SDA and disability housing providers in Shellharbour, New South Wales

It only takes one minute and it's free.

Varies by design category and location (NDIS funded).

9 providers cover Shellharbour · 20 minutes to first enquiry acceptance across Australia

For SDA housing

9 providers in Shellharbour
Funded via NDIS
Free, no obligation
One request, providers respond

It only takes one minute and it's free.

For SDA housing

9 providers in Shellharbour
Funded via NDIS
Free, no obligation
One request, providers respond

Activity figures describe Carevo enquiries, not appointments or care quality. Acceptance timing excludes unclaimed enquiries. Confirm current capacity directly. Measurement period and method.

See all providers in Shellharbour, NSW

About SDA Housing in Shellharbour

This guide compares Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers in Shellharbour, ordered by service match, distance, register status and activity on Carevo. SDA housing, also called NDIS housing, is purpose-built accommodation funded through the NDIS for participants with very high support needs. The 9 SDA housing providers listed here all operate in Shellharbour and surrounding areas. If you are searching for NDIS housing in Shellharbour or want to understand which SDA housing providers have current vacancies, this directory is a practical starting point.

What to compare before choosing

Use these service-specific checks when you contact providers in Shellharbour. Confirm each answer directly; a directory listing does not prove current capacity.

Enrolment and design category

The dwelling must be enrolled for the SDA category and location funded in the plan.

Ask: Can you provide the enrolled dwelling details and design-category evidence?

Actual vacancy

A provider profile does not prove a suitable dwelling is currently vacant.

Ask: Which exact dwelling is vacant, and when could the tenancy begin?

Location fit

Transport, family, health and community access determine whether a dwelling is viable.

Ask: What essential services and transport options are accessible from the property?

SDA and support separation

SDA funding covers the dwelling, while daily support is funded separately.

Ask: Who is the SDA provider, who supplies support, and can I choose them independently?

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly are SDA housing enquiries responded to?

Across 21 SDA housing accepted enquiries on Carevo, the median enquiry acceptance time is 20 minutes. 57% of SDA housing enquiries nationally have enquiry details accepted within 1 hour, and 76% within 24 hours. This is the national figure for one service, so it differs from any Shellharbour figure above, which covers every service in the suburb.

How many SDA providers are there in Shellharbour?

There are currently 9 Specialist Disability Accommodation providers with dwellings in or near Shellharbour listed on Carevo. Availability of specific SDA housing design categories and dwelling types varies, so contact providers directly to check current vacancies.

What is SDA housing?

SDA housing is purpose-built or significantly modified accommodation funded through the NDIS for participants who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. SDA housing is designed to meet standards that go well beyond standard accessible housing, including features such as ceiling hoists, reinforced walls, automated doors, and emergency backup power. The NDIS pays an SDA contribution directly to the housing provider, and the participant contributes a Reasonable Rent Contribution from their own income. SDA housing is distinct from SIL (Supported Independent Living), which covers daily personal support rather than the housing itself.

How do I apply for NDIS housing in Shellharbour?

To apply for NDIS housing (SDA) in Shellharbour, you need to have SDA funding included in your NDIS plan. The process starts with gathering evidence from occupational therapists and medical specialists that documents your functional impairment and explains why standard housing cannot meet your needs. This evidence is submitted to the NDIA at a planning meeting or plan review. If the NDIA approves your SDA request, the SDA funding category is added to your plan. You can then search for suitable NDIS housing options in Shellharbour through SDA providers, the Summer Housing registry, or by working with a support coordinator who specialises in housing. Carevo connects you with 9 SDA housing providers currently operating in Shellharbour.

Who is eligible for SDA funding?

SDA is available to NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who require specialist housing. It is not available to all NDIS participants. Eligibility is assessed by the NDIA using evidence from occupational therapists, medical specialists, and other allied health professionals. Fewer than 6% of NDIS participants receive SDA funding.

What are the four SDA design categories?

The four categories are Improved Liveability (better amenity for sensory, cognitive, or intellectual impairment), Fully Accessible (step-free and wheelchair accessible), Robust (reinforced design for people with complex behaviours), and High Physical Support (highest level of physical access features including ceiling hoists, wider doorways, and emergency backup power).

How long does it take to get SDA approved in an NDIS plan?

The timeline varies. Gathering the required allied health evidence can take several months. Once submitted, the NDIA reviews the evidence during a planning meeting or plan review. If approved, the SDA funding category is added to your plan. The overall process from evidence gathering to plan approval often takes three to twelve months depending on evidence complexity and NDIA processing times.

Do I need SIL as well as SDA?

Not necessarily. SDA covers the housing itself. If you also need daily support such as personal care, overnight assistance, or help with meals, you will need separate SIL or Core Support funding. Some people living in SDA self-manage their daily support without needing SIL. Your support needs assessment will determine what combination of supports is right for you.

