Moving house with SDA funding
How SDA funding works when you want to move — whether your funding moves with you, and what to check before relocating to another SDA home
Does my SDA funding move with me?
What do I need to check before moving?
How do I plan an SDA move?
Common reasons people move with SDA funding
What can go wrong in an SDA move — and how to avoid it
A step-by-step SDA move timeline
Frequently asked questions
Can I move interstate with SDA funding?
Yes — your SDA funding follows you, so you can move interstate provided you find a suitable enrolled dwelling at the design category and building type your plan funds. Plan carefully, because your support providers, health services and tenancy laws differ by state, and a support coordinator can help coordinate an…
How long does an SDA move take?
It varies, but the limiting factor is usually finding a suitable enrolled vacancy rather than the paperwork — that can take weeks to months, especially in tight design categories or locations. Once a home is confirmed, aligning notice periods, support handover and the physical move typically takes a few more weeks, so…
Will moving change my rent contribution?
Your Reasonable Rent Contribution is based on a set formula (25% of the DSP plus your Commonwealth Rent Assistance), so the core calculation doesn't change with the home. What can differ is what's included with your rent and any board and lodging, so check the new agreement carefully before signing.
Do I have to reapply for SDA to move?
No — you don't reapply for SDA funding just to move, because the funding follows you. You do need to find and be matched to a new enrolled dwelling at the right design category, and sort the notice periods and support handover. Only a change in your assessed needs would prompt a funding reassessment.
Does my SDA funding move with me if I change homes?
Yes. SDA funding is based on your assessed need and follows you, not the property, so you can move to another suitable enrolled dwelling and keep your funding. What changes is which provider receives the SDA payment based on where you live.
Can I move to a different SDA house?
Yes, provided the new dwelling is enrolled at the design category and building type your plan funds. You'll also need to check notice periods, your new rent contribution, and how your daily support transfers.
What should I check before moving with SDA?
Confirm the new dwelling's enrolled design category matches your funding, check notice periods in your current agreements, understand your new rent (RRC) and what's included, arrange how your support will transfer, and plan the timing so you're not double-paying or left unsupported.
What if the new SDA home isn't ready when I need to move?
Ask about Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), which can fund suitable accommodation for up to around 90 days while you wait to move into a confirmed home. A support coordinator can help arrange the bridge.
Do I need to reapply for SDA to move?
You don't reapply for SDA funding just to move, because the funding follows you. You do need to find and be matched to a new enrolled dwelling at the right design category, and sort the notice and support arrangements for the move.