Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in NSW: A Complete Guide

For people with very high support needs, the right home can make all the difference. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS funding for housing that's specially designed to make daily life safer and easier.

This guide explains how SDA works for participants in NSW, and how to find an SDA home in Sydney.

What is SDA?

SDA is funding for the home itself: purpose-built or modified housing for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA funding is paid to the property provider. You'll usually also pay a rent contribution, much like any tenant.

SDA doesn't cover your day-to-day support. Most people living in SDA also have Supported Independent Living (SIL) or other support funding in their plan. See SIL vs SDA: What's the Difference?

Who is eligible for SDA?

Only a small proportion of NDIS participants are eligible. Generally, you need to have:

• an extreme functional impairment, or very high support needs
• evidence that SDA is the most suitable and cost-effective housing option for you
• an assessment and report, usually from an occupational therapist, that recommends a design category and building type

The NDIA decides whether SDA is reasonable and necessary for you.

The four SDA design categories

Each SDA home is built to a design category that matches different needs:

• Improved Liveability: features for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment, such as better lighting, contrast and clear layouts.
• Fully Accessible: high physical access for people with significant physical impairment, such as wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
• Robust: strong, resilient design for people with complex behaviours, with safe spaces and reduced risk of harm.
• High Physical Support: for people with very high physical needs, often including ceiling hoists, assistive technology and emergency power backup.

We explain each one in more detail in SDA Design Categories Explained.

SDA building types

SDA can be an apartment, a villa, duplex or townhouse, a house, or a group home. The building type affects how many people you'll live with and how support is shared.

SDA in NSW

Demand for SDA in Sydney is high, so it pays to start early. Nobility Care Australia has High Physical Support SDA homes in Blacktown, in Western Sydney. Read about them in our newsroom: Welcome Home: High Physical Support SDA Now Open in Blacktown.

How to apply for SDA

1. Talk to your support coordinator or planner about your housing goals.
2. Get an SDA assessment from an occupational therapist.
3. Submit a home and living request with your evidence.
4. Find an SDA home that matches the design category and building type in your plan.

Talk to us about SDA in NSW

See our current SIL and SDA vacancies or contact our Campbelltown team on 02 4623 0500.