How a person is eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

There are many steps to getting funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). And the first question to be considered is, “How does one know if they are, or can become eligible for SDA funding in their NDIS plan?”?

What's the criteria for being eligible??

1. A person has high support needs or an extreme functional impairment.?
2. A person who can show that SDA will help meet their NDIS goals, provide opportunities to develop their skills, and deliver long-term benefits.?

Please note, Specialist Disability Accommodation is only available to people who need to live in a specialised home and if very high levels of person-to-person support are required.?

What's the process for applying for SDA funding??

When determining eligibility, the NDIS considers other supports needed and how they will work together—they will only fund SDA if it is a better choice for an individual’s disability support needs than other supports alone.?

To be assessed for SDA funding, a person must have a housing goal in their NDIS plan.?

The first step for a person being evaluated for eligibility and SDA funding is completing a Home and Living Supports Request Form, linked here.

What types of questions are in that form??

It is an extensive form with many questions under several umbrellas, some of which include:?

• Reason for SDA funding request?
• Current living arrangements?
• Housing and support goals?
• What housing and living supports will best help a person to meet their goals?
• Current housing and living situation?
• How an individual manages tasks?
• Health care needs?
• Assessments and reports?
• Assistive technology and home modification?

Allied Health Professional reports and reports about an individual’s daily support and living needs will need to be provided—these include an Occupational Therapist (OT) Assessment and Incident Reports, which will provide evidence and support a person’s eligibility for SDA funding.?

Support Coordinators will be able to help gather all the information required, and service provider/s (Supported Independent Living, Community Participation, Assistance with Daily Living/Activities, etc.) can provide Incident Reports and other information needed.?

The applicant should try to have a representative from all these stakeholders present at their plan review to support their application.?

What happens when the Home and Living Support Request Form is completed??

The NDIA will review the application and supporting documentation to identify appropriate home and living supports to assist the individual to achieve their goals.??

The NDIA will then inform the person about the outcome of their application. If it is successful, this is when the individual would contact us at InPlace Living to build their new home!?

If there are any further questions regarding eligibility, please feel free to contact the InPlace Living team on 03 8639 0131 or by emailing us at [email protected].