For many NDIS participants, finding the right home isn't just about accessibility. It's about whether you can share that home with the people who matter most. If you're wondering whether your parent, sibling, or partner can live with you in Specialist Disability Accommodation, Appendix H makes this possible.

Appendix H is a provision within the NDIS SDA Pricing Arrangements that allows participants with SDA funding to live with family members or friends who don't have their own SDA funding. This flexible arrangement supports families who want to stay together whilst accessing the accessibility features that SDA provides. For a quick reference guide, you can download our Appendix H Explained PDF.

What Is Appendix H and Why Does It Matter?

For years, NDIS participants faced a difficult choice: move into purpose-built accessible housing and live separately from family, or stay with loved ones in housing that might not meet their accessibility needs.

Appendix H changed this. Introduced in the 2023-24 SDA Pricing Arrangements, it allows participants with approved SDA funding to share their home with people who aren't eligible for SDA themselves. This could be an elderly parent, a sibling, a partner, or a close friend.

The provision acknowledges a simple truth: many people want to live near or with their support networks, and accessibility shouldn't force families apart.

How Appendix H Works

Appendix H only applies if you already have SDA funding approved in your NDIS plan. It's not a way to obtain SDA funding initially, but rather adjusts how that existing funding works when you live with someone who doesn't have their own SDA funding.

When you use Appendix H, your SDA funding amount is adjusted based on the number of bedrooms in the property and how many residents have SDA funding. For example, in a three-bedroom property where you're the only SDA-funded resident and your parent lives in the second bedroom, the NDIS calculates your funding based on a two-bedroom property.

The person living with you contributes to accommodation costs through a separate rental arrangement. This contribution isn't regulated by the NDIS and is agreed upon between you, your family member, and your SDA provider.

Who Can Benefit From Appendix H?

Elderly Parents and Adult Children

Many adult participants want their aging parents nearby, providing mutual support as parents grow older. Appendix H allows an elderly parent to live in the same SDA property without needing their own SDA approval. The accessible design often benefits aging parents who may be developing mobility considerations themselves.

Siblings Sharing a Home

Brothers and sisters can live together even if only one sibling has SDA funding. This works particularly well for younger adults establishing independence whilst maintaining close family ties, or where one sibling has SDA eligibility and another is studying or establishing a career.

Partners and Spouses

Couples where one person has SDA funding and the other doesn't can use Appendix H to live together. Many couples face this situation, where only one person meets the high support threshold for SDA funding. Appendix H ensures these couples don't need to live separately.

Multi-Generational Families

For CALD communities where multi-generational living is culturally important, Appendix H facilitates these traditional family structures within the SDA framework. This honours cultural values whilst ensuring appropriate accessibility.

Eligibility Requirements

You Must Have Existing SDA Funding

You must already have SDA funding approved and included in your NDIS plan, with a specified design category such as Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support, or Robust. If you're unsure about your funding status, speak with your support coordinator or contact our team.

Property Must Meet Your Design Category

The SDA property must still meet all requirements for your approved design category. Appendix H doesn't change the accessibility features required. It only affects who can live in the property with you, not the physical specifications.

Bedroom Requirements

Appendix H can only be used for shared properties with at least two bedrooms. A one-bedroom villa with an On-site Overnight Assistance room doesn't qualify because the OOA room is specifically for support workers. Everyone living in the property needs appropriate private space.

Your Family Member Doesn't Need NDIS Approval

Your family member, partner, or friend doesn't need to be an NDIS participant or have any NDIS approvals. The only person who needs SDA funding is you.

Understanding the Financial Impact

The Funding Adjustment

When you use Appendix H, your SDA funding is adjusted as if the property had fewer bedrooms. The specific amount depends on your approved design category, the property's building type, and the location factor for the area.

Your Rent Contribution

As the SDA-funded participant, you'll pay a Maximum Reasonable Rent Contribution (MRRC) from your disability support pension or other income. As of October 2025, the fortnightly MRRC is $463.75 for a single person or $296.31 for each member of a couple. Your MRRC is the same whether or not you use Appendix H.

Family Member's Contribution

The family member living with you will typically contribute to accommodation costs through a separate rental arrangement negotiated with your SDA provider. The amount should be fair and sustainable, often based on the proportion of space used or comparable local rental rates. This rent is documented separately from NDIS funding.

