Myth:

You cannot be funded for SDA if you already live in a home that you own. 

Fact:

If the home you live in prevents you from participating in household activities, puts you at risk, or you cannot access the level of support you require within that home, you could be eligible for SDA funding - even if you own that home. You must meet the eligibility requirements before SDA will be considered.

Exploring the fact

Eligibility for SDA funding is determined by using the SDA Rules which is a part of legislation.  Before the NDIA considers where you live currently and how that relates to your eligibility, you must meet other eligibility requirements. These are specific to the level of support that you need and you can find out more about that here. 

Even if you live in a home you own, the NDIA will consider SDA for you if:

• Living in SDA will mean you can do more things for yourself
• The features of SDA (for example a ceiling hoist) means you have the support you need
• SDA will mean you can achieve your goals
• Your current home puts you at risk

You will need to explore the right housing options for you. If you own your own home and it can be modified to meet your needs, it’s unlikely that you will be funded for SDA. 

Case study

Jane is 57 years old and lives in a house that she bought 25 years ago with her partner. Jane has a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Jane uses a power wheelchair to mobilise and she transfers in and out of her wheelchair with the support of a standing hoist and another person. 

Over the years, as Jane’s MS has progressed, she has been unable to access different rooms in her home and now she is limited to the living room (where she also sleeps) and the bathroom. Despite being able to access the bathroom, Jane cannot have a proper shower. Jane has investigated home modifications but these cannot be undertaken for a number of reasons. 

It is likely that Jane would meet the requirements of SDA eligibility because of her support needs. It is also likely that Jane will meet the requirements that mean Jane will benefit substantially from SDA because a well designed SDA would support Jane to access the whole home, participate in household activities and reduce the risks to Jane’s health and wellbeing.

Any questions?

Contact our NDIS Housing Advice Line on 1300 61 64 63 from Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm (AEDT).

Learn more about SDA

• Find out if you are likely to be eligible for SDA with our easy-to-use SDA Eligibility Checker!
• The Housing Hub has great resources to help people understand SDA!  You can learn more about different types of housing and places to live here. 
• The Housing Hub also provides free information sessions about SDA and you can find more out here.
• To keep up to date with accessible housing news, events, stories and NDIS, updates, you can subscribe here.