It’s important to understand that there are strict eligibility requirements to qualify for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes. These homes are only for people who need very high levels of one-on-one support. According to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), only 6% of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants are likely to meet SDA eligibility requirements. The NDIA is responsible for administering the NDIS.
Three eligibility criteria for SDA funding
To be eligible for SDA funding, NDIA assessment staff must be able to answer ‘Yes’ to each of these three questions which are;
- Does the applicant have an extreme functional impairment and/or very high support needs?
- Does the applicant have an SDA needs requirement?
- Is SDA reasonable and necessary for the applicant?
We’ll now look at each of these criteria in turn. Extreme functional impairment and/or very high support needs. An NDIS participant who has extreme functional impairment cannot do (or has a lot of trouble doing) daily living tasks without intensive one-on-one support. ‘Very high support’ needs include those where it may be risky or unsafe for untrained or unqualified family or friends to provide the necessary support.
An SDA needs a requirement. If an applicant has an extreme functional impairment and/or very high support needs, NDIA assessment staff also need to be confident that SDA is the right long-term care option. They will consider whether SDA will reduce the applicant’s need for intensive one-on-one support and improve their quality of life, or whether there are other options. For example, another option may be to make adjustments to the applicant’s current home. However, this may not always be feasible.
Is SDA reasonable and necessary? If an applicant satisfies the first two criteria, NDIA staff then assess whether SDA is reasonable and necessary. Key considerations will include whether SDA is the best option for the applicant’s specific circumstances, SDA will provide good value for money in terms of reducing the applicant’s need for intensive support and there are any risks of providing SDA for the applicant and if so, how they could be managed.
What information is used to assess eligibility for SDA funding?
NDIA assessment staff use a range of information sources to determine eligibility for SDA funding. These sources include the applicant’s daily support requirements from current providers and information from health care professionals familiar with the applicant’s condition.
Applying for SDA funding
Applications for SDA funding can be made by downloading and completing a Home and Living Supports Request Form. This form is available via the NDIS website. Decisions are normally made within 10 days, and you will be contacted if you need to supply any additional information to help them make a decision on whether you are eligible for SDA funding.
About Us
BlueCHP Limited is a not-for-profit organisation. We build affordable homes for Australians who qualify for SDA funding via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our SDA homes are specifically designed and certified to comply with all NDIS requirements.
Posted 19 May 2021
