SDA Funding & Costs Guide
Understand how SDA funding works, what you'll pay, and how pricing varies by design category and location. Complete guide to the financial aspects of Specialist Disability Accommodation.
How SDA Funding Works
SDA funding is designed to cover the additional costs of specialized accessibility features while requiring a reasonable contribution from participants toward general housing costs.
Key Principle: Shared Cost Model
SDA uses a shared cost model where the NDIS pays for specialized accessibility features and design elements, while participants contribute toward general housing costs that any tenant would pay. This ensures sustainability while making specialized housing affordable.
Understanding SDA Funding Components
SDA funding has several components that work together to provide affordable specialized housing.
SDA funding comes from a separate Capital Support budget, not your Core Support funding.
How it works: Covers the cost of accessible housing features and design elements specific to your needs.
Examples include:
Key Point: This funding is separate from your daily support funding and specifically covers housing-related accessibility costs.
You pay a reasonable rent contribution (typically 25-30% of your income) toward housing costs.
How it works: Similar to rent assistance, this contribution helps cover general housing costs beyond accessibility features.
Examples include:
Key Point: Your rent contribution covers the general housing costs that any tenant would pay, not the specialized SDA features.
SDA pricing varies by location, with higher rates in capital cities and lower rates in regional areas.
How it works: Reflects local construction costs and housing market conditions in different geographic areas.
Examples include:
Key Point: Location significantly impacts SDA pricing, with metropolitan areas commanding premium rates due to higher construction and land costs.
Higher support design categories receive increased funding to cover additional accessibility features.
How it works: High Physical Support commands the highest rates, followed by Robust, Fully Accessible, and Improved Liveability.
Examples include:
Key Point: More complex design categories with specialized features receive higher funding to cover the additional construction and equipment costs.
Who Pays for What in SDA?
Understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget and plan for your SDA housing costs.
SDA Payment
NDIS funding for accessibility features and design elements
Covers:
Rent Contribution
Participant contribution toward general housing costs
Covers:
Additional Costs
Optional services or upgrades not covered by standard SDA
Covers:
SDA Pricing by Design Category
Actual pricing examples showing how design category and location affect SDA funding rates.
Key Features:
Location Pricing:
Key Features:
Location Pricing:
Key Features:
Location Pricing:
Key Features:
Location Pricing:
Calculate Your Costs
To estimate your total housing costs, add your rent contribution (25-30% of income) to any additional costs not covered by SDA funding, such as personal items, food, and optional services.
Example: Disability Support Pension ($1,000/month) × 25% = $250/month rent contribution + SDA funding covers accessibility features = Total affordable housing solution.
Smart Financial Planning for SDA
Plan ahead to make the most of your SDA funding and ensure sustainable housing costs.
Next Steps in Your SDA Journey
Now that you understand funding, learn about the practical steps to access SDA housing.
Ready to Explore SDA Funding Options?
Understanding SDA funding is the first step toward accessing specialized housing. Our team can help you navigate the funding process and find suitable options within your budget.
