Specialist Disability Accommodation, usually shortened to SDA, is housing designed and built for people with disability who have very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. The NDIS funds SDA for participants who meet its eligibility rules.
What SDA funding pays for
SDA funding pays for the home itself: the building and its specialist design features. It does not pay for the day-to-day supports you get while you live there, such as help with personal care. Those supports are funded separately in your NDIS plan.
This matters because it means your home and your supports are two different things. At Manora Living we are your landlord and housing provider. You choose who provides your supports, and you can change support provider without changing your home.
Who SDA is for
SDA is only for NDIS participants who have SDA funding in their plan. The NDIA decides whether to include SDA funding, usually based on evidence such as an assessment by an occupational therapist. Only a small share of NDIS participants are eligible for SDA.
If you think SDA might be right for you, talk to your support coordinator or planner. You can also contact us and we will explain the process.
Design categories and building types
Every SDA home is built to one of four design categories: improved liveability, fully accessible, robust and high physical support. Your plan says which category and which building type (for example an apartment, villa or house) you are funded for. Read more in SDA design categories explained.
What you pay
SDA funding covers the cost of the home. As a tenant you also pay a reasonable rent contribution, which is set under NDIS rules and is based on your income support payments. We explain your exact contribution in writing before you sign anything.
Next steps
- Find a home with a current vacancy
- Read the guide for families
- Ask for this guide in Easy Read
