Social and Community Housing and the NDIS
Social housing and the NDIS: how community and public housing work alongside your NDIS supports, who pays the rent, and how the two systems fit together.
Most NDIS participants don't live in specialist disability housing — they live in ordinary homes, including social and community housing. It's easy to assume the NDIS handles everything about where you live, but housing and disability support are two different systems that work side by side. This guide explains how social and community housing and the NDIS fit together, and who's responsible for…
Two systems, side by side
What social and community housing is
What the NDIS funds in social housing
Who pays the rent
How to access social housing
Social housing versus SDA
Putting it together for your situation
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS provide social housing?
No. Social and community housing is provided by state and territory housing authorities and not-for-profit community housing providers, not the NDIS. The NDIS funds your disability supports to live well in that home; the housing system provides the affordable place to live.
Who pays the rent in social housing if I'm an NDIS participant?
You do, from your own income — usually a set portion of your income plus any Commonwealth Rent Assistance you're entitled to. The NDIS doesn't pay rent or everyday living costs in social housing, private rental or SDA. It funds disability supports, not the roof.
Can I get NDIS support while living in social housing?
Yes. Living in social housing doesn't change what your plan funds. You can still receive support workers (SIL or drop-in), skill-building, assistive technology, and — case by case, with the landlord's agreement — home modifications, all to help you live independently there.
What's the difference between social housing and SDA?
SDA is NDIS-funded specialist housing for the small group with very high or complex needs, where the building is purpose-built. Social housing is mainstream affordable rental housing for a wide range of people, provided through the housing system. Most participants use social or private housing, not…
Related guides
- Allied Health Evidence for Home and Living Funding
- Appealing an NDIS Housing Decision (Review & the ART)
- Home and Living Exploration: Exploring Your Options First
- How NDIS Home and Living Funding Works (Core, Capital, SDA)
- How to Write Your NDIS Home and Living Plan
- NDIS Housing Glossary: SDA, SIL, ILO, MTA and More