YOUR SDA JOURNEY

The SDA application journey involves several key steps to ensure you secure suitable housing. Initially, you'll work with your Support Coordinator to identify your needs and preferences. After gathering all necessary documentation, you'll submit your application. Your application is then reviewed to determine eligibility and funding. If approved, you'll visit potential homes, meet with your support team, and finalize your choice. The process concludes with signing the residency agreement and transitioning smoothly into your new SDA home.

Before you start ...

You must be already eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) before you can be eligible for SDA. The NDIS provides essential support, services, and care for individuals with disabilities. You may access the NDIS if you:

Are between the ages of 0 and 65.
Reside in Australia and hold Australian residency.
Have a permanent disability that necessitates assistance in your daily activities.

To determine your eligibility, contact 1800 800 110 or visit the NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis.

Build your team

Having a reliable support team is crucial. They can help you decide where you want to live, who you want to live with, and how you want to be supported. They can also offer guidance on collecting the required documentation for your NDIS application.

A good team will include:

Someone to discuss your ideas with, seek their perspectives, and advocate for you if your voice isn't heard—this might be a family member, friend, trusted support worker, or advocate.
A capable Support Coordinator or Specialist Housing Support Coordinator.
An Occupational Therapist (OT) knowledgeable in housing and the SDA process.

Develop a housing goal

Inform the NDIS of your intention to relocate, even if you do not plan to move immediately. This notification is essential for the NDIS to assess and allocate appropriate funding to support your housing transition effectively.

Your housing goal should talk about:

Moving out of where you live now and say where you want to move to
How many people you want to live with
The way you want to be supported
Having choice

Choose the location and style of residence that suits your preferences:

Determine the preferred location and type of dwelling (e.g., apartment, villa, house).
Decide whether you prefer living independently or with others.
Consider which home features would enhance your ability to live independently.

Collect supporting evidence and Submit

The NDIS requires confirmation that SDA is suitable for you before funding your accommodation in SDA. Therefore, you must compile evidence for the NDIS, which may include additional support coordination and allied health funding known as Investigating Housing Solutions. It's recommended to request this funding during your planning meeting.

It is very important that your evidence talks about why you need SDA according to the SDA Rules. Supporting evidence may include:

A housing goal in your NDIS plan
A Participant Housing Statement
A functional capacity assessment by a suitable allied health professional
Additional assessments to support the application if needed
Home and living supporting evidence form (previously called 'home and living supports requests form')
If your functional capacity assessment has gaps or is not thorough enough for SDA, you may choose to also complete a Housing Plan.

You will require an NDIS plan that details your objectives and the steps necessary to accomplish them.

Once your reports and assessments are completed, you may submit them to the NDIS at your convenience. Consolidate all your evidence and email it to enquiries@ndis.gov.au, ensuring to cc your NDIS Planner and Local Area Coordinator.

Request a reference number to track the progress of your application. Additionally, upload your evidence to the NDIS portal.

Outcome

A panel of people at the NDIS will decide if you are eligible for SDA.

If you are eligible, the NDIS will put this information in your NDIS plan:

SDA building type
SDA design category
Number of bedrooms in your SDA property
Number of residents – how many NDIS participants you will live with or if you will live on your own
Location – where you can live
Whether you have onsite overnight assistance (OOA)
The amount of SDA funding you will get per year. This will be based on all the things above using the SDA Price Guide (see below)

Belong Housing can then help you with:

Find your home

Begin looking for and applying to homes that interest you. Your Support Coordinator can help you evaluate different housing options, submit applications, and negotiate tenancy agreements.

Review of Application

Once Belong Housing receives your application, we will review your application and ensure the SDA home is a suitable match for you. As part of this process, we will meet with you, invite you to tour the house, and introduce you to your support team.

Signing of SDA Residency Agreemeent

Signing an SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Residency Agreement is a crucial step in securing appropriate housing through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your residency, ensuring that both you and the housing provider have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities.

Move-in

We will collaborate with you and your support team to assist in your transition to your new SDA home. This process is meticulously managed and carefully planned and executed, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for your smooth transition and a positive experience.

The NDIS will pay the SDA provider the payment they have allocated you when they approved SDA in your plan.

You are required to pay your share of the costs of renting the home.

