Life gets busy, and even superheroes need a break. That’s why NDIS Superhero is here to help you understand how respite care works under the NDIS — for both participants and their support workers.
Let’s dive into what the NDIS calls Short Term Accommodation (STA), which includes respite care, and how it might be the perfect support to recharge, reset, and keep your support network strong.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care offers short-term support when your usual carer is unavailable or simply needs a break. It benefits both the person living with a disability and the people who care for them.
Respite might include:
✅ A support worker staying at your home
✅ A short stay at a specialised centre or group home
✅ Attending a community activity or day program
✅ Temporary help with daily tasks if carers are away
❌ Informal help from friends or family isn’t funded by the NDIS.
NDIS & Short Term Accommodation (STA)
The NDIS doesn’t officially use the term respite. Instead, it funds Short Term Accommodation and Assistance (STA), which includes respite care and other short stays away from home.
STA is designed to support:
- A break for the participant
- A break for the carer
- Opportunities to try new things, build independence, or work toward goals
How often can you use STA?
You can generally use up to 28 days per year, broken up however suits you — like one weekend a month or two full weeks.
Each stay is usually capped at 14 days at a time.
What Does STA Cover?
When approved, your STA funding covers the cost of a full 24-hour support period, including:
- Accommodation in a suitable setting
- Personal care and daily living support
- Meals
- Community or in-house activities
- Overnight support
Important: What’s included can vary depending on whether you’re receiving care one-on-one or in a group setting. Always confirm with your provider in advance!
What STA Does Not Cover
Short Term Accommodation is not a holiday, and the NDIS will not fund stays that are purely recreational or unrelated to disability support.
The NDIS won’t fund:
- Hotel or Airbnb stays just for fun
- Cruises or airfares
- School holiday programs
- Tickets to concerts, events, or shows
- Accommodation for unrelated events (like weddings or sports matches)
Where Does STA Fit in Your Plan?
STA is usually funded under your Core Budget – Assistance with Daily Life. The best part? If you have Core funding, you typically don’t need STA to be listed separately in your plan to use it.
Just make sure the purpose of the stay is related to:
- Building your independence
- Improving your wellbeing
- Giving your regular carers a planned break
Need longer stays? You may need funding under:
- Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) – for housing while waiting for permanent options
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) – for ongoing daily living support
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
Pricing depends on:
- The day of the week (weekends and public holidays cost more)
- The ratio of staff to participants
- Your location (rates may be higher in remote areas)
Prices are set by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which ensure fair rates. If you don’t need full 24-hour support, you might be able to negotiate lower rates or use other categories in your plan.
Always confirm with your provider what’s included.
How to Get Respite (STA) into Your NDIS Plan
During your Plan Review or when applying for a plan for the first time, it helps to explain:
- When your usual support worker(s) is unavailable (e.g., medical leave, holidays)
- How a break supports your ongoing wellbeing or independence
- How a break helps maintain your home or care environment
- Any previous use of respite that’s worked well for you
Remember: The NDIS considers what’s reasonable and necessary — and what level of informal support your network can provide.
Your NDIS Superhero Plan Manager can help with this! We believe that Superheros need to take a break every now and then!
Final Thoughts: Even Superheros need a Break!
Everyone needs time to recharge. Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member or an informal carer, respite gives you space to rest, reset and continue supporting each other.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, or how to book STA, NDIS Superhero is here to guide you.
Need help including STA in your next NDIS Plan Review?
Talk to NDIS Superhero and we’ll make sure you’re covered — no capes required.
