What MTA is for
MTA is transitional housing. It bridges the gap between where you live now and a long term home that has been arranged but is not ready for you yet, for a reason linked to your disability.
Typical situations include:
- You have been offered a place in Specialist Disability Accommodation, but the home will not be ready for another month or two
- Your home is being modified for your disability and you cannot live there while the work is done
- You are ready to leave hospital but your long term home and supports are not ready
- You are eligible for SDA and leaving a justice setting while you wait for a vacancy
Who is eligible
The NDIA's guidelines say you must meet all three of these:
- You have a long term home you will move into after MTA
- You cannot move into it yet because your disability supports are not ready
- You cannot stay where you are living now while you wait
Leaving hospital
Hospital discharge has a little more flexibility. MTA can be added to your plan if you are being discharged and you are eligible for SDA, Supported Independent Living, an Individualised Living Option or home modifications, even if your long term home is not confirmed yet. The aim is to stop people staying in hospital longer than they need to.
Ask the hospital social worker or health liaison officer to raise MTA with the NDIA early in your discharge planning.
How long MTA lasts
MTA is generally funded for up to 90 days. You need to give evidence of when you can move into your long term home, such as an SDA tenancy offer or a builder's completion date.
If the delay is longer, the NDIA can extend MTA where there is evidence that you still need it because of your disability support needs. Ask early if your move date slips.
What MTA pays for, and what it does not
MTA pays for the accommodation. In the 2026/27 pricing schedule the price limit is $162.85 a day in most of Australia, with higher limits in remote and very remote areas.
It does not pay for your support. Any support worker help during your stay is claimed separately from your other funding, such as assistance with daily life or SIL. Food, internet, electricity and other everyday living costs are yours to pay from your own income.
MTA compared with STA
Short Term Accommodation (STA) is a short stay, up to 14 days at a time, so you and your carers can have time apart. MTA is a longer stay, generally up to 90 days, because you are waiting to move into a new long term home. They have the same 2026/27 daily accommodation price limit but are funded for very different reasons.
Tips for getting MTA right
- Get written confirmation of your long term home and the expected move in date
- Ask your support coordinator to line up your support provider for the MTA period at the same time
- Check the MTA home has the accessibility features you need, and who to call if something goes wrong
- Keep the NDIA updated if your move date changes