Understanding Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Costs and Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC)

If you or someone you support is considering Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), understanding the costs and available financial support is essential. Navigating NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to break it down in a clear and simple way.

As a leading national SDA provider, Vera Living helps NDIS participants and Support Coordinators understand SDA costs and plan for the Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC).

What is Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC)?

The Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) is the portion of rent an NDIS participant is expected to pay when living in SDA housing. The NDIS covers the rest of the cost through SDA funding.

Key points about RRC:

• RRC is set at an affordable rate.
• It’s designed to make sure participants can comfortably afford their SDA home while still having enough for daily living expenses.
• RRC is standardised but flexible for participants experiencing financial difficulties.

How is the Reasonable Rent Contribution calculated

The amount of rent an SDA provider can charge must not exceed the Maximum Reasonable Rent Contribution (MRRC), which is calculated and updated by the NDIS every six months.

It’s based on the maximum basic rate of:

• The Disability Support Pension (DSP)
• The Pension Supplement
• Commonwealth Rent Assistance

Reasonable Rent Contribution Formula:

The maximum Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) for a single NDIS participant in Specialist Disability Accommodation is $506.55 per fortnight. This amount is calculated based on the following components:

This rate changes twice a year (on 1 March and 1 September) following DSP reviews. The NDIA then updates the maximum RRC amount accordingly.

However, Vera Living only adjusts rent once per year for simplicity and stability.

Government rates are updated annually, so always check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Does Vera Living offer flexibility?

While the RRC is a standardised rate applied across SDA tenancies, Vera Living understands that every participant’s financial situation is different.

If a participant is experiencing financial hardship, Vera Living may offer RRC relief or flexibility, where reasonable. You can discuss this directly with your Participant Engagement Specialist.

Who pays the RRC and how?

The participant (or their nominee) pays the RRC directly to the SDA provider. You can choose from two convenient payment options:

• Direct Debit: Set up a direct debit from your account to ensure rent is paid automatically.
• Centrelink Deduction: Have your RRC paid directly from your pension before it reaches your account. No manual payments required.

This means you never have to pay the full rent of your SDA home. NDIS funding takes care of most of it!

What does the RRC Cover (and what doesn’t It cover)?

Your Reasonable Rent Contribution covers your rent for your SDA home. However, it does not typically include:

• Utilities such as electricity, water, or internet
• Personal expenses
• Damages caused by the tenant

Your SDA provider, like Vera Living, generally covers:

• Council rates and statutory charges
• Maintenance (e.g. repairs, gardening)

Participants may need to cover repair costs for any accidental damage they cause.

Why is the RRC Important?

The Reasonable Rent Contribution plays an essential role in keeping SDA housing fair, affordable, and sustainable.

It ensures:

• SDA remains financially accessible for participants
• SDA providers can maintain high-quality, safe, and sustainable housing
• Participants can budget confidently while maintaining their NDIS funding.

For Support Coordinators: How to Help Participants with the RRC

As a Support Coordinator, you play a key role in helping participants understand and manage their SDA rent contributions.

Here are some practical ways to assist:

• Explain the RRC calculation to participants and their families
• Check DSP and CRA entitlements for accurate budgeting
• Help set up payment arrangements (Direct Debit or Centrelink Deduction)
• Ensure SDA funding is correctly allocated in the participant’s NDIS plan
• Support participants in financial planning for ongoing living costs

An SDA provider and tenant must have the RRC payment authorisations and minimum service booking information in place prior to a tenant moving into a Vera Living property.

For more information about how Vera Living works with Support Coordinators, visit our SDA for Support Coordinators page.

How Can Vera Living Help?

At Vera Living, we understand that working out SDA costs and NDIS funding can feel complex. That’s why we’re here to make it simple.

If you’re a participant or a Support Coordinator, we can help by:

• Explaining how the RRC works and what it covers
• Assisting with Centrelink Rent Assistance forms to help you maximise your pension
• Answering any questions about SDA funding, NDIS pricing, and tenancy arrangements

Understanding the Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) is key to living independently and confidently in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

By knowing how your RRC is calculated, when it’s updated, and what support is available, you can focus on what truly matters - enjoying your new home and living your best life with the right support in place.

If you have any questions about RRC, SDA funding, or how we can support you, contact our team.