Can I be asked to leave an SDA dwelling?

SDA providers must comply with NDIS tenancy protections. You cannot be evicted without proper notice and valid grounds. If your provider asks you to leave, you have the right to challenge this through the NDIS Commission or through the relevant state tenancy tribunal. An NDIS advocate can assist if you face any housing instability.

What happens if no SDA vacancies are available in Shellharbour?

SDA vacancy availability varies by location and design category. If vacancies are limited in Shellharbour, your support coordinator can help you search in nearby areas or register your interest with multiple providers. Some SDA participants temporarily use Medium Term Accommodation while waiting for a suitable permanent vacancy.

Can family members or friends live with me in my SDA home?

SDA dwellings are designed for participants with SDA funding. Family members or friends cannot generally live in your SDA home. However, you can have overnight guests, and your tenancy agreement will outline the conditions. If you want a housemate or live-in carer arrangement, speak with your provider and support coordinator about what is permitted.

Care services available in Shellharbour

How many providers cover each type of support in Shellharbour.

Personal Care39 providers

Cleaning39 providers

Social Support37 providers

Support Workers37 providers

Support Coordination35 providers

Transport34 providers

Life Skills33 providers

Respite Care31 providers

Therapy28 providers

Plan Management28 providers

View all services →

How Much Does Specialist Disability Accommodation Cost in Shellharbour?

SDA costs in Shellharbour are funded through the NDIS for participants who meet the eligibility criteria. Participants do not pay for SDA housing out of pocket in the traditional sense. Instead, the NDIS pays an SDA contribution directly to the SDA provider, and the participant pays a Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) from their own income, typically around 25% of the Disability Support Pension plus Rent Assistance.

The SDA funding amount in a participant's plan depends on the SDA design category of the dwelling (Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, or High Physical Support) and the building type (apartment, villa/townhouse, or house). Higher design categories and newer dwellings attract higher SDA funding amounts.

SDA funding rates are set by the NDIA and are adjusted annually. The rates are intended to cover the capital cost of building and maintaining specialist housing, not the cost of daily support. Daily support delivered in an SDA dwelling is funded separately, usually through SIL (Supported Independent Living) or individual support arrangements.

Participants enrolled with a SDA provider should receive a clear written breakdown of the SDA contribution paid by the NDIS, the RRC they are responsible for, and any additional charges that apply. Transparency in pricing is required under the NDIS Practice Standards.

Time	Indicative rate
Improved Liveability - apartment	NDIS funded (rates vary by dwelling)
Fully Accessible - apartment	NDIS funded (rates vary by dwelling)
Robust - house	NDIS funded (higher rate)
High Physical Support - apartment	NDIS funded (highest rate)
Reasonable Rent Contribution (participant)	~25% DSP + Rent Assistance
SIL support (separate to SDA)	NDIS funded, varies by support hours

SDA funding is paid by the NDIS directly to providers. Participants pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution from personal income. SIL support costs are separate from SDA housing costs. Current NDIS SDA Pricing is published on the NDIS website and updated periodically.

Source: NDIS pricing schedule 2026-27

What does SDA housing cost? Full pricing and funding guide

How to Pay for Specialist Disability Accommodation in Shellharbour

SDA is funded through a dedicated SDA category in an eligible participant's NDIS plan. It is not available to all NDIS participants. To access SDA funding, a participant must meet strict eligibility criteria and have SDA included in their approved plan.

NDIS SDA Funding: The NDIA assesses eligibility for SDA based on extreme functional impairment or very high support needs that cannot be met in standard housing. Evidence is required from occupational therapists, medical specialists, and other allied health professionals. If approved, SDA funding is added to the plan and the NDIA pays the provider directly based on the agreed dwelling and design category.

Reasonable Rent Contribution: Participants living in SDA pay rent from their own income. The RRC is set at a legislated rate and is generally well below standard market rent, making SDA housing more accessible for people on the Disability Support Pension. Commonwealth Rent Assistance can be claimed in addition.

SIL and daily support costs: Living in an SDA home does not automatically include daily support. If you need daily personal care, overnight support, or other assistance, this is funded separately through SIL or Core Supports in your NDIS plan. Some SDA providers also offer SIL services, while others do not.

Private arrangements: A small number of participants fund specialist housing privately, though this is uncommon given the high construction costs of SDA-compliant dwellings. Most access SDA through the NDIS pathway.

What to Expect from Specialist Disability Accommodation in Shellharbour

SDA housing is purpose-built or significantly modified accommodation designed to support people with very high or complex physical support needs. The design standards are set by the NDIS and are more stringent than standard accessible housing. NDIS housing under the SDA program is not general social housing; it is specifically funded for participants whose needs cannot be met in any other dwelling type.

