Getting housing into your NDIS plan
A plain-English guide to getting home-and-living supports funded — the Home and Living request, the evidence, and your options if you're knocked back
First, separate the home from the support
What is a Home and Living request?
The Home and Living pathway, step by step
Write your housing goal in your own words
The evidence that backs your request
Who helps you build the case
The planning meeting or plan reassessment
What the NDIA weighs up — and how long it takes
If your request is knocked back
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a Home and Living request?
It's how you ask the NDIA to consider funding a home-and-living support — SIL, ILO, SDA or MTA — in your plan. In practice it usually means completing the Home and Living supporting-evidence form and submitting it with reports, after which the NDIA decides.
What evidence do I need?
Usually an OT assessment describing your functional capacity and needs, plus supporting allied-health or specialist reports. For a SIL request you'll generally need a Roster of Care showing the support you need across a week, along with a note of your informal supports and the options you've already tried.
How long does it take?
There's no fixed answer — it can range from a few weeks to several months. It depends on how complete your evidence is, how complex your situation is, whether SDA is involved, and the NDIA's workload. Check current timeframes with the NDIA.
What if I'm knocked back?
Ask for the reasons in writing, then request an internal review (commonly within three months). You can strengthen your evidence and, if still unhappy, apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for an independent external review. A free disability advocate can help.
Do I need a support coordinator?
Not strictly — you can make a request without one. But a support coordinator can gather reports, draft the Roster of Care, complete the form and deal with the NDIA, which many people find makes a complex process far more manageable.