Policy Submission: NDIS & Homelessness

The intersection of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), homelessness services, and Queensland’s boarding house regulations has created a critical failure in access to supported accommodation.

  • NDIS-supported accommodation is inaccessible due to complex eligibility and assessment requirements.
  • Financial and logistical burdens (psychiatric assessments, transport) delay approvals by 12+ months.
  • Vacant NDIS-supported accommodation beds remain unoccupied while homelessness increases.
  • NDIS providers do not assist applicants in obtaining housing approval.
  • The Department of Residential Services forces NDIS providers to register as boarding houses, adding financial strain.

Key Recommendations:

  • Create a State-funded NDIS Housing Assistance Program to cover psychiatric assessments, advocacy, and temporary housing.
  • Mandate that NDIS-supported accommodation providers assist applicants with NDIS housing approvals.
  • Remove unnecessary boarding house registration requirements for NDIS providers.
  • Expand State-funded supported accommodation for those who do not qualify for NDIS.

2.1 How NDIS-Supported Accommodation Works

The NDIS funds Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL), but access requires:

  • Psychiatric and disability assessments.
  • Advocacy and application assistance.
  • Transport to medical appointments.
  • Temporary housing during assessments.

Barriers:

  • ❌ Lack of stable housing during the process.
  • ❌ High costs of assessments and advocacy.
  • ❌ No support workers or case managers to navigate the system.

2.2 The Result: Vacant Beds While Homelessness Increases

NDIS providers have vacancies but only accept pre-approved applicants.

2.3 The Department of Residential Services’ Response: Artificially Inflating Bed Numbers

  • 🚨 The real issue is unaddressed—beds remain vacant.
  • 🚨 Additional financial and regulatory burdens are placed on NDIS providers.
  • 🚨 The 12+ month process is ignored, leaving vulnerable people without housing.

2.4 Impact on Homelessness & Housing Accessibility

Problem Impact on Homelessness & Housing
NDIS housing approval takes over 12 months People experiencing homelessness cannot access housing quickly.
Costs of assessments & application assistance create barriers Most individuals in need cannot afford to apply for NDIS housing.
NDIS providers do not assist with applications Vacant beds remain unused while homelessness increases.
Department forces NDIS providers to register as boarding houses Adds financial strain on providers while failing to address access issues.

3.1 Establish a State-Funded NDIS Housing Assistance Program

  • ✅ Fund psychiatric assessments, advocacy, and transport.
  • ✅ Provide temporary accommodation for applicants.
  • ✅ Require application processing within a fixed timeframe.

3.2 Require NDIS Providers to Assist Applicants in Obtaining Housing Approval

  • ✅ Mandate application support for potential residents.
  • ✅ Incentivize providers through performance-based funding.

3.3 Remove Boarding House Registration Requirements for NDIS Providers

  • ✅ Remove unnecessary compliance costs.
  • ✅ Create a streamlined licensing system.

3.4 Expand State-Funded Supported Accommodation for Non-NDIS Applicants

  • ✅ Fund housing for those ineligible for NDIS.
  • ✅ Provide transitional supported housing.
  • ✔ Fund NDIS application support and temporary accommodation.
  • ✔ Require NDIS providers to assist applicants in obtaining housing approval.
  • ✔ Remove unnecessary boarding house registration requirements.
  • ✔ Expand State-supported accommodation for non-NDIS clients.