The process of accessing SDA housing starts with an assessment and evidence gathering phase. You, your support coordinator, or an LAC will need to collect evidence from allied health professionals documenting your functional impairment and explaining why standard housing cannot meet your needs. This evidence is submitted to the NDIA as part of a plan review or at your initial planning meeting.

Once SDA is approved in your plan, you can begin searching for suitable NDIS housing options. In Shellharbour, SDA housing vacancies can be found through providers, SDA registers, and platforms like the Summer Housing registry. Competition for SDA housing vacancies can be high in some areas, so beginning your search early is advisable.

When viewing an SDA housing property, check that the design category matches what is in your plan, that the location works for your daily life (access to transport, community, and services), and that the property includes the specialist features you need such as ceiling hoists, adult bathroom facilities, or reinforced walls.

You have the right to a tenancy agreement that protects your housing security. SDA housing providers must comply with NDIS tenancy protections, which include notice periods for vacating, maintenance obligations, and complaint processes. If you are unsure about your rights, an NDIS advocate can assist.

How to check a provider's credentials

Carevo shows register-sourced status fields and links you to the official Australian registers so you can confirm the current entry yourself. Here is what each listing shows and where to check it. A listing on Carevo is not an endorsement.

NDIS registration

Listings show whether a provider reports being NDIS registered. You can confirm a provider's current registration and approved support types yourself on the NDIS Commission's public provider register.

Source: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Aged care approval

The aged care approval label is sourced from the Australian Government's My Aged Care provider register. Confirm the current entry and the services listed there before choosing a provider.

Source: My Aged Care (Department of Health and Aged Care)

ABN you can check

Most listings include the provider's Australian Business Number, shown on the profile. You can look it up on the Australian Business Register to confirm the business is registered and active.

Source: Australian Business Register

Complaints process

If you have a concern about any provider, you can lodge a complaint with the NDIS Commission or the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission at any time. We also accept complaints via our own channel.

Source: NDIS Commission / Aged Care Commission

SDA Housing at a glance

Funding: NDIS SDA Funding
Wait time: Confirm current availability and a start date directly with the provider
Cost: Varies by design category and location (NDIS funded)
Median enquiry acceptance: 20 minutes

Care demand in NSW

In the last 90 days, participants, families and coordinators across NSW made 1,911 care requests through Carevo, and 42% were marked urgent. The funding mix was 44% NDIS, 39% Home Care Package or aged care, and 17% privately funded.

Based on real requests submitted to Carevo across NSW. Updated each build.

New South Wales Regulations & Compliance

In New South Wales, NDIS providers may be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and registered providers comply with the NDIS Practice Standards. Registration is mandatory only for specified supports and circumstances, such as specialist disability accommodation, plan management, and supports involving regulated restrictive practices. Self-managed and plan-managed participants may generally choose registered or unregistered providers; NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers. Aged care services operate under the Aged Care Quality Standards enforced by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Registered providers are audited against the NDIS Practice Standards, and workers in risk-assessed roles need NDIS worker screening through the NSW NDIS Worker Check.

NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission

Phone: 1800 035 544

Website: ndiscommission.gov.au

Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission

Phone: 1800 951 822

Website: agedcarequality.gov.au

Statement of Rights Complaints Policy Privacy Policy

About Shellharbour

Shellharbour sits within the Shellharbour (City) council area, home to around 3,561 residents. Connecting with a SDA housing provider who already works locally means shorter travel and familiarity with nearby services.

Population 65+

5,302 (18.2%)

State avg 18.8%

Need help with daily activities

1,678 (5.8%)

State avg 6%

Median personal income

$776/wk

Weekly, persons 15+ (ABS)

Data: ABS Census 2021

The response time above is based on 21 specialist disability accommodation (SDA) requests across Australia. We do not yet have enough specialist disability accommodation (SDA) requests in Shellharbour to report how many providers respond to a typical request here. How we calculate our numbers

How we rank providers

Rankings in Shellharbour use directory relevance and observable activity on Carevo: service match, distance, register-sourced status fields, whether an enquiry can reach the provider, and recent response and connection activity. Rankings are recalculated daily. They do not assess care quality or recommend a provider.

How this list is built. Providers shown here are registered with the NDIS for Specialist Disability Accommodation, or offer sda and support work.
Activity on Carevo. We measure recent actions such as connecting on an enquiry, opening its contact details, responding, and an inquirer reporting whether a connection helped. These are platform activity signals, not an assessment of the support delivered.
Service match. Providers are ranked by how closely their registered services and capabilities match what you are searching for.
Register-sourced status. NDIS registration fields come from the NDIS Commission provider register. Aged care approval fields come from the My Aged Care register. These statuses are ranking inputs, not Carevo endorsements, and you should confirm the current register entry before choosing a provider.
Carevo enquiries. Providers who have paused requests from us are moved down among providers with the same relevance. They stay visible and are marked as not receiving Carevo enquiries.
Recent activity. Providers active on Carevo recently (a connection, a login, or a profile update) get a small boost, the same signal shown as "Active this week" on their card. It is deliberately small: stronger relevance and condition evidence outweigh a recent login.
Local presence. Providers confirmed in Shellharbour rank above those covering only the broader region.

