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02 January 2024

Youngcare Home Support Grants.

A Youngcare grant program helps people with a disability who currently reside in unsuitable accommodation move back home or find a new place to live.

The Australian charity was established to give young people with high care needs more care and housing options. The YoungcareHome Support Grant program supports people moving from inappropriate housing, such as aged care, rehabilitation or hospital, into somewhere more appropriate. This may be moving back home, finding a new home to live in, or staying in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

The grants of up to $5,000 can be used for essential disability equipment, home modifications, and basic household items such as whitegoods and essential furniture.

Home Support Grants.

The grants are available for individuals with a permanent physical disability who need essential funding to exit inappropriate housing. It does not cover people who are not moving house.

The grants may be suitable for people who:

  • Are aged between 16 and 65
  • Have extreme functional impairment caused by a physical disability
  • Have been in hospital and need support to move into appropriate housing
  • Live in other housing that does not meet their needs, such as aged care.

The grants cannot be used to fund non-essential items/services or things funded elsewhere.

Grant eligibility.

All applicants must reside in Australia, have a permanent diagnosed physical disability such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain or spinal cord injury and extreme functional impairment. People with or without NDIS plans can apply. However, people with NDIS plans must show evidence of additional need.

Applications must meet the selection criteria, including:

  • What will happen if the applicant does not receive these funds?
  • Without these funds, would the applicant be at risk of entering or remaining in inappropriate housing?
  • The extent to which the grant will enhance the recipient’s life
  • Current support and NDIS Plans
  • Long term impact of the grant to enable the recipient to remain at home.

People with or without NDIS Plans can apply. Applicants with an NDIS Plan must show evidence of additional need.

Funding can’t be paid directly to individuals, so applicants are encouraged to work with relevant providers.

What can the grants be used for?

Grants of up to $5,000 can fund essential equipment, home modifications and services.

Below are some examples of eligible items.

  • Equipment not funded by the NDIS
  • Home modifications not funded by the NDIS to enable access and mobility
  • Essential household items and utilities, including white goods, basic furniture and linen
  • Essential medical aids
  • Essential moving costs
  • Other critical items or services that will assist the applicant to move to a more appropriate home.

All equipment and home modification items require a specific assessment by an allied health professional to evidence suitability and need. Items that will be funded by the NDIS are not eligible.

The grants do not cover urgent or emergency payments.

How to apply.

  1. Applications must be fully completed via the Smartygrants online application form
  2. All supporting documentation must be included, including two quotes for the item you’re requesting funding for
  3. You will receive confirmation of your submission upon completion.

Grants are open year-round (except for a month over Christmas) or until the funds run out. Panel meetings are held every six weeks. Any applications that come in will be presented at the next upcoming panel meeting. See the Information Guide for more details.

Successful organisations/individuals must complete a brief acquittal survey within six months.

For more information and a detailed application guide, visit Youngcare or contact Youngcare Connect on 1800 844 727 or email connect@youngcare.com.au.

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Further reading

Housing and the NDIS: What your options are.

More accessible homes and apartments from 2022.

Individual Living Options (ILO): Get NDIS support to live your way.

 

Originally published July 2021, reviewed and updated January 2024.

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