SDA Funding Reform in Australia: What Changes in 2026
The NDIS changed in 2026. This page explains, in plain words, what it means if you live in an SDA home, need SIL support or use short term accommodation.
Last updated 8 November 2026. Rules can change, so check ndis.gov.au before you decide.
The short answer
A new NDIS law passed on 19 August 2026. From 1 October 2026, funding for social and community participation supports goes down by 50 per cent, and funding for improved daily living skills supports goes down by 10 per cent. SDA is not in those two groups, and supports that are essential to critical care and daily living are not affected by the reset. Prices, provider rules and the way 24/7 home support is organised are also changing. The questions below explain each change.
What is SDA funding reform?
There is no single change with that name. People use it for the group of NDIS changes made in 2026. A new law, the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026, passed Parliament on 19 August 2026 and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026. It changes some funding, prices, provider rules and how home and living supports will be organised. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is the home itself. Supported independent living (SIL) is the daily support inside the home. They are funded separately.
What changes on 1 October 2026?
From 1 October 2026 the Government resets funding for two groups of supports. Social, economic and community participation supports go down by 50 per cent. Improved daily living skills supports go down by 10 per cent. The change is phased in over 12 months and applies when a new or reassessed plan starts. Your current plan is not cut on 1 October. All plans in these groups will be renewed by 30 September 2027. The official information is on the NDIS changes page.
Does the 50 per cent reset cut my SDA funding?
The reset applies only to social, economic and community participation supports and improved daily living skills supports. SDA is not one of those two groups. Official information also says people who already receive SDA keep their supports, as long as they still meet the other eligibility rules. Supports that are essential to critical care and daily living needs are not affected by the reset. Always check your own plan, because every plan is different.
What are the SDA prices for 2026-27?
SDA has its own pricing schedule and price calculator for 2026-27. The maximum prices apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants, and providers cannot charge more than the limit. You can see the schedule and calculator on the NDIA SDA pricing page. If you live in an SDA home or plan to, ask your SDA provider how the price is worked out for your home.
What is changing for SIL and 24/7 support?
Two things matter most. First, all providers who deliver SIL must be registered, or have applied to register, by 1 October 2026. Second, the Government has started to design a new way to organise home and living supports for people who need 24/7 support. Consultation began in July 2026, and the details are not final. Caring Hearts is an onsite SIL provider, and we explain how 24/7 support works in our SIL, SDA and 24/7 care FAQ.
What changed for short term accommodation?
Short term accommodation is now priced in clearer parts in the 2026-27 NDIS pricing schedule. Different parts of the price are listed as separate items, and the national, remote and very remote prices are different. If you use respite, ask your provider to show you each part of the price before you book.
What should I do now?
Check when your plan is due for renewal. Keep reports and notes that show why you need your supports. Ask your support coordinator what the reset means for your plan. If your needs have changed in a big and lasting way, ask the NDIA about a plan reassessment. Check that your SIL provider is registered by searching the name on the NDIS Commission provider register.
How can Caring Hearts help?
Caring Hearts Home Care is an NDIS registered provider. We provide onsite SIL support, including 24/7 support, and we do not own or supply SDA homes. If you are looking at SDA, our SDA housing page explains how homes work and how onsite SIL fits in. For support with your plan, call 1800 844 995 or send a referral.
Key dates
- 1 July 2026New NDIS pricing schedule for 2026-27 starts, including SDA prices.
- 24 September 2026Updated NDIS pricing schedules, including the SDA schedule, take effect.
- 19 to 20 August 2026The new NDIS law passes Parliament and receives Royal Assent.
- 1 October 2026Funding reset begins as new or reassessed plans start. SIL providers must be registered or have applied.
- 30 September 2027All plans with funding in the two reset groups will have been renewed.
Your Journey: From First Question to Support Starting
Here is how it works with Caring Hearts, from the first call to regular reviews.
- Learn what changedRead this page and check when your plan is due for renewal.
- Call usPhone 1800 844 995 for a free chat with no obligation. Tell us what you need and when your plan ends.
- We talk through your planWe ask about your goals, who manages your plan and what support you use now.
- Look at homes and supportSee our current SDA and SIL vacancies. We explain how SDA homes and onsite SIL fit together.
- Meet your team and agree the startWe match workers to your needs, including 24/7 support if you need it. You can meet them before the first shift.
- Support starts and we reviewSupport begins on the agreed day. We check in often and adjust supports, including before your plan review.
Ready for the first step? Call now and a team member will talk to you.
Call 1800 844 995Sources: the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing pages on the NDIS changes, the NDIS pricing schedule 2026-27 and the NDIA SDA pricing page. This page is general information only and is not legal or financial advice.