STA (Short-Term Accommodation) is the NDIS funding that pays for a participant to stay somewhere else with full support — usually for a few nights at a time. It gives families a genuine break, gives participants new experiences, and gives everyone a reset.
Short-Term Accommodation and Assistance (commonly called respite) is NDIS-funded support for a participant to stay away from their usual home for up to 14 consecutive days, with 24/7 support included. It covers accommodation, food, personal care, and community activities during the stay.
A single STA booking includes everything the participant needs during the stay:
- Accommodation in an accessible, supported setting
- Food and meals (prepared by support staff or in the community)
- Personal care and assistance with daily living
- Community access during the stay — outings, activities, social participation
- Up to 14 days in one go; up to 28 days per year under standard funding (more with plan justification)
Respite is for participants and their families.
- ✓ Families and informal carers who need a planned break from full-time caring
- ✓ Participants trialling independent living ahead of a permanent move into SDA or SIL
- ✓ Anyone transitioning between living arrangements — post-hospital, post-school, changing providers
- ✓ Participants who simply want the experience of a short stay away from home
- ✓ Emergency situations where a participant's usual home isn't available or safe
- ✓ Participants whose NDIS plan includes "Short-Term Accommodation" or "MTA" funding
A short stay done properly.
Questions we hear most.
How much notice do you need? +
Two weeks is ideal for a smooth planned respite booking. For emergencies and discharge referrals, we can often accommodate within 48 hours — call us and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.
Can my regular support workers come with me? +
In most cases yes, if they're RDS staff. Consistency is valuable during transitions, and if you're using respite to trial a permanent move, familiar faces help.
What about my medications and behaviour plan? +
We take these very seriously. Before the stay, we collect your full medication list, BSP, health plan, and any communication aids. Staff are trained on your plan before you arrive.
Is this different to MTA (Medium Term Accommodation)? +
Yes. STA is short-term (days to weeks); MTA is longer-term (up to 90 days) used when participants need somewhere to live while their long-term housing is being arranged. We can help with both — ask us.