SDA Life in Perth supports participants, their families and support coordinators to understand SDA funding, NDIS criteria and where SDA funding fits within NDIS housing options. Call for eligibility criteria.
What is SDA Funding?
SDA funding is a part of your NDIS plan, providing financial assistance for the cost of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). This funding covers the physical accommodation but not support services (Supported Independent Living). SDA funding decisions are made by the NDIA.
Who is Eligible for SDA funding?
NDIS SDA eligibility and funding depend on two specific criteria: the participant meeting the support criterion, and being an NDIS-approved participant. The extreme functional impairment criterion is when a participant has significant physical limitations resulting from their impairment. The very high support needs pathway generally applies where a participant requires a high level of person-to-person support.
The SDA Assessment Process
The SDA assessment process may start when the participant has a home and living goal in an NDIS plan. The participant will be assessed by an occupational therapist, who will complete a Housing Assessment Report. Supporting documentation from allied health and any other reports should be submitted with the request form to the NDIA. The time for NDIA’s decision depends on the quality and relevance of the submitted information.
What Does SDA Funding Cover?
SDA funding contributes to the cost of specialist housing accessibility requirements and features, the ongoing provision, maintenance and upkeep of the premises to ensure compliance. Costs, such as daily living supports and rent contributions, are covered elsewhere within NDIS funding or other avenues. Rent contribution is based on 25% of the DSP + Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
The Four SDA Design Categories
The four categories of SDA design are: Improved Liveability (for people with sensory and/or cognitive impairments), Fully Accessible (for participants with significant physical accessibility requirements), High Physical Support (incorporating significant technology and accessibility) and Robust (for people with high-level behavioural support needs). An SDA design category affects funding levels within the NDIS framework.
Common Challenges to Overcome
Common challenges with submitting an application for SDA include having insufficient occupational therapist evidence, not having appropriate housing and living goals within the NDIS plan, or a mismatch between the accommodation requested and the participant‘s needs. Engaging with the appropriate professionals may increase the chances of a successful application.
What Happens After SDA Funding Is Approved?
Once Specialist Disability Accommodation funding has been approved, it is recorded in the participant’s NDIS plan, along with design category and location, the estimated costs, and the delivery model. The participant is free to make use of the SDA Finder tool to find registered providers and appropriate housing. From here, participants may engage with registered providers such as SDA Life. Once an appropriate SDA accommodation is located, additional support to aid the transition becomes available.
SDA Funding Under the NDIS
By providing the necessary documentation, understanding NDIS SDA eligibility and how SDA funding works, participants can begin their journey to accessing SDA housing.
To have SDA funding explained or for further support, contact SDA Life.