Understanding SDA Funding: How NDIS Housing Payments Work

Get SDA Funding Support: Turn Your Approval Into Your Dream Home

You’ve secured SDA funding in your NDIS plan. What comes next? Edenbridge Living helps you navigate the next steps with clarity and confidence. Our team specialises in matching NDIS participants with purpose-built SDA homes across Sydney. We handle the complexity so you can focus on finding the perfect property that meets your needs, preferences, and goals.

  • SDA funding experts who simplify the journey from approval to move-in

  • Expert support to navigate NDIS housing funding and find your ideal home

  • Speak with our team about SDA funding and property availability

Speak to Our SDA Team
A set of house keys on a keychain lies next to a small model of a red and white house on a wooden table.

Registered NDIS Provider

Edenbridge Living is a registered NDIS provider. We are dedicated to shaping spaces that empower every individual’s journey. Committed to excellence, we craft homes where comfort meets accessibility.

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Who is Eligible for SDA Funding?

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation Funding?

SDA funding is a specific type of NDIS support that pays for the capital costs of specialist housing. It covers the bricks and mortar: the physical building, design features, and specialist modifications. SDA funding does not cover support services (that's Supported Independent Living or SIL) or everyday living costs. The NDIS pays SDA funding directly to registered SDA providers like Edenbridge Living. As a resident, you pay a reasonable rent contribution from your NDIS plan or personal funds, while the NDIS covers the remaining accommodation costs.

  • Very high support needs

  • OT housing assessment

  • Functional capacity assessment

  • SDA funding approved in plan

  • Active NDIS participant

  • Extreme functional impairment

  • Cannot live in standard housing

  • Require specialist design

  • Accessible bathroom needs

  • Mobility equipment space

  • Sensory design needs

  • Behavioural support design

View Available SDA Properties

Why Choose Edenbridge Living ?

Simple Answer: Unwavering Dedication!

At Edenbridge Living, we hold a fundamental belief that everyone is entitled to a home that not only caters to their unique needs but also enhances their overall quality of life. That's why we go above and beyond to provide SDA homes that are comfortable, inclusive, and empowering for NDIS participants.

Explore Homes Nearby

Local Experts

We are a Sydney-based family office and SDA provider with strong local knowledge and experience in NSW.

Stability and Long-Term Commitment

As a family office, we take a long-term approach to SDA. We develop, own and operate our SDA homes for the long haul.

Premium, Established Suburbs

SDA homes are provided to residents nearby, thus allowing residents to move into better homes without leaving behind their friends, community, or support they trust.

Future-Proof for Ageing in Place

Adaptable home designs to meet changing needs over time.

Innovative Designs

Focus on single-story villas and houses for better accessibility.

Modern suburban house exterior typical of SDA properties in Inner West Sydney

The Four SDA Design Categories and Funding Levels

  • Why SDA Funding Matters for Disability Housing

    SDA funding enables people with significant disabilities to live in housing specifically designed for their needs. Without this funding, the capital costs of specialist housing would be unaffordable for most individuals. SDA makes safe, appropriate accommodation accessible.

  • Long-Term Stability

    SDA funding provides housing stability. Once you're approved and matched with suitable accommodation, you have secure long-term housing. This stability supports better health outcomes, stronger community connections, and improved quality of life.

  • Independence and Quality of Life

    Purpose-built SDA homes support greater independence. Ceiling hoists, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and thoughtful design reduce reliance on support workers for some tasks. Residents can navigate their homes more safely and confidently.

  • Access to Appropriate Support Services

    SDA homes are designed to accommodate support workers effectively. Adequate space, appropriate layouts, and specialist features mean support services can be delivered safely and efficiently. This benefits both residents and support teams.

  • Safety and Risk Reduction

    Specialist design features address specific safety risks. Robust housing protects residents and prevents property damage. Fully accessible homes reduce falls and injuries. High Physical Support features enable safe delivery of complex personal care.

  • Community Integration

    SDA funding prioritises community-based housing in residential suburbs. This approach supports social inclusion, access to local amenities, and participation in community life. SDA is not institutional care. It's ordinary housing in ordinary neighbourhoods, with extraordinary design.

Contact Our Team

How to Get SDA Funding in Your NDIS Plan

SDA funding covers specialist housing costs. Here's how the payment structure works.

01

Confirm Your Eligibility

SDA funding is for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. You must require specialist housing design features that go beyond standard accessible housing. Most people with SDA funding also have Supported Independent Living (SIL) in their plans.

02

Gather Evidence and Assessments

You need professional assessments to demonstrate your housing support needs. Functional capacity assessments from occupational therapists, medical reports from specialists, and housing needs assessments all strengthen your SDA funding request.

03

Request SDA in Your Planning Meeting

At your NDIS planning meeting, explain why specialist housing is necessary for you to live safely and independently. Be specific about the design features you require, such as ceiling hoists, wider doorways, or reinforced walls. Your support coordinator can help you prepare.

04

NDIS Pays the SDA Provider Directly

The NDIS pays SDA funding directly to your registered accommodation provider. This payment covers the capital costs of the specialist building, design features, and necessary modifications. You never handle this payment yourself.

