Live The Life
You Want

Hearth's Approach

Hearth provides long-term home solutions for people with Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding in their NDIS plan. Whether you’re looking to build the skills to live independently, require 24/7 support, or are ready to live in a Hearth home, we are here to support you to live the life you want.

Our Solution

 We’ve built our Hearth Home Solution for you, conceptualised from real experiences and insights from Participant, families and Support Workers.

Funding

Securing SIL Funding in your NDIS plan

Housemates

Bringing together compatible housemates

Coordination

Coordinating NDIS support and rosters-of-care

House

Finding a home informed by your needs and preferences

You choose your housemates

Choose the housemates you want to live with
Hearth house

We source a house

We source a house, suited to your needs and preferences
Matching participants

You move into your new home

Our team will be by your side to transition into your new house and new life!

The Hearth Home Solution

Feel, safe and comfortable in a place that truly feels like home.

Your New Home Key Features

  • One-storey
  • Four bedrooms (for three housemates and one spare room for an overnight Support Worker)
  • Two living areas
  • Outer suburbs of Melbourne and Bendigo
  • Modified for safety (e.g. ramps, handrails)
Hearth house
Matching participants

How does the matching process work?

The NDIS average SIL support ratio is 1:3, meaning supports are funded for one Support Worker to support three Participants. We start by bringing together compatible housemates through our careful matching process to create the best living arrangement for you. We take our time to:
  • Bring together NDIS Participants who share similar interests, routines and goals
  • Ensure each persons’ support ratios work together to build sustainable rosters-of-care
Then, we source a long-term house for you and your housemates to live the life you want.

What are the lease details?

You’ll sign a normal rental lease – with added flexibility.
  • Rolling agreement, with a 5+ year option
  • Stay long-term, or move when you need to
  • Stay long-term, or move when you need to
No restrictions on meals, visitors, or how you spend your day.

Cost

What will you need to live in your home?

To access a Hearth Home solution, you’ll need approved Supported Independent Living funding in your NDIS plan. Your rent is 25% of your Disability Support Package and 100% of your Rent Assistance. Hearth provides estimates for non-support costs, including utilities, groceries, and maintenance. These are worked out with families and housemates to find what works best for everyone.

Real Stories

Hear from families we support about the Hearth Home Solution experience.

FAQs

The Hearth Home Solution is a unique housing model for NDIS participants with Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding. We help you choose your housemates first, then find and purchase a home that suits everyone’s needs. Our goal is to provide long-term stability and a smooth transition into your new home.

You must be an NDIS participant with SIL funding in your plan. SIL funding is typically for people who require 1:1 support during the day (around 8 hours) and overnight support, as outlined in NDIS guidelines.

SIL funding approval can take 6–12 months, so start early. Participants, families, or nominees are responsible for checking eligibility and applying. If you need help, our Occupational Therapists can guide you through the process.

Once you register, we begin the matching process. You’ll meet potential housemates and confirm funding matches. After that, we work together to find a suitable home, purchase it, and support you through the move-in process.

Your home will typically be a single-story property with four bedrooms—one for each housemate and one for an overnight support worker. Homes are wheelchair-accessible and may include minor modifications like slip-resistant flooring and handrails.

Homes are located within the community, either in Bendigo or the outer suburbs of Melbourne. We work with you and your family to find a location that suits your lifestyle.

Rent is set at 25% of your Disability Support Pension (DSP) plus 100% of your Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA). Other costs like groceries and utilities are self-managed.

We offer a flexible rolling lease agreement of 5+ years, giving you long-term stability with the option to move out if needed.

Have more questions?