How to Get NDIS SDA Funding in Queensland: A Step-by-Step Guide
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS funding for purpose-built or highly modified housing, for participants who need a home specifically designed around their significant disability. But SDA is one of the harder supports to access, and the process can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down step by step.
Who Is Eligible for SDA?
SDA is available to NDIS participants who have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. In practice, this generally means: you need a second person, or significant assistive technology, to assist with most daily activities; standard housing (even with home modifications) cannot safely meet your needs; purpose-built or significantly modified housing would substantially improve your independence, safety or support costs.
SDA is not available for every NDIS participant: it is specifically designed for those with the highest levels of physical or functional disability. The NDIA estimates that approximately 6% of NDIS participants are likely to be eligible.
What Evidence Do You Need?
To access SDA, you need supporting evidence from allied health professionals, typically an occupational therapist (OT), and often a physiotherapist or other specialist. The evidence should document: the nature and extent of your functional impairment; why current housing cannot meet your needs; what type of SDA design category would meet your needs (Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust or High Physical Support); how SDA housing would improve your outcomes, independence or support costs.
Your support coordinator plays a key role in gathering this evidence, preparing a housing proposal and submitting it to the NDIA.
The Process: Step by Step
1. Work with your support coordinator and OT to gather evidence of your functional impairment and housing needs. 2. Your OT prepares a housing report recommending the appropriate SDA design category. 3. Your support coordinator prepares an SDA application with the NDIA, including the housing report and any other supporting documentation. 4. The NDIA assesses your application and determines whether SDA is "reasonable and necessary". 5. If approved, SDA is included in your NDIS plan with a specific SDA funding amount. 6. You and your support coordinator search for suitable SDA properties in your preferred location. 7. Once a property is confirmed, your SIL provider (like First Priority Care) delivers support in the SDA home.
SDA vs SIL: Remember the Difference
SDA funds the home. SIL (Supported Independent Living) funds the support workers in the home. Most participants accessing SDA also need SIL funding for the people who support them daily. The two are applied for separately.
SDA in Queensland
First Priority Care works with participants, families and support coordinators across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Redlands to identify suitable SDA properties and deliver SIL support within them. We can provide letters of support for SDA applications and assist with the transition into SDA housing.
Call 1800 402 205 to speak with our team about SDA and SIL in your area.
Ready to talk to a registered NDIS provider?
Call us on 1800 402 205 or submit a referral online.
