What STA is for
The NDIS describes STA as short term support that lets you and your primary informal supports have time apart, so your usual arrangements can keep going. It gives your carers a genuine break and gives you a change of scene, new people and new experiences.
STA is often called respite. The NDIS briefly renamed it short term respite in October 2025, then changed the name back to Short Term Accommodation after community feedback.
How much STA you can have
STA is generally funded for up to 28 days a year, in stays of up to 14 days at a time. You can use it flexibly, for example one long block, or one weekend a month.
The amount in your plan depends on your needs and on how much care your family provides. If you need a longer stay because your long term home is not ready, that is Medium Term Accommodation, not STA.
Where you can stay
STA covers standard accommodation with no extra inclusions. That means somewhere clean and comfortable, with a bed, a bathroom and the accessibility features you need. It can be a respite house, a hotel or motel, a short stay rental, a cabin, cottage or hostel.
How STA is priced from 2026/27
STA used to be one bundled daily rate that covered support, accommodation and food, priced by ratio. In 2026/27 it has been unbundled into separate items, so you can see what you are paying for:
- Support during your stay: claimed by the hour at support worker rates. The standard weekday daytime limit is $73.58 an hour, with higher limits for evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, and a sleepover item of $311.79 a night
- Higher intensity support: if you need workers with high intensity skills, the high intensity items apply, starting at $79.60 an hour on a weekday daytime
- Accommodation: up to $162.85 a day for your room, and the same again if a support worker needs to stay
- Remote and very remote areas have higher limits
What STA does not pay for
The accommodation item is for standard accommodation only. Ask the provider exactly what is included before you book, especially meals, because food is generally treated as an everyday living cost rather than an NDIS support. Activities with an entry fee, spending money and personal items are also your own costs.
How to book STA
- Check your plan: STA is funded from Assistance with Daily Life, which is not affected by the October 2026 funding reset
- Find a provider with availability for the dates you want, and visit if you can
- Agree a service agreement that lists the support hours, accommodation charge and cancellation terms
- Share important information: routines, medication, communication, mealtime and behaviour support plans
- If you are NDIA managed, the provider must be registered. Plan managed and self managed participants can also use unregistered providers
For STA providers
Invoices now need to show support hours and accommodation days separately, against the right time of day items. Update service agreements, quotes and rosters to the unbundled structure, and be clear with families about what the daily accommodation charge includes.