Everything You Need To Know About Applying for SDA Housing

Finding your Everhome

Deciding to move out of your home in search of a better alternative is a big change.

Some people live with a high level of disability, which can make it difficult to find an accommodating home that meets their specific needs. While there's always the option to install new ramps and other support options, you can't always do that when you're renting a home or apartment. 

That's where SDA housing comes in. Short for specialist disability accommodation, SDA housing provides a place that's built for people with support needs. 

Here's how to apply for SDA housing in QLD and how to find your new home.

What is SDA Housing?

SDA refers to the "bricks and mortar" building available for those with high physical needs and/or extreme functional impairment. An SDA home comes with a reasonable level of physical access, has high physical support, and is safe to live inside.

SIL, or supported independent living, refers to the assistance received from paid support workers. A person living inside of an SDA may have access to SIL. However, it is not a requirement or provided for free. 

On a similar note, SDA and SIL are also purchased from different providers. This gives people with disabilities more control and choice. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS supports people with disabilities with funding based on their individual needs. Every participant has their own individual plan, and participants control the amount of support they receive. 

Its overall goal is to identify the supports you need to achieve your goals while maintaining your independence and wellbeing. 

In order to access the NDIS, you must have a permanent and significant disability that affects your daily life. You must also be less than 65 years old when you access the scheme and be an Australian citizen. New Zealand citizens with a Protected Special Category Visa are also accepted. 

NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Coverage

When you get access to the NDIS, you get support funding for things ranging from transport and mobility to therapeutic support. There are three types of "support budgets" provided. 

The core supports budget includes the necessities, such as consumables, low-cost mobility equipment, and caregivers. It also helps provide transportation to social and community events. 

The capacity building budget helps participants achieve their goals. This can include employment, health, and education. 

The capital support budget funds assistive technologies like wheelchairs and accessibility modifications to your vehicle and home. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) falls under home modifications. 

Quality and Safeguards

There are four design categories set out in the SDA rules for 2020. According to them, the categories are improved livability, robustness, accessibility, and high physical support. 

Improved livability or access refers to the design features inside and outside the home. There should be a high level of luminance contrasts and lines of sight for people with sensory or cognitive impairment. 

The home itself should be safe and resilient. The design must include retreat areas for everyone inside the building. It should also be made of impact-resistant materials that don't need much repair or maintenance. 

Bathrooms, kitchens, and external areas should have wheelchair access. There may also be stairlifts and extra handrails installed. 

Finally, the building should be designed around physical support needs. New buildings must have the structure for ceiling hoists and have emergency power solutions. Wider door openings are also required.

Applying for Specialist Disability Accommodation

Before you qualify for SDA, you have to go through an application process. Even if you already qualify for NDIS, that doesn't mean you'll get SDA. In fact, most participants don't. 

According to the NDIS, only 6% of participants qualify for specialist disability accommodation. This also includes people with intellectual disabilities. 

Eligibility

Applying for SDA is a complicated process that is meant to work alongside your NDIS plan. First, your housing needs to be one of your goals. It's important to bring it up at your NDIS planning meeting if you wish to seek a new living situation.

The National Insurance Disability Agency will check whether or not your goals can be met without SDA. If so, they may cover any home modifications that are required. If not, then they'll assess your support needs to decide if SDA housing is the only solution. 

If you're eligible for SDA, you'll still have to find a property to live at and make decisions on who you live with. In some cases, multiple participants may end up living together in one house. Part of the reason for this is the current lack of SDA housing available for high physical support categories. 

SDA Payment

When a participant moves into an SDA dwelling, the provider can claim it against their NDIS funding. How much it costs depends on the type of dwelling. 

Some of the variables include the design category, if there's a spare room for on-site overnight assistance, and the location. Of course, newer builds also cost more than pre-existing stock. 

You can find a price calculator on the NDIS website, as well as more information on NDIS pricing arrangements. 

SDA Housing in QLD

It can be difficult to find SDA housing at all, let alone matching your specific needs and accommodations. Luckily, there are plenty of businesses and organizations doing their best to create SDA-compatible homes.

Consider what you desire in specialist disability accommodation. Do you have certain people you want to continue living with, or are you okay to move in with other people? Will you require an overnight caregiver?

You can reach out to a local property manager that deals with disability properties. 

Find Your Next Everhome

Deciding to move out of your home in search of a better alternative is a big change. However, it's often necessary for those in apartments or rentals.

You'll be lucky to find SDA housing that meets your requirements, though. Why not build your new home?

Everhomes works directly with NDIS approved building partners to design and create a home to your specifications. We also buy and rent SDA property if that's not in your budget. Call us today to learn more.