Daytime	$65.47
01_802_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living –  Weekday Evening	$72.13
01_803_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Weekday Night	$73.46
01_804_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Saturday	$92.12
01_805_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Sunday	$118.78
01_806_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Public Holiday	$145.44
01_832_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Night-Time Sleepover	$276.27
01_821_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Weekly	Agreed

How can NDIS participants access Home and Living Options?

The NDIS may fund reasonable and necessary Home and Living Supports, if they can’t be met through mainstream, community, informal, or other supports. To access these supports, you need to formally request them from the NDIS by completing a change of details or situation form, calling 1800 800 110, emailing enquiries@ndis.gov.au, or visiting a local office.

First, the NDIS requires good evidence from your allied health professional to include Home and Living supports in your plan. This evidence should be recent and from a relevant professional, such as an OT. Your evidence needs to explain your daily support and housing needs, your functional capacity and its impact on daily life and housing needs, and what other home and living options you’ve explored and why they don’t meet your needs.

An Occupational Therapist (OT) can help with Home and Living Assessments. An OT will visit your home to assess your eligibility for these supports and determine the level you need. During the visit, the OT may ask specific questions, observe how you perform tasks, and discuss the support you might require. They will work with you to understand your Home and Living support needs and provide the required evidence to submit to the NDIS.

Contact My Plan Assist

At My Plan Assist, we help NDIS participants and their network of support workers with valuable information. If you need further details about NDIS pricing limits or assistance in submitting a compliant and well-formatted invoice for efficient payments, reach out to our knowledgeable team at info@myplanassist.com.au or call (07) 5641 2277.

My Plan Assist is a local registered plan management team dedicated to providing personalized and caring plan management support for NDIS participants. We are committed to helping participants track NDIS funds, streamline administration tasks, ensure efficient provider payments, and maximize the value of participant plans. Learn more at www.myplanassist.com.au or contact our friendly team today!