Do you want to move into your own home or apartment?
You will need to find a suitable home and secure funding in order to move into a shared house with disability support. Specialist disability accommodation is one type of funding that you will need. Are you unsure if you are eligible for SDA funding or if it is right for you?
We explain how SDA funding works, and show you how to get started on your journey toward finding the perfect home.
The scope is available to answer your questions at any stage of your journey towards funding or finding a house.
What is SDA funding?
SDA funding can be used to purchase a bricks-and-mortar home. It is intended to assist people with severe functional impairments or high support needs who want to live independently.
Depending on your requirements, there are four types available for SDA funding. These are called Design Categories.
- Better Living This type of home must offer a reasonable level of access for persons with cognitive, sensory, or intellectual impairments.
- Fully Accessible This type of home must be accessible to people with significant disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs in the bathrooms and kitchen.
- High-Physical Support This type of home is very specialized and has high levels of physical access and design. It includes ceiling hoists, communication technology, emergency power solutions, and assistive and communication technologies.
- Robust – This type of home requires good access and extra safety features, such as retreat areas for staff and participants, and impact-resistant material.
The SDA application process will determine the right category of home for you based on your support needs. The scope will then help you find the home that meets your needs.
Who is eligible?
You must meet these criteria to be eligible for SDA funding through the NDIS:
- You have a severe impairment or high support need
- SDA can help you achieve your NDIS goals and provide opportunities for your skills development.
You must also show that you are able to justify your request for SDA funding.
This can be done by requesting an occupational therapy assessment that highlights your NDIS housing goals and how bricks and mortar homes will help you build your capacity and prevent long-term health problems.
How can I apply for SDA funding
The first step is to obtain a Housing Assessment Report. An occupational therapist will conduct a thorough assessment, which typically takes 12 to 15 hours. This is done to determine if you are eligible for funding.
It’s a smart idea to add supporting documents, such as:
- A supporting statement from a health provider. This could be your doctor, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist.
- A Housing Plan to prove that funding is appropriate and necessary. This is another report by your Support Coordinator/Occupational Therapist summarizing your current living situation, your needs, and what you expect for your future home.
Once all documentation is complete, you can apply for the NDIA. The Support Coordinator should be able to help.
You can fill out the Living and Home Supports Request Form if you do not have a Support Coordinator and send it to the NDIA along with any supporting documents. This can be done by email, post, or in person at the Local Area Coordinator, NDIS office, in your area.
While you wait to be funded
Once you have applied for the NDIA SDA funding, we will keep you informed about any future home opportunities.
Contact us if you are looking for a new building opportunity or prefer to live in existing accommodation that is suitable for you.
I have been approved for SDA funding. What’s next?
Once your application for SDA funding has been approved by the NDIA it is time to begin looking for a home. Scope’s Vacancy Coordination Team is available to assist you in this process. We will work with SDA providers to help you find the perfect home if we don’t currently have the right vacancy.
We will work with all types of buyers to find the perfect house for you. We are also available to answer any questions that you may have.