NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA) funding helps eligible participants access short stays away from their usual care arrangements, with funding generally covering the approved supports and accommodation associated with the stay. Most eligible participants can use STA flexibly for up to 28 days per year, subject to their plan, support needs and the NDIS rules.
STA is sometimes described as short-term respite because a stay can give participants a change of environment while providing their usual informal supports, such as family or carers, with a short break from their caring role.
If you’re trying to understand how STA works before arranging a stay, the key questions are usually:
- Is STA included in my NDIS plan?
- How many days can I use?
- What does the funding pay for?
- Can I choose when to use my STA days?
- Can I use STA every month?
- Does STA pay for holidays and activities?
- How do I find an STA provider?
This guide explains the process in straightforward terms.
What is NDIS STA funding?
NDIS Short Term Accommodation is designed to provide support for a participant for a short period away from their usual care arrangements.
The NDIS says STA may be appropriate where a participant lives with primary informal supports, such as family, friends or a carer, or receives daily drop-in support, and where their primary informal supports provide significant disability-related support.
STA is not simply funding for a hotel room or holiday.
The purpose is the support provided during the short stay.
Depending on the participant’s circumstances and the approved support, STA can include accommodation and support for everyday activities such as personal care, cooking, showering and toileting. The NDIS also provides for standard accommodation settings and certain support arrangements in the participant’s home or a homestay.
In simple terms
Think of STA as:
A short period of supported accommodation that can help the participant maintain their routines, participate in activities and give their usual informal supports a break.
How is STA funded through an NDIS plan?
STA is generally funded from the participant’s Core budget and must be used in accordance with the participant’s plan and the applicable NDIS rules.
The amount available is not simply a universal STA allowance that every participant receives.
The NDIS considers the participant’s individual circumstances and support needs when deciding what funding is reasonable and necessary.
This means two participants may have different support needs and different funding arrangements.
If STA is not currently included in your plan and you believe you need it, you can discuss your circumstances with your my NDIS contact and ask about the appropriate support.
How many days of STA can you get?
For most eligible participants, STA is generally funded for up to 28 days per year.
The NDIS allows participants to use this funding flexibly. For example, someone may use:
- a short weekend stay each month
- several separate short stays throughout the year
- a longer block of up to 14 days at a time
The important point is that the funding needs to last for the duration of the participant’s plan and must be used in line with the plan and NDIS rules.
Does everyone automatically get 28 days?
No.
The 28-day figure should not be treated as an automatic entitlement.
The NDIS makes decisions based on individual circumstances, support needs and the funding criteria that apply to the participant.
In exceptional circumstances, additional short-term respite may be considered where a participant’s support needs mean they require more than the usual amount. The NDIS may also consider whether another type of home and living support would be more appropriate.
What can NDIS STA funding pay for?
The exact supports depend on the participant’s plan and the services actually provided.
The NDIS says short-term accommodation funding can be used for supports such as:
- assistance with everyday activities
- personal care
- standard accommodation
- support in an appropriate shared or individual setting
- overnight support arrangements where applicable
The NDIS also has specific rules about what STA funding can and cannot be used to pay for.
What STA funding generally does not cover
STA funding should not be treated as a general holiday budget.
Current NDIS guidance excludes items such as:
- holiday packages
- holiday accommodation
- airfares
- passports and visas
- travel insurance
- entertainment and entrance fees
- food or meals where specifically excluded under the current rules
The precise treatment of costs depends on the applicable NDIS pricing and support rules, so participants should check the current NDIS guidance before committing funds.
Can you choose when to use your STA funding?
Generally, yes — STA funding can be used flexibly within the participant’s plan.
For example, a participant might prefer:
One weekend each month
rather than using all available days in one period.
The flexibility allows participants and their support networks to plan stays around their circumstances and goals. However, the funding still needs to be used in accordance with the participant’s plan and should last for the intended plan period.
Does STA funding pay for the whole stay?
Not necessarily in the way people sometimes assume.
STA funding relates to the approved NDIS supports and services provided during the stay, rather than simply paying for an ordinary holiday.
The NDIS has standard pricing arrangements and requires providers to claim for supports actually delivered.
This is why it is important to discuss:
- your support requirements
- the accommodation arrangement
- the length of your stay
- what support will be provided
- how the provider will claim against your funding
before confirming a booking.
Can STA include support workers or nursing support?
The participant’s support needs determine what support is appropriate.
Accessible STA provides accommodation options together with support services that may include Support Workers, Registered Nurses and Paediatric Nurses, depending on the participant’s requirements and agreed arrangements.
If you require higher levels of support, explain your needs when making an enquiry so the provider can determine whether the accommodation and available support are suitable.
What about transport during an STA stay?
Transport should be considered separately from the accommodation itself.
Accessible STA currently offers accessible vehicle and sedan transport options and community access services at its Pelican Waters location.
Before booking, ask the provider:
“What transport is included, what is charged separately, and how does it interact with my NDIS plan?”
This helps avoid unexpected costs.
How do I use my STA funding?
A simple process is:
1. Check your NDIS plan
Confirm whether STA is included and understand the available funding.
2. Understand your support needs
Consider the level of personal care, overnight support, accessibility and community access you require.
3. Find a suitable STA provider
Look for accommodation that matches your needs rather than choosing based on accommodation alone.
4. Discuss the proposed stay
Confirm dates, accommodation, support arrangements and pricing.
5. Check how the provider will claim
Make sure the arrangement fits your plan and the current NDIS pricing rules.
6. Confirm your booking
Once the arrangements are agreed, you can prepare for your stay.
What should I ask an STA provider before booking?
Before confirming an STA stay, ask:
- Is the accommodation suitable for my accessibility requirements?
- What support can you provide?
- Can I use my own Support Worker?
- Is nursing support available if required?
- What accommodation options are available?
- What is included in the quoted support?
- What transport options are available?
- How are community activities handled?
- What information do you need from my Support Coordinator?
- How will the provider claim against my NDIS funding?
These questions can help you compare providers based on the whole support experience, rather than accommodation alone.
NDIS STA funding: quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What is STA? | Short-term supported accommodation for eligible NDIS participants. |
| Is it the same as respite? | STA is often described as short-term respite because it can provide a break from usual care arrangements. |
| How many days? | Most eligible participants can generally use up to 28 days per year. |
| Can I split the days? | Yes. STA can generally be used flexibly, subject to your plan and the rules. |
| Is 28 days guaranteed? | No. Funding depends on individual circumstances and NDIS decisions. |
| Does STA pay for a holiday? | No. STA is not general holiday funding. |
| Can STA include personal care? | It can include supports for everyday activities and personal care where appropriate. |
| Can I use an accessible accommodation provider? | Yes, provided the arrangement is appropriate to your plan and support needs. |
Is STA right for you?
STA can be an important support for participants who need a short period away from their usual care arrangements.
The right accommodation should do more than provide a room. It should take into account accessibility, support needs, routines, personal preferences and the participant’s goals.
Accessible STA offers individual standard and accessible suites at Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast, with accommodation and support options designed for people with disability. Its services include support workers, nursing options, community access and transport services.
If you’re considering an STA stay, the team can discuss your requirements and help you understand the available accommodation and support options.
[Enquire About NDIS STA Accommodation]
NDIS funding rules and pricing can change. Always check the latest NDIS guidance and your own plan before making decisions about funding or booking accommodation.
