NDIS housing costs, rent & contributions
A plain-English guide to NDIS housing costs — what the NDIS funds, what you pay from your own income, and how rent and contributions work
Where the money actually comes from
Who pays for what
What SIL pays for — and what it doesn't
The Reasonable Rent Contribution if you have SDA
Where your own money usually comes from
Board and lodging in a shared home
How the pieces fit: a general example
Common pitfalls and what to do next
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS pay my rent?
No. The NDIS funds your disability support, and for a small group it contributes to a specialist SDA building, but it does not pay your rent. Rent, board, utilities and food come from your own income, usually the Disability Support Pension and any Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Confirm your own situation with the NDIA.
What is a Reasonable Rent Contribution?
The Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) is the rent-like amount an SDA resident pays to their SDA provider from their own income. It is commonly described as a set share of the base pension plus the full amount of any Rent Assistance you receive. The exact formula can change, so confirm the current figure with the NDIA…
What are the DSP and CRA?
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a regular income payment from Services Australia for people whose permanent condition stops them working. Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is an extra amount added to a qualifying payment to help with rent. Both come from Services Australia, not the NDIS, and the rates change…
Do I pay board in a shared home?
Usually yes. In many shared supported homes you pay board — your share of the accommodation and living costs — from your own income rather than a formal lease rent. Ask the provider exactly what the board covers and how any increase is decided, since board arrangements can bundle several costs together.
Does SIL cover my rent or bills?
No. Supported Independent Living (SIL) funds the support workers who help you with daily tasks, not the house. You still pay rent or board, electricity, gas, water, internet and food yourself. In a shared home the support cost is split between residents according to the support ratio.