Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of NDIS funding that helps people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs access purpose-built or modified housing. But not everyone with a disability qualifies, and the eligibility process can be confusing.
This guide breaks down what SDA is, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What is SDA?
SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. It refers to housing designed to cater for the needs of people with significant disabilities. SDA funding covers the cost of the building itself, the bricks and mortar, so that participants can live in a home designed specifically for their needs.
SDA is not the same as Supported Independent Living (SIL), which covers the support workers who assist you in your day-to-day life. You can receive SDA and SIL together, or just one, depending on your circumstances.
Who is Eligible for SDA?
To receive SDA funding in your NDIS plan, you must meet three key criteria:
1. Extreme Functional Impairment or Very High Support Needs
You must have a permanent disability that results in:
- Extreme functional impairment in one or more areas (e.g., mobility, self-care, communication), OR
- Very high support needs that cannot be adequately met in standard housing
This typically means requiring significant daily support from people or technology to perform basic life tasks.
2. SDA is Likely to Reduce Other NDIS Supports
The NDIS must be satisfied that living in SDA housing would reduce the cost of your other funded supports, for example, by enabling more efficient delivery of support worker hours or reducing the need for intensive in-home assistance.
3. SDA is Value for Money
The NDIS applies a value-for-money test. Your SDA must be considered reasonable and necessary given your circumstances and the alternatives available.
Key insight: SDA is designed for people with the most significant support needs. Approximately 6% of NDIS participants qualify, but those who do can access life-changing housing solutions.
SDA Design Categories
SDA housing is built to different design categories based on participant needs:
| Category | Description | |----------|-------------| | Improved Liveability | Features that improve ease of living for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairment | | Fully Accessible | Wheelchair-accessible features throughout the dwelling | | Robust | Durable, easy-to-maintain construction for participants who may present challenging behaviours | | High Physical Support | Designed for participants requiring a high level of physical support, including ceiling hoists and other assistive features |
For a full breakdown of what each category means and who qualifies, see our SDA Design Categories Explained guide.
The SDA Application Process
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Your application should include evidence from relevant health professionals: typically a functional assessment from an occupational therapist (OT) and supporting documentation from your specialist (e.g., physiotherapist, neurologist, or psychiatrist).
Step 2: Request SDA in Your NDIS Plan
You or your support coordinator can request that SDA be considered during your next NDIS planning meeting. Provide the evidence gathered in Step 1.
Step 3: NDIS Assessment
The NDIS will review your evidence and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. This can take several months.
Step 4: Find SDA Housing
Once approved, you can begin searching for SDA-registered properties in your preferred location and design category. Read our step-by-step guide on how to find SDA housing in Perth for a detailed walkthrough of the search process.
SDA Housing in Perth with Innogreen
Innogreen manages SDA properties in Perth, including locations in Leederville, Armadale, Baldivis, and Morley. Our properties are purpose-built to meet NDIS SDA standards and are designed with participant comfort and independence in mind.
Interested in our available SDA properties or want to learn more about eligibility? Get in touch with our team today.