NDIS Respite Holidays: What STA Can and Can't Pay For
No. The NDIA says short term accommodation (STA) isn't for holidays. It can't pay for holiday packages, cruises, tours, airfares or holiday accommodation, or for family members' travel. STA can pay for the support you need and standard accommodation in a stationary setting, like a cabin, cottage or respite house, generally in your home state. You pay for meals, activities and transport.
What Does the NDIS Say About Holidays?
Holidays aren't NDIS supports. You can't use STA, or any NDIS funding, to pay for one.
- Holiday packages, cruises, tours and holiday accommodation
- Airfares, including interstate and overseas travel
- Passports, visas, and travel and vehicle insurance
- Accommodation or travel for family members, or for support workers supporting you on holiday
- Food, meals, activities and entry fees on holiday
- Theme parks, concerts, theatre, cinema, sporting events and conferences
So What Can a Stay Away Look Like?
A break somewhere stationary, with support, that gives you and your carers time apart.
STA can be used in an accommodation facility, hotel, motel, short stay rental, cabin, cottage, homestay or your own home. The NDIA's guideline gives the example of a participant staying in a shared cabin with facilities for archery and kayaking: STA paid for the one-to-one support he needed to join in archery, and he paid for the archery himself.
Looking for a Stay?
We'll connect you with a registered STA provider who may have a stay that suits.
Can You Use STA Interstate?
Generally not. STA is expected to be used in your home state or territory.
If you live in a remote or very remote area, or a border town, your closest STA might be across the border, and the NDIA may fund it there.
Can Your Plan Help When You Go on Holiday?
Yes, for the supports themselves. You can usually keep using your plan for the NDIS supports you need while you're away.
For example, your support worker might support you at the holiday location, or you could use a local provider where you're going. You might need to hire equipment like a shower chair. The holiday itself, and your worker's travel and accommodation, aren't covered.
Questions People Ask
Does the NDIS pay for holidays?
No. Holidays aren't NDIS supports. Your plan can still pay for the supports you need while you're away.
Can STA pay for a camp?
It can pay for your support and standard accommodation at a stationary setting like cabins or a lodge. The activities and meals are paid by you.
Can I use STA to stay in a hotel?
Yes. A hotel or motel room at a standard rate, with no extra inclusions, can be STA accommodation, with your support workers providing your support.
Can my family come on an STA stay?
STA is for time apart from your family or carers, so it doesn't fund their accommodation or programs.
Keep Reading
- What STA coversWhat NDIS short term accommodation pays for: support, standard accommodation and a worker's room.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- How it worksHow we connect you with an STA provider, and what happens to your details.
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