NDIS Respite Care & Short-Term Accommodation (STA) Guide [2025]

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) respite care, formally known as Short Term Accommodation (STA), provides essential temporary relief for people with disabilities and their carers. This support service has evolved significantly in recent years, with necessary changes implemented in 2025 that affect eligibility and coverage. This blog post discusses how these services work, what they cover, and addresses common questions to provide clarity on this important NDIS support.

What is NDIS Short Term Accommodation?

Short Term Accommodation (STA) under the NDIS refers to temporary housing and support services that allow participants to stay away from their usual home for short periods. This service was historically called “respite care,” though the NDIS has formally moved away from this terminology. 

There are two primary goals of STA: 

• To provide informal caregivers with a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
• To offer participants opportunities for independence, skill development, and new experiences.

The Evolution from “Respite” to “Short Term Accommodation”

While historically the term “respite” focused primarily on providing relief to caregivers, the NDIS has reframed this support as Short Term Accommodation to recognise its dual benefits for both participants and carers. This shift reflects an important philosophical change, acknowledging that temporary accommodation serves multiple purposes beyond caregiver relief, including promoting participant independence and social connection.

Core Purpose and Function

STA is designed specifically to provide participants and their informal supports with time apart. The service aims to:

• Give caregivers relief and prevent burnout
• Promote independence for participants
• Provide opportunities for social engagement
• Allow participants to explore new environments
• Support skill development in different settings
• Maintain a sustainable care relationship between participants and informal supports.

Eligibility Criteria and Funding Parameters

Who Qualifies for STA Under NDIS?

Eligibility for STA is determined by several key factors:

1. The participant must have an approved NDIS plan
2. The need for accommodation must be directly related to the participant’s disability
3. The participant must demonstrate that STA will help achieve their goals
4. The accommodation must assist with community participation
5. There must be a clear value for money in providing this support

Most importantly, as of 2025, STA is primarily intended for participants who live with informal caregivers who require periodic breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. 

This means participants who live alone or with Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding are generally not eligible for STA funding, as these living arrangements do not directly involve informal carers for whom STA would provide respite.

Funding Allocation and Duration Limits

The NDIS typically funds up to 28 days of STA per year for eligible participants. This allocation can be used flexibly based on individual needs:

• Up to 14 days for a single stay
• Can be broken into shorter periods (e.g., weekend stays)
• May be used in regular patterns (e.g., one weekend per month)
• Can be allocated in various patterns depending on participant and caregiver needs

Participants do not need to have STA specifically listed in their NDIS plan to access this support. If a participant has core funding in their plan, they can use this flexible funding for STA, provided it meets the “reasonable and necessary” criteria and aligns with their disability-related goals.

What STA Covers vs. What It Doesn’t

Note: STA (Short Term Accommodation) is intended to provide support and respite, not to fund vacations or luxury experiences. While enjoyable, the primary goal is support and care within a disability support context.

Types of STA Arrangements and Settings

Common STA Models

STA can be delivered in various settings based on the participant’s needs and preferences:

1. Group-Based STA: 

Multiple participants stay together with support staff in a dedicated facility

2. Individual STA: 

One-on-one support in settings like hotels or serviced apartments

3. Centre-Based Respite: 

Purpose-built facilities designed specifically for short-term stays

4. Community Accommodation: 

Shared houses, apartments, or other residential settings.

Group vs. Individual Settings: Important Distinctions

Recent changes to STA funding have created significant differences between group and individual settings:

• Group Settings: Providers may bundle meals and activities into the daily rate
• Individual Settings: Meals, activities, and other personal expenses must be paid separately by the participant
• The NDIS encourages participants to use group settings where appropriate, and individual arrangements require stronger justification.

Recent Changes and Developments (2025)

Policy Shifts in STA Coverage

As of 2025, several important changes have been implemented regarding STA:

1. Living Arrangement Restrictions: Participants living alone or with SIL funding are now excluded from STA eligibility
2. Clearer Distinction Between Respite and Leisure: The NDIS has reinforced that STA is specifically for respite, not for vacations or holidays
3. Limitations on Individual Settings: Stronger requirements to justify why group settings cannot meet a participant’s needs
4. Unbundling of Services: Clearer separation between accommodation costs and additional services, particularly in individual settings.

Accommodation for Support Workers

A significant point of clarification in recent policy updates concerns accommodation for support workers during STA:

• The NDIS will not fund accommodation costs for support workers
• Either the participant or the support worker must cover these costs
• This applies even when the participant has STA funding in their plan
• Support workers can only bill for the hours they have worked at the previously agreed-upon rates.

Using STA Successfully: Practical Considerations

Planning and Coordination

Effective use of STA requires careful planning:

1. Advance Booking: 

Most STA providers require booking well in advance

2. Clear Communication: 

Ensure all parties understand what costs are covered by NDIS and what must be paid privately

3. Support Scheduling: 

Determine exactly what hours support workers will be actively providing support

4. Accommodation Arrangements: 

Clarify sleeping arrangements and who is responsible for which costs

Support Worker Considerations

When travelling with support workers for STA:

1. Separate Accommodation: 

In most cases, participants and support workers should have separate rooms

2. Billing Transparency: 

Support workers should only bill for hours actively providing support

3. Clear Expectations: 

Define when support workers are “on duty” versus on their own time

4. Reasonable Hours: 

Key Takeaways on NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA)

Recognise that 24-hour continuous support is rarely reasonable or necessary

Ultimately, NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA) offers essential respite for participants and their caregivers, but it’s important to understand what it does and doesn’t cover. STA is meant for caregiving relief, not leisure or holidays. 

Clear knowledge of funding limits—like exclusions on support worker accommodation and certain personal costs—helps participants use STA effectively. 

To avoid confusion and ensure a smooth experience, participants should consult Support Coordinators and communicate clearly with the service provider about covered and private costs.

FAQ’s About NDIS Respite Care and STA