05

You Pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution

As an SDA resident, you pay a reasonable rent contribution. This amount is set by the NDIS and depends on whether you receive the Disability Support Pension. For 2024-25, the maximum reasonable rent contribution is approximately $174 per week for pension recipients. This comes from your pension or NDIS plan, not the SDA funding.

06

SDA Funding Varies by Multiple Factors

The amount of SDA funding in your plan depends on design category (Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, High Physical Support), building type (apartment, villa, house, group home), location (metro Sydney has higher rates than regional areas), and whether you live alone or share accommodation. Shared residences receive lower per-person funding.

07

Building Types and Funding Differences

SDA comes in different building types, each with different funding rates. Apartments typically receive lower funding than houses. Villas and duplexes sit in the middle. Group homes (multiple residents) receive shared funding. New builds (less than 3 years old) attract higher rates than older stock.

08

Robust Housing

Robust SDA is designed for people whose behaviours of concern require reinforced housing. Features include impact-resistant walls, strengthened doors and windows, secure fixtures, and durable finishes. This category addresses safety needs related to complex behaviours.

09

High Physical Support

High Physical Support SDA includes the most advanced design features for people requiring extensive daily physical assistance. These homes combine full accessibility with features like ceiling hoists in multiple rooms, automated doors, emergency backup power, and additional space for overnight support workers. Funding rates are the highest in this category.

10

NDIS Decision and Plan Approval

The NDIS assesses your request based on evidence provided. If approved, SDA funding appears as a stated support in your plan. The amount varies based on design category, building type, location, and whether you live alone or share accommodation.

Learn About Our SDA Homes

Understanding the Four SDA Design Categories

The NDIS funds four distinct SDA design categories, each tailored to different disability support needs. Your funding level depends on which category best matches your functional requirements.

Fully Accessible SDA provides comprehensive physical access features including step-free entries, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms with ceiling hoists, and turning spaces for wheelchairs. This category suits people with significant physical disabilities who use mobility equipment.

Improved Liveability homes include enhanced design for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairments. Features may include better lighting, acoustic treatments, colour contrast, and intuitive layouts. Funding rates for Improved Liveability are the lowest of the four categories.

A bedroom with blue walls and a bed.

Our Collaborations Make A Difference

We're proud to collaborate with leading organisations that share our vision of inclusivity and empowerment. If you have had a great experience with another particular support provider, please reach out to us to discuss how we may be able to collaborate. Together, we create a tapestry of support, enriching the lives of our residents.

Sunnyfield is a for-purpose organisation built on a heritage of community spirit, trust, inclusion and heart. Work, life or leisure, we support children, youth and adults with disability to build independence in every opportunity, find a place to call home, connect with their community and build skills for life.

Let’s work together to make bright futures for people with disability.

Sunnyfield disability services logo.

Sunnyfield

JewishCare NSW has been helping our community thrive since 1937. Our specialist teams provide community aged care, mental health, disability, and family and child services to ensure an inclusive and supported community.

We have subject matter experts in ageing, specifically in, home care packages and dementia, suicide prevention, domestic violence, NDIS and employment. We work with individuals, the Government, referrers, families and the community to build resilience for today and tomorrow.

Jewish Care services logo

JewishCare NSW

Trusted Home Care are an established and sought after provider of in-home care services for the aged and disabled communities, on the NSW Central Coast and Northern Beaches of Sydney.

As a Registered NDIS Provider we offer a full suite of standard and complex support needs, accommodation options and coordination of supports. Our personable team strive to meet individual needs.

Trusted Home Care services logo

Trusted Home Care

As one of Australia’s leading disability service providers, Aruma is dedicated to empowering the people we support to live life on their terms.

We support people to realise their goals and dreams – whether it’s moving out of home, finding a job they love, or becoming active members of the community.

For us, there’s nothing more satisfying than discovering where someone wants to go and supporting them in getting there.

The logo for aruma is shown on a white background.

Aruma

My Independent Support (MIS) is a trusted, NDIS-registered organisation dedicated to delivering personalised, participant-focused support. We work independently alongside each individual to ensure their NDIS plan reflects their unique goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

At MIS, we believe that no two journeys are the same — that’s why we take the time to truly understand each participant’s needs and tailor our support accordingly. Whether it’s helping you build capacity, navigate services, or connect with the right providers, our team is here to empower you every step of the way.

We’re proud to collaborate with Edenbridge Living while maintaining our independent approach, ensuring participants receive holistic, high-quality support without bias or conflict of interest.

Logo for My Independent Support Disability Services, featuring a stylized person with raised arms inside a teal "M" shape, and the company name in teal and pink text.

My Independent Support

For over 70 years, Achieve Australia has worked alongside people with disability to live on their own terms. In Greater Sydney, the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland, we offer independent living services that suit different goals and stages of life. We add to this with Community Participation and Community Lifestyle programs, pathways to employment and clinical supports when they’re needed. The aim is simple: true inclusion, real choice, everyday independence and a genuine sense of belonging.

The image displays the words "achieve australia" in bold maroon text on a white background.

Achieve Australia

Sunnyfield disability services logo.