The most an SDA provider can charge you is an amount equal to:

25% of the Disability Support Pension (including Pension Supplement)
The full amount of Commonwealth Rent Assistance

FAQ's

What is SDA?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a range of housing designed for people with "extreme functional impairment", or "very high support needs". It aims to make accessing supports easier, increasing independence, choice and control. SDA usually involves living with a small number of people with similar needs, but can also be purpose built for single residents depending on funding from your NDIS plan.
What is SDA Funding?

The price of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is set by the NDIS and varies depending on factors such as the location and design of the dwelling. The funding provided for SDA is intended to cover the costs associated with both the construction, access to and ongoing maintenance of the property. This ensures that the home meets the necessary design and accessibility standards required by the residents and that it is kept in good repair. The NDIS determines the amount of funding a person receives and how it can be spent through an assessment process managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This process involves evaluating the individual's needs and circumstances to allocate appropriate funding tailored to their specific requirements. In addition to the basic upkeep, SDA funding also ensures that the property can accommodate any specific modifications or adjustments needed by the residents to live comfortably and safely. This holistic approach guarantees that the living environment is not only functional but also enhances the quality of life for those with disabilities. The meticulous planning and structured funding process underscore the commitment to providing high-quality, accessible housing for all eligible individuals. You can find more SDA funding information here https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/housing-and-living-supports-and-services/specialist-disability-accommodation/sda-pricing-and-payments
Who is eligible for SDA ?

If you are an NDIS participant with an extreme functional impairment or high support needs, you may be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding. This funding is designed to provide you with the necessary resources to live independently in a suitable and supportive environment. To determine your eligibility for SDA funding, it is crucial to have an assessment arranged. Start by discussing your situation with your Support Coordinator, NDIS planner, or Local Area Coordinator. They will guide you through the process and help you understand the criteria and documentation required. By engaging with these professionals, you can ensure that your needs are accurately assessed and that you have the best chance of receiving the appropriate funding to enhance your living arrangements.
Can I apply for an SDA without SDA funding?

To express your interest in an SDA tenancy, you can submit an Expression of Interest with us. This step will ensure that you are kept informed about any available vacancies and upcoming opportunities. Please note that we cannot formally offer you an SDA tenancy until you have the appropriate SDA funding and Supported Independent Living (SIL) approved in your NDIS plan. By lodging an Expression of Interest, you will be first in line to receive updates and be contacted about vacancies as they arise, allowing you to stay ahead in the application process. This proactive approach ensures that once your funding and approvals are in place, you can seamlessly transition into suitable accommodation.
SDA Funding does not cover rent?

SDA funding is specifically allocated to cover the cost of housing a person with an functional impairment or support needs. SDA funding covers the capital costs of owning and operating the house and land in which the tenant lives and receives supports. SDA funding is not rent. The tenant pays rent to the SDA property owner. They are also responsible for their living costs such as rent, groceries and utility bills. The rent for an SDA is payable for the property remains an additional expense for the resident to manage independently. As per NDIS regulations, if the resident receives a disability support pension, it is stipulated that the rent should not exceed 25 percent of the total amount received from the pension. This guideline ensures that individuals receiving disability support can effectively budget their finances while residing in SDA-approved accommodations.
SDA funding does not cover utilities and living expenses?

SDA funding is designed to cover specific aspects of accommodation, excluding utilities. Therefore, residents are responsible for covering expenses related to utility connection fees, usage charges, and any other associated costs independently. In addition to utility expenses, residents are also responsible for purchasing groceries and personal items, as these are not included in the funding provided for Specialist Disability Accommodation. This structure ensures that individuals residing in SDA-approved accommodations can manage their living expenses comprehensively and effectively.
SDA funding does not include furniture?

SDA funding does not extend to cover furniture, beds, televisions, or other household items. Residents are responsible for furnishing their accommodations with these personal belongings. This arrangement ensures that individuals can personalize their living space according to their preferences and needs, beyond the scope of the funding allocated for Specialist Disability Accommodation. Essential equipment such as cook-top, range hood, ovens will be provided just like a typical rental property.
Other costs not covered in SDA funding?

Typically, SDA funding does not encompass the cost of personal assistive technology, which includes essential items such as wheelchairs, hoist attachments, and other specialized equipment required due to the individual's disability. Sometimes, the NDIS funding plan may allow for modifications and upgrades to the SDA. It's important to discuss these possibilities with your support coordinator, who can provide guidance on how to navigate the process effectively. This ensures that any necessary adaptations to the living environment can be considered and implemented where feasible, further enhancing the suitability and accessibility of the accommodation.