Specialist Disability Accommodation is purpose-built housing that is designed to meet the specific needs of people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. 

Most people with a disability will not need to live in SDA. People who live in SDA have extremely high needs and require high-level of person-to-person support.

Specialist Disability Accommodation is funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. When a person is eligible for SDA, the NDIA will include funding in their NDIS plan. SDA is funding for the cost of the home or building the person lives in. SDA does not include the services or support the person might receive in that home. Usually, the person will still need to pay rent or other personal costs to live in an SDA. 

You can choose the specialist disability accommodation registered provider you want unless your plan says which one you need to use. The provider claims specialist disability accommodation funding once you move into your new SDa home. Specialist disability accommodation providers need to enrol all specialist disability accommodation dwellings with the NDIA. 

If you’re eligible for specialist disability accommodation, your plan will include your specialist disability accommodation budget. This is the maximum amount the NDIA will pay for your specialist disability accommodation supports. This funding is for your specialist disability accommodation provider.  

Paying rent is an ordinary cost of living. The participant will pay rent directly to the SDA Provider. The maximum reasonable rent contribution is 25% of the Commonwealth Disability Support Pension (DSP), as well as any Commonwealth Rent Assistance (or equivalent if self-funded). The participant also pays a contribution towards utilities, the cost of food and other personal items. 

There are several build types of Specialist Disability Accommodation available through Youngcare, including shared living arrangements in houses and apartments as well as apartments and villas for people to live alone.  Youngcare builds homes to meet the High Physical Support design category. However, we accept referrals for people with different levels of SDA funding including Fully Accessible design. 

Youngcare’s SDA provides a safe and secure living environment for people with disabilities who require high physical support design environment. The Youngcare Housing Team provide support to people as they work through the process of exploring vacancies to tenancy.  Youngcare collaborates with Supported Independent Living (SIL) partners to facilitate long term sustainable tenancies and assist people to achieve their home and living goals. 

You can apply for Youngcare’s Specialist Disability Accommodation by calling our Youngcare Connect team on 1800 844 727.  

You can view Youngcare’s SDA vacancies here which are also available on:
SDA Finder SDA finder | NDIS
Go Nest Find specialist disability housing | Nest (gonest.com.au)
Housing Hub Housing Hub