Paramount Disability Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

General

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. The NDIS is designed to give people more choice and control over their supports.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is designated for individuals with exceptionally high needs who require intensive person-to-person support. Most people with disabilities do not necessitate SDA.
Specialist Disability Accommodation is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. Eligible individuals receive funding in their NDIS plan specifically allocated for SDA, covering the costs associated with the home or building where they reside. It's important to note that SDA funding does not encompass support or services provided within the dwelling.
Eligible individuals have the freedom to select their preferred registered SDA provider, unless their NDIS plan specifies otherwise. Providers claim SDA funding upon the individual's transition to their new SDA residence, with all SDA dwellings requiring enrolment with the NDIA.
Eligible individuals receive an allocated SDA budget within their NDIS plan, which constitutes the maximum amount the NDIA will contribute towards SDA supports. Additionally, participants are responsible for paying rent directly to the SDA provider, with the maximum reasonable rent contribution capped at 25% of the Commonwealth Disability Support Pension (DSP), supplemented by any Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Participants also contribute towards utilities, food, and personal expenses.
Maximum Reasonable Rental Contribution (MRRC) refers to the capped rental payment made by the tenant, amounting to 25% of the base rate of the Disability Support Pension, alongside 100% of any Commonwealth Rental Assistance scheme.
A NDIS Provider refers to an individual or entity registered with the NDIS to offer support and services to NDIS participants.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) entails assistance or supervision with daily tasks to promote independence and skill development for participants.
A SIL Provider offers support and supervision for daily tasks to aid participants in living as independently as possible, irrespective of property ownership.

Participants

SDA funding does not encompass utilities and living expenses. This entails that the resident is financially responsible for all costs related to utility connections, usage, and any additional fees. Moreover, expenses for groceries, personal items, and other living costs must be managed and paid for by the tenant.

SDA funding aims to encourage the creation of purpose built housing options for select NDIS participants.

This type of funding is accessible to a limited group of NDIS participants, who utilise these funds for accommodations in specialised SDA housing.

The NDIA disburses payments directly to SDA housing providers via the NDIS My Place portal, as long as an SDA beneficiary resides in the home.

SDA funding is allocated towards the capital expenses involved in the ownership and management of the property where the tenant resides and receives support services.

It's important to note that SDA funding does not equate to rent. Instead, tenants contribute rent to the proprietors of the SDA facilities. Additionally, tenants bear the financial responsibility for their own living expenses, including rent, groceries, and utility charges.

A formal SDA tenancy agreement cannot be established with you until you secure the necessary SDA funding and Supported Independent Living (SIL) endorsements in your NDIS plan.

However, you are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest to us for potential vacancies. Doing so allows us to engage with you about upcoming opportunities and assist in initiating your journey towards securing SDA accommodation through our extensive network.

Yes, individuals can still access SDA services while working with a Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator. SDA services complement general support coordination work without interfering with it.
SDA accommodations can be tailored to individual needs, allowing participants to live alone or with up to four other NDIS participants, with provisions for non-eligible individuals, such as family members, under certain conditions.
Yes, individuals without an OT can receive recommendations for experienced professionals to assist them through the SDA application process, working in tandem with support coordinators.

Investors

All SDA dwelling applications must include a certificate from an Accredited SDA Assessor, who evaluates whether the dwelling meets the minimum requirements across four design categories.
No, SIL providers are not responsible for occupancy fees, as On-site Overnight Assistance (OOA) is funded through the NDIS participant's plan directly to the SDA provider.
SDA compliance is verified at various stages, including the plan stage, frame stage, and completion stage, ensuring adherence to designated standards before listing on the NDIA.
For inquiries concerning SDA dwelling enrolment, individuals can contact the SDA Enrolment team via email at SDAEnrolment@ndis.gov.au.
SIL provides support for independent living, while SDA pertains to specialist housing alternatives for individuals with high support needs. While an individual may be funded for both, they are separate entities requiring distinct applications.
The NDIS provides funding for four SDA categories: Robust, Improved Liveability, High Physical Support, and Fully Accessible.
SDA homes must adhere to specific requirements, including location suitability and accessibility. Proximity to essential services such as healthcare and transportation is crucial for enabling independent living.
OOA, or Onsite Overnight Assistance, refers to a designated room within an SDA dwelling.