The Application Process

Step One: Confirm Your SDA Funding

Verify that your NDIS plan includes SDA funding with a specified design category. Your plan decision letter contains this information. No special mention of Appendix H needs to appear in your plan.

Step Two: Find a Suitable Property

Work with SDA providers like Paramount Disability Homes to identify properties that match your design category and have enough bedrooms. Consider location, accessibility, and whether the layout provides appropriate privacy for everyone.

Step Three: Discuss Expectations

Have open conversations with your family member about expectations, household responsibilities, financial contributions, and what happens if circumstances change. Clear communication now prevents misunderstandings later.

Step Four: Provider Creates Quote

Your SDA provider creates a quote using the Appendix H format, showing the NDIA how funding should be adjusted. The provider submits this directly to the NDIA.

Step Five: NDIA Approval

The NDIA reviews the quote to confirm it matches your approved SDA level and follows correct calculations. This typically takes several weeks. Your provider handles most communication.

Step Six: Sign Agreements and Move In

Once approved, you'll sign tenancy agreements specifying everyone's rights, responsibilities, and rent amounts. After agreements are signed, you can plan your move-in.

Common Questions

Will This Reduce My NDIS Funding?

Appendix H adjusts your SDA funding amount but doesn't affect any other supports in your plan. Your support services, therapies, assistive technology, and transport remain exactly as approved.

What If My Family Member Needs Care Later?

If your family member develops care needs, they can access aged care services through My Aged Care. If they need to move out, your SDA funding reverts to the standard amount. You'd notify your provider and the NDIA, then decide whether to live alone or find another housemate.

Can We Add Family Members Later?

Yes, if the property has spare bedrooms. Your provider creates a new Appendix H quote reflecting the changed arrangement, which the NDIA must approve before your family member moves in.

Does This Affect My Independence?

Living with family doesn't reduce your independence or control. You remain the tenant with full rights, direct your own support services, and make decisions about your daily routine. The key is setting clear boundaries and expectations.

What About Supported Independent Living?

SDA funding covers housing, whilst SIL funding covers support services. These are separate in your NDIS plan. Appendix H relates only to the housing component. Your support workers continue providing agreed services regardless of who else lives in the property.

Making It Work: Practical Tips

Ensure Everyone Has Privacy

When viewing properties, consider bedroom sizes, bathroom sharing, and communal spaces. Even in close relationships, everyone needs private space. SDA properties typically offer generous space due to accessibility requirements.

Clarify Household Responsibilities

Document who's responsible for cleaning, shopping, cooking, and managing bills. Consider what your support workers will assist with versus what you'll manage independently or with your family member.

Coordinate Support Services

Orient your support team to the household and clarify boundaries. Your support coordinator can help ensure services complement rather than complicate your family arrangement.

Plan for Change

Life circumstances evolve. Tenancy agreements should specify notice periods and processes for ending the arrangement. If your family member moves out, your funding reverts to the standard amount. If you need to move to a different property, Appendix H can be applied to new arrangements.

How Paramount Supports Appendix H Families

At Paramount Disability Homes, we understand that family connections matter. Our experience with Appendix H arrangements means we can guide you through every step, from understanding whether this option suits you to creating quotes and supporting successful transitions.

We offer properties across Victoria with various bedroom configurations suitable for Appendix H arrangements. Our team takes time to understand your family's needs, explain financial aspects clearly, and ensure everyone feels comfortable before proceeding.

We've worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including CALD communities where multi-generational living is culturally important. Through our partnerships with organisations like MediStays, we also assist families transitioning from temporary accommodation into permanent SDA.

Your Next Step

If you're wondering whether you can live with your parent, sibling, partner, or friend in SDA, Appendix H provides a practical pathway. Independence doesn't mean isolation, and many people thrive when they maintain close family connections whilst accessing appropriate accessible housing.

The first step is confirming you have SDA funding in your NDIS plan. Your support coordinator can verify this, or you can review your plan decision letter. Once confirmed, you can start exploring properties and discussing possibilities with your family.

Contact our team at (03) 9999 7418 or admin@paramounthomes.com.au to discuss how Appendix H could work for your family. We're ready to answer your questions and help you explore whether this flexible provision might be the key to maintaining family connections whilst accessing the accessible housing you need.