Short Term Accommodation Guides
Plain-English guides to NDIS short term accommodation (STA), also called respite, for participants, families and support coordinators. Each one is checked against the NDIA's short term accommodation guideline, the NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS Commission, and links to them.
STA Explained
- What is STA?What NDIS short term accommodation (STA) is, who it's for, what a stay includes, how many days you can get, and why it's also called short term respite.
- NDIS respite accommodationNDIS respite accommodation explained: respite houses, cottages, group stays and host stays, who can get it, what's funded and how to find a registered provider.
- Who can get STAThe NDIA's rules for short term accommodation: the 6 hour test, the extra factors it looks for, when it won't fund STA, and the different rules for children.
- How STA funding worksHow NDIS short term accommodation funding works: the Core budget, how the NDIA sets the amount, making it last the plan, and asking for more if needs change.
- How many days of STA?The NDIA generally funds up to 28 days of short term accommodation a year, 14 days at a time. How to split them up, and when more than 28 days can be funded.
- STA rates and price limitsNDIS short term accommodation rates for 2026-27: the support items, the daily accommodation item, sleepovers, high intensity and who the limits apply to.
- What STA coversWhat NDIS short term accommodation pays for: support, standard accommodation and a worker's room. Plus what you pay yourself: meals, activities and transport.
- STA vs MTA vs SILThe difference between NDIS short term accommodation (STA), medium term accommodation (MTA) and supported independent living (SIL), side by side, with examples.
- STA providersWhat NDIS short term accommodation and respite providers do, the rules they follow, how to check registration, and what to ask before you book a first stay.
- Respite houses and vacanciesWhat an NDIS respite house is, who stays there, how STA vacancies work, what to have ready when you ask, and how to find a registered respite house provider.
Step-by-Step Guides
- Getting STA in your planHow to ask the NDIA for short term accommodation (STA): who to talk to, the evidence that helps, how the amount is decided and what to do if the answer is no.
- Planning a first stayHow to plan a first overnight respite stay on NDIS short term accommodation: questions to ask the provider, what to agree in writing, and what to pack.
- STA for childrenWhen the NDIS funds short term accommodation (respite) for children under 18: the tests, the extra factors, the 60 day limit and what providers must follow.
- Emergency respiteWhat to do when a carer suddenly can't continue: Carer Gateway emergency respite on 1800 422 737, using NDIS short term accommodation, and plan changes.
- Can the NDIS pay for a holiday?Can NDIS short term accommodation pay for a holiday? What the NDIA says about holidays, camps, cabins and travel, and what your plan can still pay for away.
- STA and carersHow NDIS short term accommodation gives family carers a break, what the NDIA looks at about carers, and other places carers can get respite and support.
Ready to Look for a Stay?
Free and independent. About two minutes.