Your Easy Guide to Short-Term Respite (Short Term Accommodation) 

If you’re looking into Short Term Respite (STR) to give you and your primary caregiver a much-needed break, this guide provides all the info you need to get started. Find out what STR is, who it’s for, how to get it included in your NDIS plan, and how to find the right provider. 

What is Short Term Respite? 

Short Term Respite (often still called Short Term Accommodation or STA) is a temporary support service for NDIS participants who need to stay somewhere away from home for a short period. It’s designed to give you and your caregiver a break, and is about maintaining your informal support, not replacing it. 

What STR is for: 

• A short break for you 
• A short break for your caregiver 
• Rest, recovery, and recharging 

What STR isn’t for: 

• Holidays or recreational travel 
• Capacity building programs 
• Skill-building activities 
• Funding meals, transport or outings unless they come bundled in a provider’s fixed daily rate 

What are the general STR Rules (in simple terms)? 

• You must stay at least one night 
• You can use up to 14 days at a time 
• You can use up to 28 days per year (sometimes more in exceptional cases) 
• STR is to sustain your informal care network. It’s not a replacement for them 
• Extra costs like meals and transport aren’t included unless they are built into the provider’s rate 

Am I eligible for Short Term Respite? 

You might be eligible for STR if: 

• You live with, or rely heavily on, informal carers (for more than six hours of support per day) 
• You have a disability that needs ongoing support 
• You have higher, complex, or behavioural support needs 
• You live somewhere isolated or have limited access to informal supports 
• Your carers are at risk of burnout or have other family responsibilities, such as young children or other people with disability to care for 

You’re unlikely to be eligible if you: 

• Live independently without drop-in supports 
• Already receive more than 18 hours a day of paid supports 
• Use SIL (Supported Independent Living) or ILO (Individualised Living Options) 

How is Short Term Respite funded? 

STR is funded under Core Supports: Assistance with Daily Living. Funding usually assumes a group rate (sharing support workers with others), unless you need one-to-one support due to your disability. 

Short Term Respite is designed to be flexible to meet your and your carer’s unique needs. So, you get to choose where you stay, when, and for how long. 

What STR funding covers: 

• Accommodation 
• Personal care 
• Support throughout your stay 

Most people receive up to 28 days per year, which you can use in the following ways: 

• A few weekends throughout the year 
• One longer stay up to 14 days 
• Small breaks here and there 

How do I get STR included in my NDIS plan? 

To have STR added to your plan, you firstly need to request it at your next planning or plan review meeting. 

It’s a good idea to prepare for your meeting to ensure the best chance of having your funding request approved: 

• Explain the support you need on a day-to-day basis 
• Talk about how much your informal supports help you achieve your goals 
• Describe how the support impacts your carer’s wellbeing 
• Be specific about how STR would relieve pressure or prevent burnout 

Bring supporting evidence, such as: 

• Occupational Therapist report 
• Psychologist report 
• A letter from your carer describing their role and why they need a break 
• Any documentation showing your support needs and the impact on your family 
• Anything that helps the NDIA understand your situation clearly to strengthen your case 

If you don’t have a meeting planned anytime soon, you can contact your My NDIS Contact and ask if you can use some Core Supports flexibly for STR. 

How do I find a Respite care provider? 

There are STR providers all over Australia ranging from small, home-like settings to larger hotel-style facilities. Each offers something slightly different. 

There are a few ways you can begin your research: 

• Use NDIS provider directories, disability support platforms and online communities 
• Ask friends, other participants, or local disability groups 
• Check provider websites for photos, service lists, and availability 

If you have a Support Coordinator, they can work with you to: 

• Gather evidence  
• Suggest suitable providers 
• Assist with bookings and budgeting 
• Questions to ask when comparing providers 

When you’re comparing Respite providers, it can be useful to ask a few practical questions to help you choose a provider that’s the right fit for you. 

• Are meals included? 
• What does the daily rate cover?  
• What qualifications and experience do staff have? 
• Can you bring your own equipment or supports? 
• Is transport provided? 
• How to prepare for your STR stay 

Before your stay, your Respite provider should reach out for your emergency contacts, so staff can contact them if necessary. 

It also helps to bring any written routines, communication preferences or tips that make your day run smoothly. These little details help your support team get to know you to provide tailored care for your individual needs. 

It’s also important you pack the essential items for your stay, including: 

• Any medications you take 
• Assistive technology or equipment you rely on 
• Personal care items  

What to expect during a Short Term Respite stay 

During your stay, you’ll have access to meals, planned activities and appropriate supervision, so you feel safe and supported throughout your stay. Each home or centre tends to have their own house rules and guest expectations to help everyone feel safe and respected. Your Respite support team should take you through everything, so you know exactly what to expect. 

Short Term Respite FAQs