SDA Providers: What They Do and How to Choose One

What Does an SDA Provider Do?

Provides and looks after the home, and manages the tenancy.

• Enrols the home with the NDIA and keeps it meeting its design category and building type
• Keeps the home in a good state of repair
• Agrees the rent with you and writes it into a service agreement
• Fills vacancies in shared homes, taking residents' views into account
• Works with the SIL provider in the home on safety, shared living and concerns about the home
• Tells the NDIA about vacancies and changes to the home within 5 business days

What Rules Do SDA Providers Have to Follow?

NDIS registration, the NDIS Practice Standards for SDA, the SDA Rules, and state and territory tenancy laws.

The NDIS Commission's supplementary module for SDA sets out what registered SDA providers have to show at audit. It covers residents' rights, conflicts of interest, service agreements, enrolment of homes and tenancy management.

Is the SDA Provider the Same as the SIL Provider?

Not necessarily, and often not. The SDA provider gives you the home; the SIL provider gives you support workers.

The NDIA's guideline says you'll generally choose a different SDA provider from your other supports, so you can pick the providers that suit you best. Your SDA provider must let you change providers for your other supports at any time. Our page on SDA and SIL explains how the two fit together.

How Do You Choose an SDA Provider?

Find homes that match the design category, building type and location in your plan, then compare the providers behind them.

1. Check the provider is registered on the NDIS Commission's provider register.
2. Visit the home. Check it really meets your needs, not only the category on paper.
3. Meet or find out about the other residents, if it's a shared home.
4. Ask how the rent is set, what's included, and how repairs are handled.
5. Ask which SIL providers work in the home and whether you can bring your own.
6. Read the service agreement before you sign, ideally with someone you trust.

You can talk to as many SDA providers as you like. Our guide to questions to ask an SDA provider has a full checklist.

Can the NDIA Choose the Provider for You?

Only in limited situations, and it will talk to you first.

The NDIA may name a provider in your plan if you need very specific care that only certain SDA can offer, or in rare cases where changing providers would risk your health or safety. Otherwise, you choose.