Are you eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation?

Navigating housing options under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be challenging. This guide aims to help you understand if you or your family member may be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) as determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). You must be an NDIS participant to be eligible for SDA funding.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing specifically designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA homes have accessibility features that enable greater independence and ensure that other supports can be delivered effectively and safely.

It's important to note that only a small number (around 6%) of NDIS participants will be eligible for SDA. If you are not eligible for SDA, there may be other home and living supports available through the NDIS to help you achieve your home and living goals.

Am I Eligible for SDA and How is a Decision Made?

To be eligible for SDA, the NDIS will need to confirm that you have an extreme functional impairment and/or very high support needs. They will also consider whether SDA, combined with your other funded supports, will be effective and beneficial. In making this decision, the NDIS reviews information that your support team provides, including allied health reports and other assessments relating to your support and housing needs. This helps them understand your current circumstances, strengths, barriers, and daily support needs.

What is Extreme Functional Impairment?

Extreme functional impairment means having significant difficulty completing daily tasks on your own or being unable to do them at all. This can include challenges with:

Mobility: Walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed or a chair, carrying or moving items, and leaving the house.
Self-care: Washing, going to the toilet, getting dressed, eating, drinking, talking, and taking medication.
Self-management: Housework, following routines, making and maintaining relationships, maintaining boundaries, and managing behaviour.

What are Very High Support Needs?

Very high support needs mean requiring a lot of person-to-person support for a significant part of the day. If you have very high support needs, you might:

Not have enough informal support from family or friends, or your usual support network can no longer provide the needed support.
Be needing specialist disability accommodation to reduce safety risks to yourself or others, such as needing immediate help to leave your home in an emergency or managing behaviours of concern with a current behaviour support or restrictive practice plan.
Have lived in a place like specialist disability accommodation for a long time, making it hard to move to other housing options.

Do You Have a Specialist Disability Accommodation Needs Requirement?

The NDIS will want to confirm that specialist disability accommodation combined with your other supports will lead to better outcomes for you. They will consider whether SDA will:

Improve, maintain, or prevent your functional capacity from worsening.
Reduce your future support needs.
Create better connections with your family, community, health services, education, and employment.

As with all supports, the NDIS will only fund SDA if it meets their funding criteria. They will want to know that SDA:

Helps you pursue your goals.
Is effective and beneficial for you.
Is value for money.
Is most appropriately funded by the NDIS.
Will not likely cause harm to you or other people.

SDA Eligibility Tools

Several organisations have developed online tools to help you understand if you may be eligible for SDA. These tools can serve as a helpful guide, but it's important to note that they may not fully reflect the decision-making processes of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Therefore, they should be used as a guide rather than a definite answer. You can access these tools through the following links:

How Do I Apply for SDA?

For more information about how to apply for SDA, please read our SDA pathway resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation do I need to provide when applying for SDA funding?

The NDIS doesn’t specify the exact documentation they need for SDA applications, and it may vary from person to person. Common documents to include are:

Participant Housing Statement: This statement allows you to clearly express your housing preferences and needs to the NDIS.

Functional Capacity Assessment: Typically completed by an occupational therapist, this assessment outlines your functional and support needs while addressing the SDA rules and eligibility criteria.

Other Relevant Assessments or Reports: These may include allied health assessments, a Positive Behaviour Support Plan, incident reports, and carer statements.

Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form: Generally completed by your support coordinator after gathering all assessments and reports, this NDIS form summarises your daily support needs, current circumstances, housing history, and barriers.

How long does the SDA application process take?

The NDIA Participant Service Guarantee sets clear timeframes for NDIS processes. The guarantee states that:

A request for a plan reassessment should be accepted within 21 days.
A plan reassessment should be completed within 28 days from the date the request is accepted.

Please note that these timeframes are not always met and it can take longer for a decision to be reached.

Can I reapply if I am initially deemed ineligible for SDA?

Yes, you can reapply or ask for a review of the decision if your circumstances change, if you gather additional supporting evidence, or if you disagree with the initial decision. Your support coordinator will work with you on the best option.

What are my options if I am not eligible for SDA?

If you are not eligible for SDA, the NDIS offers other home and living supports, such as:

Supported Independent Living (SIL): Assistance with daily tasks to help you live as independently as possible.
Individualised Living Options (ILO): Flexible support packages tailored to your living preferences.
Funding for home modifications: Financial support for changes that improve accessibility in your home.
Assistive technology: Devices and equipment that aid independence and daily functioning.

You can read more about your options on the NDIS website.

How can I find SDA properties in my area?

Your support coordinator can help you explore SDA options that meet your needs. Advertised SDA vacancies can be found on several online platforms including:

Will I have a say in choosing my SDA housing?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences and needs with your NDIS planner and potential SDA providers to find a suitable match.

Support Contact Information

NDIS Contact Centre: 1800 800 110

For general enquiries about the NDIS, eligibility, and the application process.

NDIS Local Area Coordinators (LACs): https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations

Local coordinators who can assist with planning and accessing NDIS supports.

Disability Advocacy Services: https://disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/

Services that provide support and advocacy for people with disability.

Occupational Therapy Australia [Find an OT]: https://otaus.com.au/find-an-ot

To find a qualified occupational therapist for your housing assessment.

Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737

Support services for carers, including those helping family members with disability.