Living with Your Partner in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
If you are an NDIS participant living in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), you can live with your partner even if they are not an NDIS participant. The NDIS supports your choice of who you live with, including partners, family members, or friends who may not have SDA funding.
What Does the NDIS Require?
Before you move in with your partner, your SDA provider must agree to the arrangement. It is important that the living situation does not put your health or safety at risk. The provider also needs to make sure that your needs and the needs of other residents are met.
How Does Funding Work?
SDA funding only covers the housing costs for the NDIS participant. If your partner or other non-participants live with you, they will need to pay their own rent or contribution directly to the SDA provider. These rent arrangements must be agreed upon with the provider and follow tenancy laws. The rent paid by participants is capped, but the rent paid by non-participants is not regulated.
Sharing a Bedroom
You cannot be forced to share your bedroom if you do not want to. If you decide to share a bedroom with your partner, everyone involved-including the SDA provider and other residents-must agree. Sharing a bedroom may reduce your rent contribution, but your support needs must still be fully met.
SDA Design and Safety
SDA homes are designed to high standards to ensure accessibility, safety, and independence. These homes can support different living arrangements, including living with partners or family members who do not have NDIS funding.
What Should You Do Next?
Talk to your SDA provider early about your plans to live with your partner. Review your NDIS plan and SDA funding details carefully. It is also important to have a written service agreement that outlines roles, responsibilities, and rent contributions.
About Appendix H
Appendix H is a rule that allows SDA participants to live with family members or partners who do not have SDA funding. This helps families stay together and adjusts funding based on who lives in the home. Some providers can help you understand and use Appendix H to arrange suitable housing and fair rent.
In summary, living with your partner in SDA housing is supported by the NDIS as long as the arrangement is safe, agreed upon by your provider, and rent is managed properly. You have the right to choose who you live with, and there are clear steps to make sure your needs and safety are looked after.
If you need help or want to know more, speak with your SDA provider or support coordinator. They can guide you through the process.
References
- SDA Design Standard | NDIS
- SDA pricing and payments | NDIS
- How do you make an agreement with a specialist disability accommodation provider? | NDISSpecialist disability accommodation | NDIS
- Specialist disability accommodation | NDIS
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Understanding Reasonable Rent Contributions
- Benefits of Living in SDA House