What the enquiries status means

It answers one question: would a request sent through Carevo today actually reach them? It is not a rating, it is not about the provider's books, and it is not a statement about their capacity, their waiting list, or the quality of their care.

Receiving: At least one contact on their account is set up to receive new requests from us, and someone has signed in recently enough for us to say a person is there.
Not receiving: Every contact on the account has unsubscribed or paused, so we have no way to pass an enquiry on.
No status shown: We cannot tell either way, so we say nothing rather than label the provider. The account is set to receive enquiries, but nobody has signed in recently, or there are no contact details on file. It is not a negative mark, and most listings sit here.

A provider who is not receiving our enquiries may well be taking new clients directly. Providers set this themselves and can turn it back on at any time from their Carevo account or from any email we send them. Providers not receiving our enquiries are moved down the list and never hidden. It is refreshed daily, so a provider who resumes, or signs in, reappears within a day.

What the Carevo activity rating means

The Strong activity rating describes how a provider behaves on Carevo, not the care they deliver.

Where it starts: Every provider starts at a baseline of 50.
What moves it: Enquiries from the last 90 days. The strongest positive is a care seeker naming that provider as the one who helped them. The clearest negative is connecting on an enquiry and never opening the contact details.
How it is kept honest: Recalculated daily from scratch, shown only above the baseline and only with at least two scored signals, and removed automatically when either stops being true. It cannot be purchased.

It is not an endorsement, a recommendation, or an assessment of care quality, and we do not screen providers for complaints. Complaints are handled by the NDIS Commission and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. See the full activity rating methodology.

providers in Shellharbour

35,250

providers nationally

How we calculate provider numbers

SDA Housing in nearby Illawarra & Wollongong locations

Oak Flats Horsley Warilla West Wollongong Figtree Calderwood North Wollongong Austinmer All of NSW →

Sources and content responsibility

Carevo maintains this service guide. The funding and directory wording was checked on 15 September 2026. This is not a clinical review. Confirm a practitioner's qualifications, suitability, fees and current availability before booking.

Travel must be agreed before booking under the applicable funding rules. Carevo does not publish a verified 2026-27 per-kilometre cap. Ask for an itemised quote. Send a correction.

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Browse related NDIS and aged care services available in Shellharbour.

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Need support in Shellharbour?

Connect with providers in Illawarra & Wollongong today.

SDA and disability housing providers in Shellharbour, New South Wales

For SDA housing

SDA Housing providers near me

Imperial Health Care (IHC)

Northcott Oak Flats

Supporting Communities Australia

Not finding the right match?

Mutual Care NSW

Solve Care

Banksia Care | NDIS & Aged Care Services

Gerringully Way

Illawarra Disability Care

Montessori Care

Not finding the right match?

About SDA Housing in Shellharbour

What to compare before choosing

Enrolment and design category

Actual vacancy

Location fit

SDA and support separation

Frequently Asked Questions

Care services available in Shellharbour

How Much Does Specialist Disability Accommodation Cost in Shellharbour?

How to Pay for Specialist Disability Accommodation in Shellharbour

What to Expect from Specialist Disability Accommodation in Shellharbour

How to check a provider's credentials

SDA Housing at a glance

Care demand in NSW

New South Wales Regulations & Compliance

About Shellharbour

How we rank providers

SDA Housing in nearby Illawarra & Wollongong locations

Sources and content responsibility

Browse by condition in Shellharbour

Other services in Shellharbour

Need support in Shellharbour?

SDA Housing providers near me

Imperial Health Care (IHC)

Northcott Oak Flats

Supporting Communities Australia

Not finding the right match?

Mutual Care NSW

Solve Care

Banksia Care | NDIS & Aged Care Services

Gerringully Way

Illawarra Disability Care

Montessori Care

Not finding the right match?

About SDA Housing in Shellharbour

What to compare before choosing

Enrolment and design category

Actual vacancy

Location fit

SDA and support separation

Frequently Asked Questions

Care services available in Shellharbour

How Much Does Specialist Disability Accommodation Cost in Shellharbour?

How to Pay for Specialist Disability Accommodation in Shellharbour

What to Expect from Specialist Disability Accommodation in Shellharbour

How to check a provider's credentials

Related pages in Shellharbour

SDA Housing at a glance

Care demand in NSW

New South Wales Regulations & Compliance

About Shellharbour

How we rank providers

SDA Housing in nearby Illawarra & Wollongong locations

Sources and content responsibility

Browse by condition in Shellharbour

Other services in Shellharbour

Need support in Shellharbour?