Who SDA is for
Specialist Disability Accommodation is housing built or modified for people with very high support needs. Only a small share of NDIS participants are eligible. SDA funds the home itself, not the support you receive in it, which is usually Supported Independent Living or other supports.
To include SDA in your plan, the NDIA must be satisfied that:
- You have an extreme functional impairment, meaning extremely reduced functional capacity in mobility, self care or self management, or you have very high support needs
- You meet the SDA needs requirement, meaning SDA is the right housing solution for you compared with other options
- The SDA meets the NDIS funding criteria, including being reasonable and necessary
What the assessment recommends
A good SDA assessment goes beyond eligibility and recommends the kind of SDA you need. There are four design categories:
- Improved liveability: better physical access and features for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment
- Fully accessible: a high level of physical access for people with significant physical impairment
- Robust: very strong, durable housing that is resilient and reduces the risk of harm and damage
- High physical support: a high level of physical access plus features such as structural support for ceiling hoists, for people with very high needs
Building types
The assessment should also recommend a building type and how many people you can live with. There are four: an apartment, a villa, duplex or townhouse, a house for up to 3 residents, and a group home for 4 or 5 residents. Where you live and who you share with affects your wellbeing and the support you need, so your preferences should be part of the recommendation.
What evidence the NDIA looks for
- A housing goal in your plan, such as moving out of home or out of residential aged care
- Recent allied health evidence of your functional capacity and support needs, day and night
- Why other options, such as living in your own home with modifications or an Individualised Living Option, would not meet your needs
- The completed Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form
- Other relevant reports, such as a behaviour support plan for a robust design request
Who writes it and what it costs
SDA assessments are usually written by occupational therapists with home and living experience, often as part of a broader home and living assessment. OTs charge by the hour, including report writing, up to $193.99 an hour in 2026/27 in most of Australia. Ask for a written quote.
Assessment time usually comes from your Capacity Building budget, typically improved daily living skills. SDA funding itself sits in your Capital budget and is protected from the October 2026 funding reset.
After SDA is in your plan
Your plan sets the design category, building type and location your SDA funding covers. You then find a vacancy in an enrolled SDA dwelling that matches, and arrange your support separately. If you also need SIL, remember that since 1 July 2026 SIL providers must be registered with the NDIS Commission.