Getting NDIS support while living with family
How the NDIS supports people who live with family, including in-home supports, respite and building toward more independence when you're ready
What NDIS supports can I get living with family?
What won't the NDIS fund at home?
How do I build toward independent living?
The supports that most often help at home
Balancing family care and paid support
Planning ahead for change
When living with family stops being the right fit
Frequently asked questions
Does living with family reduce my funding?
Living with family doesn't automatically reduce your funding — your supports are based on your assessed disability-related needs. The NDIA can consider what's reasonable to expect from informal supports, but it must recognise their limits and can fund support beyond what's reasonable for family to provide. An accurate…
Can my parents be paid to support me?
Generally, the NDIS doesn't pay family members to provide everyday support, as informal support is treated separately from paid support. There are limited exceptional circumstances where a family member may be engaged, but it's not the norm. Discuss your situation with your planner or support coordinator if you think…
Can I get NDIS support if I live with family?
Yes. The NDIS funds a range of in-home and capacity-building supports for people who live with family — including personal care, help building daily-living skills, community access, and respite for family carers. These are funded from your plan the same as they would be in any other setting.
What NDIS supports are available at home?
Personal care and assistance with daily living, capacity-building supports to develop independence, community access and social participation, Short Term Accommodation (respite) to support family carers, and home modifications or assistive technology where needed.
What won't the NDIS pay for when I live with family?
The NDIS funds your disability supports, not the ordinary household costs your family already shares like rent, food and utilities. It also generally doesn't replace the everyday care families ordinarily provide, though it can fund support beyond what's reasonable to expect of family.
Can NDIS support help my family carers?
Yes. Respite through Short Term Accommodation and in-home supports can ease the load on family carers. Describing the real level of care your family provides helps the NDIS fund support that genuinely helps you and them.
How do I move from living with family to independent living?
Build the skills and evidence for a home-and-living support — SIL, ILO or SDA — through capacity-building supports and assessments, and plan early. When you're ready, ask about the right option at a planning meeting with a support coordinator's help.