FAQs for NDIS Providers - Short Term Accommodation (STA)

STA (Short Term Accommodation) is one of the most flexible and widely accessed supports under the NDIS. While many people know STA as respite, it is much more than just a temporary stay away from home. 

STA is funded under the NDIS to provide short-term disability supports and a planned break from a participant's usual support arrangements.

Providers delivering STA are generally registered under the NDIS registration group Assistance with Daily Life Tasks in a Group or Shared Living Arrangement (0115), where registration is required.

This FAQ guide answers the most common questions about how STA works, who it is for, and what is included.

What is STA (Short Term Accommodation)?

Short Term Accommodation is a temporary support option that allows NDIS participants to stay in a different location for a short period while receiving assistance with daily living activities. STA includes the cost of accommodation, support workers, meals, and activities. 

Is STA the same as respite?

Yes, it is a short, temporary support designed to maintain the primary caring relationship and ensure the participant remains safely supported at home through short-term alternative accommodation options.

Who can access STA?

STA is generally intended for participants who rely significantly on informal supports, such as family members or unpaid carers, and where providing a short break will help sustain those caring arrangements.

You may be eligible if you:

• Live with your primary informal supports, or
• Receive daily drop-in support from them, and
• Rely significantly on those informal supports, and
• Respite is required to maintain informal supports.

For children, STA is funded only when:

• The child’s disability support needs are significantly greater than typical for their age, and
• Respite helps the family sustain their caring role.

Short Term Respite is not funded if you:

• Do not live with family or other informal supports, or
• Already receive extensive paid supports such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO).

How long can a participant stay in STA?

The NDIS typically funds STA for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days per stay. These days can be used as:

• A single block stay
• Several short weekends
• Occasional nights throughout the year

The frequency and duration depend on what best supports the participant’s goals and circumstances.

What does STA include?

STA is an all-inclusive service. Every STA provider may offer slightly different programs or activities, but provided supports must meet NDIS quality and safety standards. It usually includes:

• Safe and comfortable accommodation
• Support worker assistance
• Personal care and daily living support
• All meals and food preparation
• Skill-building activities
• Community participation
• 24/7 support if required

How is STA funded in an NDIS plan?

STA is funded from the Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living budget. It does not require a separate category unless the participant has very specific needs or high ratios of support.

Support Coordinators or providers should provide evidence showing how STA supports the participant’s goals, independence, and wellbeing.

Has STA changed from 1 July 2026?

Yes.

From 1 July 2026, the NDIA introduced significant changes to the way STA is priced and claimed.

Rather than a single bundled daily support item, providers now claim separate components, including:

• participant accommodation
• support worker hours
• overnight support where applicable
• other claimable support items in accordance with the NDIS Pricing Schedule.

Participants should discuss these changes with their provider, as quotes, invoices and service agreements may now look different than they did previously.

Do participants need to contribute personal money during an STA stay?

STA covers accommodation, support, meals, and agreed activities. Providers should explain what is and is not included before the stay begins. Participants may need personal spending money for optional activities such as:

• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Special outings not included in the STA service
• Personal items like toiletries or clothing

Can STA be used to trial independent living?

Yes. STA may also support participants to experience different living arrangements, build independent living skills or inform future home and living decisions, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO), where this aligns with the participant's NDIS goals.

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Can STA be used for emergencies?

In some circumstances, STA may be used to address short-term disability support needs arising from unexpected events. However, STA is not intended to replace emergency housing, homelessness services or crisis accommodation, and funding decisions remain subject to NDIA approval,  this may occur when:

• A participant’s home becomes unsafe
• There is family breakdown
• A participant cannot remain at home due to risk
• Supports are suddenly unavailable

Emergency STA requests should be discussed with a Support Coordinator, LAC, or provider as soon as possible.

Can participants choose their own STA provider?

Yes. Participants have full choice and control over which STA provider they use. They may select providers based on:

• Location
• Type of accommodation
• Activities offered
• Cultural fit
• Support needs
• Availability

Participants can also choose different providers throughout the year depending on their goals.

What is the difference between STA and MTA?

STA provides short-term respite and accommodation, usually up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 consecutive days and includes meals and activities.

MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) provides temporary accommodation only, usually for up to 90 days, while a participant waits for their long-term housing solution (such as SDA, home modifications, hospital discharge, tenancy delays).

MTA funding covers accommodation only. Participants continue to receive their usual disability supports separately through other funded NDIS supports.

What should providers document during STA?

Providers must maintain detailed documentation, including:

• Participant goals for the stay
• Support activities provided
• Any incidents or changes in support needs
• Progress notes
• Evidence of skill development or participation
• Updates for support coordinators and families (with consent)

How can participants get the most out of STA?

Participants can benefit most from STA by:

• Setting clear goals for each stay
• Communicating preferences and support needs
• Choosing a provider that aligns with their interests
• Keeping track of progress or improvements
• Reviewing each stay with their support coordinator

STA becomes most effective when it is part of a larger plan for independence and wellbeing.

Participants, families, providers and support coordinators can find more information in the NDIS short term respite guideline. 

We strive to keep our content accurate and up to date; however, NDIS Commission rules and requirements can change. For the latest information, visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website or contact our team.