Sunnyfield is a for-purpose organisation built on a heritage of community spirit, trust, inclusion and heart. Work, life or leisure, we support children, youth and adults with disability to build independence in every opportunity, find a place to call home, connect with their community and build skills for life.

Let’s work together to make bright futures for people with disability.

Sunnyfield

JewishCare NSW has been helping our community thrive since 1937. Our specialist teams provide community aged care, mental health, disability, and family and child services to ensure an inclusive and supported community.

We have subject matter experts in ageing, specifically in, home care packages and dementia, suicide prevention, domestic violence, NDIS and employment. We work with individuals, the Government, referrers, families and the community to build resilience for today and tomorrow.

Jewish Care services logo

JewishCare NSW

Trusted Home Care services logo

Trusted Home Care are an established and sought after provider of in-home care services for the aged and disabled communities, on the NSW Central Coast and Northern Beaches of Sydney.

As a Registered NDIS Provider we offer a full suite of standard and complex support needs, accommodation options and coordination of supports. Our personable team strive to meet individual needs.

Trusted Home Care

The logo for aruma is shown on a white background.

As one of Australia’s leading disability service providers, Aruma is dedicated to empowering the people we support to live life on their terms.

We support people to realise their goals and dreams – whether it’s moving out of home, finding a job they love, or becoming active members of the community.

For us, there’s nothing more satisfying than discovering where someone wants to go and supporting them in getting there.

Aruma

Logo for My Independent Support Disability Services, featuring a stylized person with raised arms inside a teal "M" shape, and the company name in teal and pink text.

My Independent Support (MIS) is a trusted, NDIS-registered organisation dedicated to delivering personalised, participant-focused support. We work independently alongside each individual to ensure their NDIS plan reflects their unique goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

At MIS, we believe that no two journeys are the same — that’s why we take the time to truly understand each participant’s needs and tailor our support accordingly. Whether it’s helping you build capacity, navigate services, or connect with the right providers, our team is here to empower you every step of the way.

We’re proud to collaborate with Edenbridge Living while maintaining our independent approach, ensuring participants receive holistic, high-quality support without bias or conflict of interest.

My Independent Support

The image displays the words "achieve australia" in bold maroon text on a white background.

For over 70 years, Achieve Australia has worked alongside people with disability to live on their own terms. In Greater Sydney, the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland, we offer independent living services that suit different goals and stages of life. We add to this with Community Participation and Community Lifestyle programs, pathways to employment and clinical supports when they’re needed. The aim is simple: true inclusion, real choice, everyday independence and a genuine sense of belonging.

Achieve Australia

Voices From The Community

Modern kitchen and dining area with white and navy cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a wooden dining table, and a sliding glass door leading outside. A round coffee table is in the foreground.

Finding the right accommodation for my clients is always a top priority. Edenbridge Living has consistently provided homes that not only meet but exceed the client's needs. Their attention to detail in making the homes light, bright and comfortable for all, truly makes a difference in the lives of the people I work with.

Elisa Patterson

Support Coordinator

Moving into an Edenbridge Living home is a life-changing experience for my brother, who has an intellectual disability. The 1-bedroom villa gives him the independence he craved but still with support available and friends living next door. The Edenbridge team's dedication to their residents' comfort is evident in every detail of their homes.

Alexia

Support Coordinator

Modern kitchen and dining area with wooden cabinets, white countertops, a wooden dining table with white chairs, and hardwood flooring. Doorways lead to other parts of the house.

As a support coordinator, my primary concern is to find accommodation that not only ensures the safety and comfort of my clients but also enriches their lives. Edenbridge Living has been a remarkable partner in this regard. It's a relief to know that such a dedicated provider is just a call away.

Noah Taylor

Support Coordinator

SDA Funding: Frequently Asked Questions

No. SDA funding only covers the accommodation itself: the building and specialist design features. Support services like personal care, meal preparation, and assistance with daily living are funded separately through Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Core supports in your NDIS plan.

No. SDA funding is for rental accommodation only. It pays registered providers to build and maintain specialist housing. The NDIS does not fund home purchases. However, other NDIS supports may assist with home modifications to standard properties.

SDA funding can be reviewed at each NDIS plan renewal. If your circumstances change significantly, funding may be adjusted. However, the NDIS aims for continuity. If you continue to meet eligibility criteria and your housing remains appropriate, funding typically continues.

Not always. While many SDA residents also have SIL funding, it’s not mandatory. Some participants with SDA funding live independently with Core supports only. Your support needs determine whether SIL is included in your plan.

Timeframes vary. The NDIS typically makes plan decisions within 90 days, but complex SDA requests with extensive evidence may take longer. Starting early, gathering thorough assessments, and working with experienced support coordinators can help expedite approval.

Have questions about SDA funding? Contact our team for guidance.

Redefining Living For Those Who Matter Most

At Edenbridge Living, we go the extra mile to ensure each of our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes have the following attributes:

  • Thoughtfully Designed

  • High Accessibility

  • Proximity to Essential Amenities

  • Industry-Leading NDIS Living

  • Designed to be light and airy

  • Prime Locations

Contact Us
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