NDIS Short-Term Accommodation and Respite: How It Works
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What Is NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?
Short-Term Accommodation — often called respite — is NDIS-funded temporary accommodation where you stay away from home for a short period, usually up to 14 days at a time. It gives you a change of environment, the chance to build new skills, and importantly, it gives your informal carers (family, friends) a break.
STA includes the cost of accommodation, personal care, food, and activities during your stay — it's an all-in-one package, not just a hotel room. You might stay in a purpose-built disability accommodation facility, a group home with an available room, or in some cases, a private rental arranged specifically for your stay.
NDIS STA vs Respite vs MTA — What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things in the NDIS context:
- Short-Term Accommodation (STA) — The formal NDIS term. Temporary accommodation with supports, funded through your Core budget. Maximum 14 consecutive days, up to 28 days per year (though exceptions can apply).
- Respite — A broader concept. Respite is the purpose of STA — giving carers a break. STA is the mechanism. People often say "respite" when they mean STA.
- Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) — A different support altogether. MTA is for when you're waiting to move into long-term housing (like SIL or SDA) and need a place to stay in the interim — usually up to 90 days. MTA is rare and only funded in specific circumstances.
🔑 Key distinction: STA = short stays for respite and skill-building. MTA = a temporary bridge while you wait for permanent disability housing. They're funded differently and have different rules. Most people asking about "respite" are asking about STA.
NDIS STA Eligibility: Who Can Access Short-Term Accommodation?
STA isn't automatic — it needs to be considered reasonable and necessary. The NDIA looks at:
- Whether your informal supports (family carers) need a break to continue their caring role sustainably
- Whether the STA stay would help you work toward your NDIS goals — for example, building independent living skills or social connections
- Whether STA is a cost-effective alternative to other supports
- Your current living situation and the level of support you receive at home
If you live alone with no informal supports, STA is harder to justify (because the "carer respite" argument doesn't apply). But if your parents provide substantial daily care, STA is often included as a standard part of the plan to prevent carer burnout.
How STA funding works
STA is funded under your Core Supports budget. In your plan, it may appear as a specific line item labelled "Short Term Accommodation and Assistance" with a set dollar amount for the plan period.
The NDIS funds STA at a daily rate that covers accommodation, support, food, and activities. The current rate (as of 2026) varies depending on the level of support needed and the type of accommodation, but it typically covers the full cost of the stay. You don't "pay" anything out of your own pocket — the provider invoices your plan manager who pays from your STA allocation.
You can use STA flexibly throughout your plan — for example, one 7-day block every school holidays, or several weekend stays spread across the year. The key is that the total days stay within your funded allocation.
How to get STA in your plan
- Discuss it at your planning meeting — Be clear about why you need STA. If you have family carers, talk openly about their need for breaks. Carer wellbeing is a legitimate NDIS consideration.
- Provide evidence — A letter from your GP or support coordinator confirming the need for respite can help. If family carers are experiencing stress, document it.
- Research STA providers — Before your plan review, identify STA providers you'd like to use. Knowing costs in advance helps the NDIA determine appropriate funding.
- Check your plan once approved — Make sure STA funding is explicitly listed. If it's not there, you can request a review.
If STA funding isn't in your current plan, talk to your plan manager. They can help you understand whether it's worth requesting a plan review — or waiting for your next scheduled review to raise it. For details on the planning process, see our NDIS planning meeting guide.
STA is one of the most underutilised supports in the NDIS. If you have family carers who are stretched, it's worth asking about. Carer burnout is real — and STA exists specifically to prevent it. For related supports, see our guides on Supported Independent Living (SIL) and the complete NDIS support categories list.