Upgrade Your SDA Funding
Upgrade Your Lifestyle

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Watching this video could change your life.

A look at where you’re
living now

Let’s start with a few important questions about your current accommodation.

  • Is it the best possible place for you?
  • Is it really suitable for your requirements?
  • Would an upgrade to a brand-new, modern SDA home make more sense?

Improve your living arrangements with upgraded SDA funding

The good news is there are alternative accommodation options available that can provide you with all the current benefits you’re used to and a lot more.

In most instances, this will require you to apply for upgraded SDA funding from the NDIA, but once approved, you can upgrade to better living conditions in a new InPlace Living home where you’ll experience more freedom, greater choice and better lifestyle opportunities.

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The differences between a typical Group Home and a modern InPlace Living SDA Home

Group Home
Existing Stock SDA Funding
InPlace Living SDA Home
New Stock SDA Funding
Number of residents
4 - 6
1 - 3
Modern floorplans
House condition
Ageing infrastructure
Newly built
Designed and built to latest NDIA
standards and housing compliance
Only meets
outdated standards
Fully compliant to meet rigorous requirements
Private ensuite and other private spaces
Modern fixtures and appliances
Open plan living
Generous outdoor spaces for entertaining
and relaxation
Ability to have a say in who you live with
Ability to have a say in who provides your main/primary supports
Option to change your supports without
moving home
Flexibility to invite family and friends
when you choose
Conveniently located close to shops,
public transport and essential amenities

Key steps to upgrading your SDA funding

Below are the key steps involved in upgrading your SDA funding and improving your living arrangements.

Step 1

Consult with your Support Coordinator to review the timeline and renewal date of your current NDIS plan. 

Step 2

Meet with your NDIA Planner and Support Coordinator to request additional hours for Support Coordination and Occupational Therapy to aid the housing upgrade process. 

Step 3

Conduct a Functional Housing Assessment by engaging a qualified Occupational Therapist with SDA expertise. 

Step 4

Review the completed Functional Housing Assessment report
with your Support Coordinator. 

Step 5

Submit your Housing Application.

Step 6

Await the NDIA Home and Living Panel’s decision. 

InPlace Living homes are built in prime locations from Inner West, Northern, Eastern and Southern metro suburbs to major regional locations.

InPlace Living – helping you apply & upgrade

At InPlace Living, we’re dedicated to helping you find a home that promotes your independence, safety, and well-being.

When your Housing Application is submitted to the NDIA, you may have to wait up to eighteen months for a decision, so we recommend you start the process as soon as possible.

There’s no obligation to use the funding once it’s approved, it can sit against your NDIS plan until you are ready to make the move.

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Upgrade Your Lifestyle
Download Our Housing Application Guide

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Upgrade Your SDA Funding and Your Lifestyle

A Better Home Starts with the Right SDA FundingIf you’re exploring Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding — or if your current home no longer meets your needs — it may be time to review your options. At InPlace Living, we help NDIS participants understand their SDA funding and explore opportunities to move into a brand-new, purpose-built home designed for comfort, safety and independence.

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What Is SDA Funding?

SDA funding is funding provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help eligible participants access Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that matches their needs. It contributes to the cost of the home (not personal care or day-to-day supports) and is designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, so they can live in a safe and accessible environment.

How Does SDA Funding Work?

If you’re eligible, SDA funding can be included in your NDIS plan after an assessment/approval process. The amount and category depend on factors such as your support needs, the type of dwelling, and the level of accessibility required. Participants can be approved under different SDA design categories, including Robust, Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, and High Physical Support.

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Choosing a newer SDA home can also mean a better overall fit for your needs — for example, moving from an older-style property into a modern SDA home that may include a one-bedroom villa or a 2–3 bedroom home, and may also involve a change of location (such as being closer to shops and transport).

Who Is Eligible for SDA Funding?

To be eligible for SDA funding, you must:

  • Be an approved NDIS participant
  • Have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
  • Require specialised housing solution to achieve your goals and live safely
  • Have your housing needs and goals assessed and confirmed by the NDIA

If you're unsure about your SDA funding eligibility, our experienced team can guide you through the process and help you prepare your application to ensure the best possible outcome.

