Who is eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and how do I apply?
If you or someone you support is living with significant disability-related challenges, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) may be the key to living more safely, independently, and comfortably.
But how do you know if you’re eligible — and what’s the process for applying?
Let’s break it down…
What is Specilalist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist disability accommodation is a funding stream within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that helps pay for the bricks and mortar of specialist homes designed for people with extreme functional impairment, and/or very high support needs.
The aim of SDA is to enhance accessibility based on specific disability support requirements such as participants with complex disability support needs, complex behaviours or that require 24/7 SIL support.
SDA does not include the services or NDIS supports you might get in your home that relate to your disability supports needs.
Who is eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation funding?
SDA is intended for a small percentage of NDIS participants — about 6% — whose support needs cannot be met in standard or modified housing. People who live in SDA need to live in specialised homes, usually with very high levels of person-to-person support.
Different types of home and living supports will suit different people. SDA is only one of many NDIS support options. The NDIA will talk with you to see if SDA is the right type of Home and Living Support that best suits your needs and supports your goals.
Does having a disability automatically qualify you for SDA?
No — not all NDIS participants are automatically eligible for SDA funding. While SDA is designed for individuals with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment, eligibility is determined by the NDIA on a case-by-case basis.
You do not need to have a Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangement to qualify, but many SDA participants do have SIL or another support model alongside SDA. The NDIS will assess if SDA combined with your other supports will lead to better outcomes.
How do I apply for SDA?
To apply for SDA, you’ll need to first determine your eligibility, gather supporting documentation, then submit a Home and Living Supports Request form and evidence to the NDIA, often through your support coordinator.
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
Talk to your Support Coordinator or Planner
Discuss your current living situation and why it is not meeting your needs.
Confirm if you are eligible by answering the below questions:
- Do you have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs?
- Do you have an SDA needs requirement?
- Does SDA meet the NDIS funding criteria for you?
Gather Supporting Documentation
The NDIA will review a lot of different information to assess your eligibility. You will be asked to provide evidence to support your application and/or eligibility.
These documents will include:
- Home and Living Supports Request Form – Support Coordinator, Planner or Self
- Housing Assessment Form – Occupational Therapist
- Statement of Support – Occupational Therapist, GP, Physiotherapist
- Personal Housing Statement/Plan – Support Coordinator
- Functional Capacity Assessment – Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Specialist
- Psychological Assessment Report – Psychologist (if required)
Submit Your Application to the NDIA
Work with your support coordinator or NDIS planner to submit the Home and Living Supports Request form and all supporting documentation to the NDIA.
If you don’t have a support coordinator, you can submit the application directly.
The NDIA will review your application and make a decision.
NDIA Decision and Next Steps
The NDIA will notify you of their decision, which may include the design category, building type, and funding amount for your SDA this may be written in the Capital section of your NDIS Plan or on a Home and Living Outcome Letter.
If approved, you can begin searching for a SDA home that matches your needs and approved funding.
How Access 2 Place can help
A2P offers a growing selection of homes across South Australia, including purpose-built SDA homes, shared and independent living that align with all NDIS design categories. We can support you and your supports to:
- Understand what SDA is, eligibility and the application process
- Explore your housing options and available SDA homes
- Match your approved design category and location needs
- Prepare to transition into your long-term home supporting independence and choice.
- Provide respectful and responsive tenancy management, helping you feel safe, stable, and supported.
Ready to start your SDA journey?
Contact Access 2 Place to speak with a housing specialist who can guide you through your options and connect you with the right support.
Ready to explore your housing options?
Whether you’re just starting your SDA journey or looking for a better housing match, Access 2 Place is here to help you find the right fit.
Contact us today to speak with our friendly team.
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