FAQ about SDA

  • The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government program in Australia designed to provide necessary support and services to individuals under 65 with permanent and significant disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

    More information can be found here!

  • SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. It is a specific category of housing under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, designed to provide suitable and accessible housing for individuals with extreme functional impairments or complex care needs. SDA funding is intended to support individuals with disabilities in accessing housing that caters to their specific requirements.

  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding is designated for housing that is designed to be accessible and suitable for people with disabilities, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable living environment.

  • SDA housing design categories classify different types of housing options under the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) program in Australia. There are four main design categories:

    Improved Liveability: These are homes with some disability features, such as wider doorways and reinforced walls, to enhance accessibility and comfort.

    Fully Accessible: These homes are designed with full accessibility features, including ramps, assistive technology, and spacious areas to accommodate wheelchairs.

    Robust: Robust housing is designed to withstand challenging behavior or environmental conditions, making it suitable for people with complex needs.

    High Physical Support: This category provides housing with advanced support features, including hoists and other specialized equipment, to assist those with high physical support needs.

    These categories help match individuals with disabilities to housing that best suits their specific requirements and level of care needed.

  • In addition to the SDA, NDIS participants will be expected to make a reasonable rent contribution. This contribution is calculated based on the following formula:

    1. 25 percent of your Disability Support Pension: This portion is determined as a percentage of your Disability Support Pension, which is a government payment provided to eligible individuals with a disability.

    2. 100 percent of your Commonwealth Rent Assistance: The full amount of Commonwealth Rent Assistance, which is another government subsidy designed to assist individuals with housing costs, is made in addition to your Disability Support Pension.

  • Our best piece of advice would be to chat with your support coordinator about your options as they will be the most informed about the SDA process.

Keep reading below for more information about living in MiHaven Care’s SDA

Learn more about MiHaven Care’s Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

  • Our SDA is built to 4 distinct NDIS design categories that provide different levels of support for eligible individuals. These include:

    • Improved Liveability

    • Fully Accessible

    • Robust

    • High Physical Support

    Our properties include:

    • 1 and 2 bedroom Villas

    • 1 and 2 bedroom apartments

    • 2 and 3 bedroom houses

  • These apartments are available for rent by SDA eligible participants. If you meet the following requirements, please contact us to apply for an SDA:

    You are an NDIS participant (or likely to be eligible for NDIS funding),

    You are aged between 18-64 years old,

    You need at least 6 hours of support a day from another person (paid or informal supports),

    You can spend time alone but need support to be available when called,

    You can live near others and capable of sharing lifts and other common areas,

    You require specialist design features in your own home, and

    You wish to build your independence,

  • As of the November 2023, the reasoable rent contribution (RRC) is a total of $227.73 per week plus utilities.

  • Our properties all come with quality whitegoods and appliances including:

    • fridge

    • washing machine

    • dryer

    • induction cooktop

    • dishwasher

    • microwave

    All other furniture will need to be supplied.

  • The Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider is determined during the initial stages of tenancy - the first tenant has the option to choose which SIL provider they want.

    You also have a choice of who provides your community access within the house.

  • House insurance is covered however you may choose to take out your own contents insurance.

  • MiHaven Care SDA’s have a distinct MiHaven style and come with the following:

    • bedrooms are generous in size

    • all bedrooms come with well-designed and accessible ensuites

    • the communal spaces are inviting and comfortable

    • the kitchen is appointed with quality white goods

    • the houses (excluding Robust) have high 2.7 m internal ceilings and high-quality non-slip flooring. The hallways are extra roomy as are the wide doorways

  • Yes, provided the other tenants are agreeable to this.

  • Yes, all of our SDA’s come with ensuite bathrooms.

  • Smoking is not permitted inside of the property.

  • Yes, this is your house but obvious consideration of your fellow tenants should be observed.

Your Pathway to SDA

If you have started thinking about living more independently in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), then this guide will come in handy!