Can the NDIS pay rent?
A frequently-asked question by National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants is can the scheme help pay the rent. The quick answer is no.
While the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can support participants in living independently at home or in assisted facilities, it does not cover rent payments.
NDIS participants and their families can discuss home and living goals as part of their planning conversations. A participant’s plan will outline the supports funded by the NDIS, as well as those that must be accessed through the broader housing system.
Most participants will continue to secure housing through the private market, either by owning or renting, or through social housing options. However, NDIS participants are responsible for covering everyday living expenses, including rent, groceries, utilities, and communication services (e.g., phone and internet). This also applies to general household items such as furniture, appliances, and cooking utensils. In limited circumstances, the NDIS may contribute to these costs.
The NDIS can fund various types of home and living support, including:
- Capacity-building support to help participants live independently, including assistance with life skills, money management, household management, and communication or behavioral skills
- Home modifications to make a participant’s home or private rental more accessible, and in some cases, modifications to social housing
- Personal care support, such as help with showering or dressing
- Assistance with household tasks that the participant is unable to perform due to their disability, such as cleaning or laundry
Examples of participants who may need home and living support include:
- Those whose current living arrangements no longer meet their disability-related needs
- Participants with restricted mobility who are unable to safely perform daily tasks, access essential areas of their home
- Individuals requiring specialized living solutions for proper care, such as adults with complex behavioral support needs
- Participants who could significantly improve their quality of life by moving to more suitable accommodation or receiving additional support
- Participants being discharged from healthcare facilities who cannot safely return to their previous home
- Those living in temporary, unsafe, or unsuitable accommodation where mainstream services are unable to provide appropriate alternatives due to their disability-related needs
For further information you can head to the NDIS website.
If you have any questions? Feel free to contact us.
