NDIS SDA Calculator 2026-27

What SDA funding covers

Specialist Disability Accommodation is NDIS funding that goes toward the cost of eligible housing that meets SDA design standards. It relates to the dwelling and its accessibility features, not day-to-day support workers. Many participants also have SIL or other core supports in their plan, which is separate from SDA.

How price limits, location, and property age combine

The NDIS publishes maximum price limits by design category and dwelling type. Metro figures are the usual starting point. Regional and remote areas apply percentage uplifts. Existing dwellings typically attract a lower limit than new builds. This calculator multiplies those rules in the same order so you can see how each choice changes the headline limit.

Rent contribution and “net to provider”

Participants usually pay a reasonable rent contribution from income (often linked to Disability Support Pension rules). That contribution does not disappear from the system, it is part of what you pay toward living in the property. The “net to provider” figure here is a simple illustration: maximum limit minus the annual rent contribution amount used in this tool. Your real agreement may differ.

Who is eligible for SDA funding?

A funding estimate is only useful if SDA can go in your plan at all, and most NDIS participants do not receive it. Eligibility is decided by the NDIA against the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Rules 2020, which set three conditions:

• Extreme functional impairment (section 12), in mobility, self-care, self-management or social interaction.
• Very high support needs (section 13), where the level or type of support you need is substantial and ongoing.
• The SDA needs requirement (section 14), meaning specialist housing is the reasonable and necessary way to meet those needs, rather than home modifications, more support hours, or assistive technology.

The third condition is where most requests fall over. Having high support needs on its own does not qualify you. The NDIA has to be satisfied that the housing itself, not the support delivered inside it, is what resolves the need. If you are working out whether to pursue SDA at all, our NDIS eligibility quiz covers scheme access, and your support coordinator or occupational therapist prepares the housing evidence.

SIL vs SDA in one sentence

SDA helps pay for an appropriate specialist dwelling. SIL pays for support in the home. You can have one without the other, or both, depending on your plan. If you are estimating support hours, use our SIL calculator as well and treat the numbers as separate buckets.

How Carevo fits in

Carevo is a connection platform. We do not provide SDA housing or hands-on care. We help participants and families find providers and navigate options. Use this page to frame questions for your support coordinator or planner, then explore providers that match your approved category and region.