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A Pathway to NDIS Home Services
Finding the right place to live is a big decision, and for NDIS participants, it’s not just about choosing a house. It’s about finding a supportive environment that meets your needs and helps you live the life you want. But what many people don’t realise is that the NDIS can fund exploration services to help participants learn about their housing options before they commit to moving. These are known as Home and Living Exploration Services and can be the key to making confident, well-informed choices.
This article explains these services, who can access them, and how they fit into broader NDIS housing supports.
What Are Home and Living Exploration Services?
Home and Living Exploration Services are designed to help participants explore different housing arrangements to see what suits them best. Whether you’re considering Supported Independent Living (SIL), Individualised Living Options (ILO), or Short-Term Accommodation, this pre-planning support gives you the tools and guidance to make informed decisions.
These services can include:
- Help identify your housing goals and preferences
- Support visits to different housing models or providers
- Skill-building to prepare for more independent living
- Coordination with allied health professionals, support coordinators, and families
- Developing a housing vision and support proposal
Importantly, these services can be funded before any formal housing application is made, meaning you don’t have to wait until you’re ready to move to start planning.
Who Is Eligible for These Services?
Any NDIS participant with housing-related goals can request Home and Living Exploration Services as part of their plan. Depending on their goals and needs, these supports are typically funded under Capacity Building—Support Coordination or Improved Living Arrangements.
If you’re not yet ready to apply for housing supports like SIL or ILO but want to learn what’s available, these services are ideal. They’re beneficial for young adults transitioning to independence, people living in unsuitable arrangements, or participants exploring alternatives to residential care.
We recommend reading our article on Housing Support Eligibility for NDIS Participants to understand the whole pathway toward NDIS housing approval.
Why Exploration Matters
NDIS housing is a big step, often involving significant lifestyle changes, new routines, and a shift in responsibilities. That’s why the NDIS encourages participants to build skills and explore preferences ahead of time. Without proper preparation, participants may feel unready for living more independently or unsure if a specific model, like ILO or SIL, is the right fit.
Through exploration, participants can:
- Develop a clearer understanding of what independence looks like
- Learn what supports are available in different housing types
- Trial services such as Supported Independent Living
- Build the confidence to take the next step when the time is right
It’s also an opportunity for families and support networks to become involved and understand the level of care and accommodation that will be needed in the future.
How to Request Home and Living Exploration Services
You can request these services at any stage of your NDIS journey—whether at the start of a new plan or going through a review. Here’s how:
- Define a housing-related goal in your NDIS plan. For example: “I want to explore living independently.”
- Discuss your interest in Home and Living Exploration Services with your Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator.
- Provide evidence if needed—this may include an OT assessment or a statement outlining why your current housing is no longer suitable.
- Work with a provider like My Care Living to guide you through the process, organise visits, and document your preferences.
Our team can help you navigate this journey and connect you with appropriate support. Visit our NDIS Housing page to learn more about our housing options.
Final Thoughts
Home and Living Exploration Services are more than just information sessions—they’re a personalised roadmap to help you choose the right path. By learning what’s out there and building the skills you need, you’ll be better prepared to transition into housing that supports your lifestyle, goals, and well-being.
At My Care Living, every participant deserves the opportunity to make informed decisions about their housing. If you’re ready to take that first step toward independence or a more suitable home, we’re here to support you, every step of the way.