SDA Eligibility Requirements
Understand who qualifies for Specialist Disability Accommodation and learn about the comprehensive assessment process for accessing specialized housing through the NDIS.
Who Qualifies for SDA?
SDA eligibility requires meeting specific criteria related to functional impairment and housing need. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare for the assessment process.
Key Point: SDA is for Extreme Functional Impairment
SDA is specifically designed for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment who require specialized housing features that cannot be provided through standard accommodation or home modifications. This is not general housing support - it's for very specific disability-related housing needs.
The 4 Essential SDA Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all four requirements to be eligible for SDA funding. Each requirement is thoroughly assessed during the evaluation process.
You must have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs in self-care, mobility, or self-management.
Assessment Details: Assessed using functional capacity tools that measure your ability to perform daily activities independently.
Examples include:
How it's assessed: Occupational therapy assessment and functional capacity evaluation
Current housing is inappropriate and cannot be modified to meet your disability-related needs.
Assessment Details: Your current accommodation lacks essential accessibility features that cannot be reasonably added.
Examples include:
How it's assessed: Housing assessment by qualified occupational therapist
You must be an eligible NDIS participant with SDA included in your plan.
Assessment Details: SDA funding must be specifically allocated in your NDIS plan following comprehensive assessment.
Examples include:
How it's assessed: NDIS planning meeting with comprehensive needs assessment
You require housing that will meet your needs for an extended period (typically 3+ years).
Assessment Details: SDA is for permanent housing solutions, not short-term or temporary accommodation needs.
Examples include:
How it's assessed: Medical and allied health reports confirming long-term needs
The SDA Assessment Process
Understanding the assessment process helps you prepare and increases your chances of a successful application.
Initial NDIS Planning
Discuss SDA needs during your NDIS planning conversation or plan review.
Requirements for this step:
Functional Capacity Assessment
Comprehensive assessment by occupational therapist to evaluate your functional abilities.
Requirements for this step:
Housing Assessment
Evaluation of current housing and identification of necessary features for SDA.
Requirements for this step:
NDIS Decision
NDIS reviews assessments and makes decision on SDA funding approval.
Requirements for this step:
Common SDA Eligibility Scenarios
See how different types of functional impairment might qualify for different SDA design categories.
Participants requiring significant daily physical assistance
Typical situations include:
Likely outcome: High Physical Support SDA category
Participants requiring full wheelchair accessibility
Typical situations include:
Likely outcome: Fully Accessible SDA category
Participants who may damage property unintentionally
Typical situations include:
Likely outcome: Robust SDA category
Participants needing enhanced design features
Typical situations include:
Likely outcome: Improved Liveability SDA category
SDA Eligibility Questions & Answers
Find answers to frequently asked questions about SDA eligibility requirements and the assessment process.
Continue Your SDA Learning Journey
Now that you understand eligibility, explore other important SDA topics.
Think You Might Be Eligible for SDA?
Our experienced team can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the assessment process. Get personalized advice about your SDA options.
