Special rules for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA has extra legal requirements, on top of everything above.
These Are The 3 Steps
You must show EITHER
Extreme functional impairment
You must show:
• An impairment; AND
• Extremely reduced functional capacity in mobility, self-care, or self-management; AND
• You need very high levels of support, even with the right housing and equipment
Very high support needs
Usually means:
• Support needed for most of the day.
• Serious risk if left alone.
There is no fixed number of hours—risk and intensity matter.
You must show SDA is better than alternatives, because it:
• Helps achieve goals.
• Improves or maintains capacity.
• Is better value for money.
• And either:
o Reduces long-term support needs (very high needs), OR
o Provides stability and continuity (extreme impairment).
The Administrative Review Tribunal decides type, category, and location.
Building type
Apartment / townhouse / house.
Living alone or with others.
Considerations:
• Preference.
• Disability needs.
• Overall cost (including supports).
• Skill development and relationships.
Design category
One of:
• Improved liveability.
• Robust.
• Fully accessible.
• High physical support.
Based on safety and functional needs.
Location
The Administrative Review Tribunal considers:
• Your preferences and history.
• Cost differences.
• Access to supports and community.
• Impact on participation and relationships.
All must still meet “reasonable and necessary” criteria.
Remember:
Every support must pass multiple tests, not just feel necessary.
Strong cases:
• Link supports to goals.
• Focus on functional impact.
• Show risk and consequences.
• Use professional evidence.
• Address “value for money” and alternatives directly.