Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Funding – Easy Read Guide
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is money from the NDIS to help people with disability live in a home that meets their specific needs. It pays for specialist housing that is designed or modified to support people with very high support needs.
SDA provides homes that are:
Accessible (e.g., wheelchair-friendly, ramps, wide doorways).
Safe (e.g., emergency alarms, non-slip floors).
Designed for your needs (e.g., modified bathrooms, hoists, smart home technology).
Located near family, friends, or services (if needed).
Have very high support needs (e.g., need 24/7 help).
Cannot live in a standard home safely or comfortably.
Meet the NDIS eligibility rules for SDA.
Daily support (e.g., help with showering or cooking – this is called SIL).
Rent assistance (this is separate through Centrelink).
Groceries, bills, or personal items.
Your NDIS Plan: SDA funding is part of your NDIS plan if you qualify.
Housing Options: You can choose to live in a specialist home, shared housing, or a modified private home.The Home must meet the criteria of one or combination of 4 categories:
Robust
Improved Liveability
Fully Accessible
High Physical Support
Providers: SDA homes are managed by registered providers who ensure the home meets your needs. These should usually be different from a SIL provider to prevent any conflict of interest.
How to get SDA Funding
Assessment: A Occupational therapist will be able to assess and check your housing needs.
Find a Home: Work with your support coordinator or book an appointment with us to find a home that best suits you and meets your needs.
Key Things to Know
Long-term: SDA funding is for homes you can live in for years.
Combined with SIL: Many people use SDA (housing) and SIL (daily support) together.
Conflict of Interest exists when the same provider delivers both Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) services to the same participant. (See Information below – Conflict of Interest in Disability Services).
Need more help?
Ask your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or book a consult with us today. We can help you apply for Housing support or accommodation, explore your options or walk through with you each step of the way.
🏠 Remember: SDA is about giving you a safe, accessible home that works for you!
Conflict of Interest in
Disability Services
A conflict of interest can happen when the same company provides both where you live (Specialist Disability Accommodation – SDA) and supports you to live independently (Supported Independent Living – SIL). This could happen:
If your SDA housing provider also helps you live independently.
If your care provider also owns your housing.
If one company does both.
The company might think about their own needs, like keeping customers or making money, instead of what’s best for you.
Examples of Conflict of Interest:
- Feeling Pressured: You might feel like you must pick the SIL provider your SDA provider wants, even if it’s not right for you.
- Limited Choices: Your provider might not tell you about all your choices, so you stay with them.
- Lack of Clarity: Providers might not clearly explain their roles, making it hard to understand your options.
- Unclear Agreements: Separate agreements for SDA and SIL help you understand who does what.
- Internal Conflicts: Using their own staff to decide your care level can be a conflict.
How to Avoid Conflicts of Interest:
- Separate Services: Keep housing and support services separate for more choice and control.
- Transparency: Providers should be clear about any connections with other companies.
- Clear Agreements: Have separate service agreements that explain roles, responsibilities, and your rights.
- Freedom of Choice: You should choose your providers independently, and your choices should be respected.
- Independent Advice: Access to independent help ensures you make informed decisions.
- NDIS Standards: Providers must manage and avoid conflicts of interest according to NDIS rules.
