SDA funding in NDIS plans: what changed in October 2026

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is special housing for people with very high support needs. On 22 October 2026, the NDIA announced a change to how SDA funding shows up in NDIS plans. This guide explains what has changed, who needs to do something, and how SDA works with other supports at home.

The short version

From 19 October 2026, the full amount of SDA funding you are eligible for will be in your NDIS plan when it is approved.
This happens whether you already live in SDA or are still looking for an SDA home.
The rules about who is eligible, and how much funding they get, have not changed.
If your plan shows a $1 placeholder, or less than your full amount, it will be updated at your next plan reassessment.
Most people do not need to do anything.

What is SDA?

SDA is housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The NDIA says it may suit you when other home and living supports do not meet your disability needs.

SDA homes can have features like wide doorways, ceiling hoists, wheelchair-accessible kitchen sinks or button-operated doors. An SDA home can be a house, apartment, villa, duplex or townhouse. Often you live with a small number of other people and have your own private bedroom.

There are four design categories:

Improved liveability: better physical access and more features for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments.
Fully accessible: a high level of physical access, for example if you use a wheelchair at home.
Robust: built to be safe for you and others.
High physical support: for people who need very high levels of support, with features like ceiling hoists or a backup power supply.

What has changed?

Until now, some plans showed SDA funding as a $1 “placeholder”, or as less than the full amount the person was eligible for. From 19 October 2026, the NDIA will include the full eligible amount in your plan when it is approved.

The NDIA says this change will make SDA funding easier to access, reduce delays and make claiming more efficient. There is no change to how SDA providers claim funding.

Do I need to do anything?

Most people do not. If your plan has a $1 placeholder or less than your full amount, the NDIA will update it at your next plan reassessment.

If you are moving into an SDA home, you may be able to get your funding updated sooner by telling the NDIA about a change of circumstances. You must tell the NDIA when you move into a new SDA home.

You can tell the NDIA about a change by:

calling 1800 800 110
sending an enquiry through the NDIS service hub
talking to your my NDIS contact, or visiting your local NDIS office
filling in the change of details or change of situation form.

SDA and SIL: what is the difference?

These two are often confused. Here is the simple version:

SDA is the home itself. It does not pay for support workers or for rent.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the support. It is funding for a support worker to help or supervise you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Some people have both in their plan. The NDIA explains it like this: SDA funding pays the SDA provider, SIL funding pays for your support workers, and you pay rent and bills. Your rent contribution has a maximum set by the NDIA.

One more update: from 1 October 2026, SIL can only be delivered by providers that are NDIS registered, or that applied to register before that date. Learn more about Supported Independent Living at Care Cove.

How do I find an SDA home?

If you have SDA funding, use the NDIS SDA finder. You can search by location, building type and price.
Ask your support coordinator to help you search and compare homes.
Talk to friends, family and people you trust.

SDA providers must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the home must be enrolled with the NDIA. You and your SDA provider must also have a written service agreement.

What you can do now

Check your plan. Look for SDA funding and the amount shown.
If you see a $1 placeholder, write down your plan reassessment date.
Moving into an SDA home? Tell the NDIA and ask about a change of circumstances.
Keep copies of all NDIA letters and plans.
Think about the support you will need at home, not just the house.
Ask for help if anything is unclear.

Where to read more

Need help?

Our support coordinators can help you understand your plan, look at housing options and set up the support you need at home. Call us on 1300 810 006, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, or make a referral.

Information correct as at 26 October 2026. This is general information, not advice about your plan.