Upgrade to an InPlace Living SDA Home

When your SDA funding is approved, you can upgrade your current living arrangement to one of our modern, purpose-built homes. Compared to a traditional group home, an InPlace Living SDA home offers:

  • Spacious, accessible designs that promote independence
  • Private bedrooms and ensuites for comfort and privacy
  • State-of-the-art safety and assistive technology features
  • Prime locations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria

Our homes are designed to enhance your quality of life and empower you to live with greater freedom, choice and control.

InPlace Living – Helping You Apply and Upgrade

At InPlace Living, we believe your home should support your goals, not limit them. Our team works closely with participants, families and support coordinators to simplify the SDA funding process and help you move into a home that truly fits your lifestyle.

If you're ready to explore upgraded SDA funding and better living options, fill out the enquiry form on this page. We'll help you understand how SDA funding works, check your eligibility, and guide you toward a home that offers the comfort, safety and independence you deserve.

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Are You Ready to get your SDA InPlace?

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Current SDA Resident in an Older-Style Group Home?

Consider upgrading your living arrangements to a brand-new, modern SDA dwelling tailored to your needs.

Upgrade to Modern SDA Homes for Greater Independence

SDA funded residents in older-style group homes with ‘existing stock’ SDA funding have the option to upgrade to ‘new stock’ funding. This transition opens the door to living in brand-new, modern homes that offer enhanced features and benefits compared to traditional settings.

Upgrading into one of our custom-designed SDA homes is a step toward greater independence and fulfillment. Key benefits include:

Built to meet rigorous NDIA standards
The choice to live independently or with only 1–2 other residents
Increased privacy including your own ensuite bathroom
The freedom to host and socialise with family and friends at your convenience
Generous outdoor spaces for entertaining or relaxation
Open-plan living areas featuring premium kitchen appliances
Conveniently located close to shops, public transport, and essential amenities

Guiding You Through the Process

Upgrading to ‘new stock’ funding requires an assessment by experienced allied health professionals, with the final decision made by the NDIA.

At InPlace Living, we provide expert support to help you navigate this sometimes lengthy and complex process. Beyond assisting you in finding a home tailored to your needs, we offer guidance on the steps involved and can recommend trusted SDA specialists and allied health professionals to strengthen your application.

Although the process might feel overwhelming, remember you’re not alone - help is available. With the right support and understanding of each step, we aim to simplify the journey and ensure you have the best chance of securing upgraded funding.

A Smooth Transition: From Group Home to New Stock SDA Funding

Below are the key steps involved in upgrading your SDA funding and improving your living arrangements:

Step 1 - Consult with Your Support Coordinator

Discuss your interest in transitioning from an older-style group home to a modern SDA.

Review the timeline and renewal date of your current NDIS plan and plan your next steps.

Note: If your NDIS plan renewal is more than 5 months away, you may need to request a “change of circumstances”.

Step 2 - Meet with Your NDIS Planner

Collaborate with your Support Coordinator and meet with your NDIS planner to renew your plan.

Request at least 30 additional hours each for Support Coordination and Occupational Therapy under ‘Capacity Building’ to support the housing upgrade process.

Step 3 - Conduct a Functional Housing Assessment

Engage a qualified Occupational Therapist with SDA expertise to conduct the assessment and prepare a detailed report to support your housing application.

This report will serve as the critical document required for your housing upgrade application. It contains essential evidence needed to secure upgraded SDA funding.

Note: It is important to work with an experienced Occupational Therapist with advanced knowledge of SDA rules and regulations.

Step 4 - Review the Assessment Report

Work with your Support Coordinator to review the completed Functional Housing Assessment report and ensure its accuracy before submission.

Step 5 - Submit Your Housing Application

Your Support Coordinator will submit the report and all supporting evidence to the NDIA.

Step 6 - Await the NDIA’s Decision –
Explore SDA Housing Options

While the NDIA Home and Living Panel’s decision may take up to 12 months, use this time to explore new SDA housing options and connect with providers.

Group Home Upgrade Enquiry

At InPlace Living, we’re dedicated to helping you find a home that promotes your independence, safety, and well-being. If you need support with upgrading your funding from 'existing stock' (Group Home Accommodation) to 'new stock' (Modern SDA Living), please complete this form and we will be in touch with you shortly.

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Are You Ready to get your SDA InPlace?

Enquire Now