In Brief 

• Appendix H allows eligible SDA participants to live with family members, partners, or friends who do not have SDA funding.  

• Appendix H funding can be added to a participant’s existing approved SDA funding where they meet the relevant criteria for these living arrangements. 

• The arrangement affects how SDA funding is calculated but does not change SDA eligibility requirements.  

• Shared living arrangements may help participants maintain important relationships and support networks.  

For many NDIS participants, finding the right home is not just about accessibility. It’s also about staying connected to family, friends and important support networks. Appendix H helps make this possible by allowing eligible SDA participants to continue living with family members or friends who do not have SDA funding. 

Appendix H is part of the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) pricing arrangements and recognises that accessibility should not come at the expense of important relationships and support systems.

What is Appendix H? 

Before the introduction of Appendix H, many NDIS participants faced a difficult choice: move into a more accessible home and live apart from loved ones, or remain with family in a home that does not fully meet their accessibility needs. 

Appendix H helps address this challenge by allowing eligible participants with approved SDA funding to live with people who are not eligible for SDA. This may include a: 

• Parent 

• Sibling 

• Partner or spouse 

• Adult child 

• Close friend 

This provision recognises that people often want to live with those they know and trust, and that families should not be separated simply because one person requires specialised housing. 

How Appendix H Works 

Appendix H applies to participants who already have SDA funding approved in their NDIS plan, or it can be requested as part of an initial SDA funding application. It allows additional SDA funding considerations for participants who live with someone who does not receive SDA funding, and adjusts how existing SDA funding is calculated. 

Under this arrangement, the SDA funding amount is adjusted based on: 

• The number of bedrooms in the property 

• The number of residents with SDA funding 

• The number of residents without SDA funding 

The family member, partner or friend living in the property contributes towards accommodation costs through a separate rental arrangement. These arrangements are not set by the NDIS and are agreed upon between the SDA provider, participant and co-resident. 

Example Living Arrangements:  

Every Appendix H arrangement is different. Funding outcomes will vary depending on the home, who is living there and the SDA Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits that apply at the time. The examples below show some of the ways Appendix H can support people to live with family members, partners and friends while accessing SDA.  

Example 1: Parent Living with Participant 

Sarah has SDA funding and lives in a three-bedroom SDA home. Her mother lives with her and occupies one bedroom, while the third bedroom is used as a study and therapy space. 

Funding outcome: Sarah’s SDA funding may be adjusted under Appendix H because she is living with a person who does not receive SDA funding. Her mother’s accommodation contribution would be managed separately.  

Example 2: Partner Sharing the Home 

Tom has SDA funding and lives with his partner in a two-bedroom apartment. His partner uses the second bedroom as a home office. 

Funding outcome: Tom’s SDA funding may be adjusted under Appendix H because he is living with a person who does not receive SDA funding. Accommodation arrangements for his partner would be managed separately.  

Example 3: Adult Child Living at Home 

Maria has SDA funding and lives in a four-bedroom SDA house. Her adult son lives with her and occupies one bedroom. Additional rooms are used to support Maria’s daily living needs. 

Funding outcome: Maria’s SDA funding may be adjusted under Appendix H because she is living with a person who does not receive SDA funding. Her son’s accommodation contribution would be managed separately.  

Example 4: Participant Living with a Sibling 

James lives in a three-bedroom SDA property and is the only SDA-funded participant. His brother occupies one bedroom, while the third room is used for equipment storage. 

Funding outcome: James’ SDA funding may be adjusted under Appendix H because he is living with a person who does not receive SDA funding. His brother’s accommodation contribution would be managed separately.  

Example 5: Couple Where Only One Person Has SDA Funding 

Emma receives SDA funding and lives with her husband in a three-bedroom SDA home. The third bedroom is used for visiting family members. 

Funding outcome: Emma’s SDA funding may be adjusted under Appendix H because she is living with a person who does not receive SDA funding. Her husband’s accommodation contribution would be managed separately through an arrangement with the SDA provider. 

Example 6: Living with a Friend 

Liam has SDA funding and lives in a three-bedroom house with a friend who does not have SDA funding. They each have their own bedroom, while the third room is used as a shared activity space. 

Funding outcome: Liam’s SDA funding may be adjusted under Appendix H because he is living with a person who does not receive SDA funding. His friend’s accommodation contribution would be managed separately. 

Who Can Benefit from Appendix H? 

Appendix H may be beneficial for: 

• Elderly parents living with an adult child who has SDA funding 

• Siblings who wish to continue living together 

• Partners and spouses 

• Multi-generational families 

• Participants who wish to live with a trusted friend or informal support person 

Eligibility Requirements 

To use Appendix H: 

1. The participant must have SDA funding approved, or be seeking SDA funding that includes a proposed Appendix H shared living arrangement. 

1. The property must meet all SDA design requirements for the participant’s approved SDA category. Appendix H does not change the accessibility requirements of the home. It only affects who can live in the dwelling. 

1. The dwelling must have sufficient residential accommodation for all household members. An OOA room is intended for support staff and is not considered a bedroom for residents. Appendix H arrangements generally require suitable accommodation for both the SDA participant and any non-SDA household member. 

The application process  

Step 1: Confirm SDA Funding 

Verify that the NDIS plan includes SDA funding with an approved design category. This information will be listed in the participant’s plan decision letter. There does not need to be any specific reference to Appendix H. 

Step 2: Find a Suitable Property 

Work with an SDA provider, such as ADAPT Housing, to identify properties that match the approved design category and have enough bedrooms for your living arrangement. Consider factors such as location, accessibility, and whether the layout provides appropriate privacy and independence for everyone living in the home. 

Step 3: Discuss Expectations 

Have an open conversation with the family member or friend you wish to live with to ensure everyone understands expectations, responsibilities, financial contributions, and what will happen if circumstances change in the future. Clear communication from the beginning can help prevent misunderstandings later on. 

Step 4: Create and Submit a Quote 

Your SDA provider will prepare a quote using the Appendix H process, outlining how SDA funding should be adjusted for the proposed living arrangement. The provider will then submit this information to the NDIA for assessment. 

Step 5: NDIA Approval 

The NDIA will review the quote to confirm it aligns with the participant’s SDA funding approval and follows the relevant calculation requirements. This process can take several weeks, with the SDA provider managing most of the communication and administration. 

Step 6: Sign Agreements and Move In 

Once approval has been received, tenancy agreements will be signed outlining everyone’s rights, responsibilities, and rental contributions. After the agreements are finalised, arrangements can be made to move into the property. 

Final Thoughts 

Appendix H can help people access SDA while continuing to live with the people who are important to them, such as a partner, family member or friend. It supports greater choice and flexibility by recognising that a home is not just about housing, but also about relationships, support and connection.  

Every Appendix H arrangement is different. SDA funding outcomes depend on the participant’s circumstances, the dwelling arrangement and the SDA Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits that apply at the time.  

Important: Before pursuing an Appendix H arrangement, it is important to confirm that the property is suitable for everyone who plans to live there. Properties have occupancy and housing requirements that can affect how many people can legally reside in the home. If you are considering a family-style living arrangement, speak with your SDA provider early to make sure the dwelling can accommodate the proposed household and meets all relevant requirements.  

 At ADAPT Housing, we encourage participants and their support networks to explore all available options and seek advice early. With the right planning, Appendix H can provide a sustainable long-term living arrangement that balances independence, choice and the relationships that matter most.