What Is NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Who Is It For?

Visionary Respite
Jul 8
5 min read

Updated: Sep 7

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be daunting, especially when you're exploring support options like Short Term Accommodation (STA). Yet, for many participants and their families, STA can be a vital form of relief—offering not just rest, but growth, connection, and practical support.

In this guide, we'll unpack what STA really means, who it's for, how it works under the NDIS, and how to access it. Whether you're a participant, carer, or coordinator, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of STA—and how to make the most of it.

What Is NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?

Short Term Accommodation (STA) is a funded support under the NDIS that covers temporary housing and care outside the participant's usual home. It's often referred to as "respite care", although it goes well beyond simply giving carers a break.

According to the NDIS Price Guide, STA funding typically covers:

Accommodation for up to 14 days at a time
Personal care and support by qualified staff
Meals and sometimes recreational activities
Support in developing independent living skills

Think of it as a short-term, supportive stay that offers a change of environment with personalised care and structured support to meet the individual’s needs.

More Than a Break: What STA Offers Participants

For participants, STA is a chance to experience life in a new environment—sometimes with peers, other times with one-on-one support staff. The benefits can be significant, especially for those:

Learning to live more independently
Adjusting to a new life stage or routine
Exploring community activities or social connections
Seeking structured support during family transitions or emergencies

Many providers, like Visionary Respite and Care, also include development-focused activities that align with participants’ goals—like cooking, navigating public transport, or improving communication skills.

Who Is STA For?

STA is available to eligible NDIS participants, but it's not a one-size-fits-all support. It’s best suited for individuals who:

Need temporary support due to a change in their usual care arrangement
Are working towards building independence
Have carers or family members who need a short-term break
May benefit from a change in environment to manage emotional, behavioural, or social needs

If you're wondering whether you or a loved one qualifies, it helps to think in terms of "reasonable and necessary" supports, a key NDIS principle.

For example:

If a participant's carer is unwell or facing burnout, STA may be considered a reasonable support to maintain the sustainability of care.

Ultimately, eligibility is assessed individually—with the participant's goals, needs, and current informal supports taken into account.

How STA Differs From Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL)

It’s easy to confuse STA with other types of accommodation supports under the NDIS. Here’s a quick comparison:

Support Type	Duration	Purpose	Who It’s For
STA	Up to 14 days at a time	Short breaks, respite, skill-building	Participants needing temporary support
MTA	Up to 90 days	While waiting for permanent housing	Participants in housing transition
SIL	Ongoing	Long-term support with daily tasks	Participants needing regular in-home support

Each has its own funding stream and purpose. STA is usually the most flexible and immediate of the three.

How Funding for STA Works

NDIS STA funding typically falls under the Core Supports budget, particularly the Assistance with Daily Living category.

While you may not see "STA" listed explicitly in your plan, you can use your Core budget flexibly, provided the expense is:

Related to your disability needs
Value for money when compared with other supports
Linked to one of your goals (e.g., increasing independence or community access)

Standard STA Funding Model

The NDIS usually funds up to 28 days of STA per year, which can be used:

All at once (in two-week blocks)
Split into weekends (e.g., one weekend a month)
In one-off situations (like family emergencies)

Example: A participant with autism might use STA to practise life skills in a safe setting while giving their parent a break.

How to Access STA Through Your NDIS Plan

The first step is to speak with your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Together, you’ll assess whether STA aligns with your goals and whether it meets the reasonable and necessary criteria.

Steps to follow:

Identify the need – Consider social, developmental, or carer-related reasons.
Include it in your planning meeting – Be ready to explain how STA supports your goals.
Choose a provider – You can select a registered provider, or use a plan manager for more flexibility.
Track your usage – Keep records of bookings and stays to ensure budget tracking.

Tip: While STA is listed under Core Supports, plans with Support Coordination make the process smoother. They can help liaise with providers, arrange bookings, and ensure the stay is personalised.

What Happens During an STA Stay?

A quality STA experience should feel safe, enriching, and aligned with the participant’s goals. Depending on the provider, an STA stay might include:

Shared accommodation with others of similar age or needs
Individualised routines (including medication and meal preferences)
Recreational outings like cinema trips, bowling, or local festivals
Opportunities to practise personal skills like budgeting, hygiene, or shopping
24/7 support staff, with a ratio suited to the participant's needs

Choosing the Right STA Provider

The NDIS allows you to choose your provider, but finding the right one matters. Here’s what to consider:

Look For:

Clear, transparent communication
Tailored care plans—not cookie-cutter schedules
Options for shared or individual support
Clean, safe, and accessible environments
Strong client reviews or community word-of-mouth

Tip: Don’t hesitate to visit in advance or ask to speak with families who’ve used the service.

Common Misunderstandings About STA

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:

1. “STA is only for emergencies.”

Not true. While it can be used during urgent situations, many families use it proactively for respite, social development, or life skills training.

2. “I have to use it all at once.”

Nope. STA days can be broken up across weekends or short stays throughout the year.

3. “Only carers benefit.”

Carers do benefit from a break, but the participant gains just as much—if not more—through new routines, friendships, and self-confidence.

STA Success Stories

Here are a few real-world examples:

Kylie, 27 – Intellectual Disability

Kylie uses STA to spend one weekend a month with peers at a local supported house. She’s learned to cook, manage her hygiene independently, and now takes the bus confidently.

Amir, 15 – Autism Spectrum Disorder

Amir’s mum uses STA to give herself time to recharge. During his stays, Amir joins social outings and builds routines that help him regulate his emotions better at home.

Resources to Learn More

If you’re considering STA, these resources can provide deeper insights:

NDIS – Understanding STA
Carer Gateway – Support for unpaid carers
Department of Social Services – Government policies around disability supports
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Research and data on disability services

Final Thoughts: Is STA the Right Fit for You?

Short Term Accommodationisn’t solely about taking a break or stepping away from routine, it’s a strategic support designed to enhance quality of life, build independence, and sustain long-term care arrangements.

If you or your loved one is feeling the weight of day-to-day routines, or simply ready for a safe, supported change, STA could be the step that creates real momentum.

Remember: You don’t have to wait for a crisis to make the most of it.

Ready to explore STA options? Reach out to Visionary Respite and Care to discuss how we tailor every STA experience to each participant’s goals.