The NDIA has updated the rules for Short Term Accommodation (STA). It is now called Short Term Respite (STR), a name that better reflects its purpose.
What is Short Term Respite?
STR gives you and your family or carers a short break from daily support.
It includes help with everyday needs like personal care, meals and community access, usually in a supported setting such as a respite house or cabin.
Why the name change?
The NDIA wants to make it clear that STR is respite, not a holiday.
It’s a planned short stay that helps you and your informal supports stay well and keep your routines on track.
Who can access STR?
The updated guidelines explain who can use Short Term Respite and what evidence is needed.
Children under 18 may be eligible if they:
- live with their primary carer, and
- need more than 6 hours of disability-related support per day
Plus at least one of the following: - the carer supports others with high needs
- the carer has health concerns or may not be able to keep caring
- support can’t be safely provided at home
- the child is at risk of entering out-of-home care
Adults over 18 may be eligible if they:
- live with, or receive daily support from, informal carers, and
- rely on 6 hours or more of disability-related support each day
Plus at least one of the following: - they need high-intensity or complex behaviour support
- in-home support isn’t available in their area
- their informal supports have health concerns or extra caring responsibilities
Full eligibility details are available on the NDIS website.
How is STR funded?
STR is usually funded from your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living budget.
Most people can use up to 28 days per year, generally in blocks of up to 14 days.
More days may be approved if there is a risk that informal supports cannot continue caring.
What’s not included?
STR does not cover holidays or travel costs like flights, attraction tickets or restaurant meals (unless included in a provider’s set daily rate).
What this means for you
If you already use STA, you may see the name change to STR, but the purpose remains the same.
If you think you may need Short Term Respite, speak with your support coordinator, LAC or planner.
Able can help you gather the information needed and work with your coordinator or LAC to request STR funding. Speak with your trusted contact, or get in touch here:
We also have current vacancies in our Short Term Respite, which you can find more information about here.
