There are no requirements around who can or should live with you. The Senior Master wants to make sure that your living arrangement is what you need or want.

Living with your family

Many clients live in their homes with their family or support people. If you apply to buy a house from your funds in Court, the Senior Master will make sure the house you buy has enough room for everyone.

If a property is bought for a child from their funds in Court, the Senior Master might ask the parents to contribute to the ongoing costs. This might be for:

  • upkeep and maintenance of the property
  • buying furniture or appliances
  • household bills.

The Senior Master expects that parents pay for these items just as they would if their child did not have funds in Court.

Independent living

Some clients are able to live independently in their home. Sometimes, people are able to live on their own, or they might have attendant carers or family provide part-time help.

Before you can live independently, the Senior Master will make sure that you have the skills you need to manage everyday tasks. An Occupational Therapist will be appointed to work with you. They can teach you things like:

  • cooking
  • cleaning
  • using public transport
  • using modified clothing, assistive devices and alternate techniques
  • budgeting and shopping.

Your Occupational Therapist will send a report to your Client Services Officer to let them know how you have progressed.

If you are thinking about living independently, you should speak to your Client Services Officer.

If you are able to live independently, you might like to rent for a while and see how you like it before you buy. This will be different for each beneficiary, so it is important to talk to your Client Services Officer about your situation.

Independent Living Centres

There are Independent Living Centres in each state, which have a range of displays you can look at. You can visit the centres to see different products, equipment and tools – often called ‘assistive technology’.

Assistive technology helps people to maximise their ability to manage everyday tasks at home, at work, or out in the community.

To find out where your nearest centre is located, visit the national Independent Living Centres Australia website.