NDIS MTA Eligibility: Rules, Line Items & 90-Day Limits
Securing appropriate housing during transitional periods is essential for NDIS participants leaving hospital, transitioning out of temporary care, or awaiting home modifications. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) provides up to 90 days of funded interim housing while a confirmed long-term housing offer is finalized.
This operational guide details NDIS MTA eligibility rules, official line item codes, maximum day limits, and step-by-step instructions to request MTA funding in your NDIS plan.
Understanding NDIS Accommodation Categories & MTA Rules
The NDIS funds distinct temporary and long-term accommodation streams. Knowing how MTA differs from STA and SIL ensures accurate plan allocations:
| Accommodation Stream | Primary NDIS Budget Category | Max Duration Limit | Primary Eligibility Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) | Core – Daily Activities (01_044_0115_1_1) |
Up to 90 days | Confirmed long-term housing offer (SIL/SDA/modifications) awaiting final completion/vacancy. |
| Short Term Accommodation (STA / Respite) | Core – Daily Activities (01_045_0115_1_1) |
Up to 14 days block (Max 28 days/yr) | Short-term carer relief, emergency respite, or immediate post-hospital recovery stays. |
| Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Core – Assistance with Daily Life (01_011_0115_1_1) |
Ongoing long-term allocation | Permanent 24/7 rostered care support in shared or individual accessible accommodation. |
Mandatory NDIS Criteria for MTA Eligibility
To qualify for up to 90 days of MTA funding, the NDIA requires evidence fulfilling three specific criteria:
- Confirmed Long-Term Housing Offer: You must have a documented long-term housing solution in place (e.g., an accepted SIL vacancy offer, an approved SDA lease, or an active home modification contract).
- Inability to Move In Immediately: The confirmed long-term housing must be temporarily unavailable (e.g., pending building completion, modification works, or transition timelines).
- Disability-Related Need: You cannot remain in your current accommodation due to physical accessibility barriers or hospital discharge requirements.
How to Request MTA Funding in Your Plan Review
- Gather Long-Term Evidence: Obtain written confirmation from your SIL provider, SDA developer, or builder stating the expected move-in date.
- Submit Occupational Therapist Report: Include an OT functional assessment proving why current housing is unsuitable during the interim period.
- Apply via Emergency Plan Variation: Work with your Support Coordinator or Hospital Discharge Liaison Officer to submit an urgent plan review request.
Arrange MTA Vacancies Across South Australia
Speak with our intake team to review accessible Medium Term Accommodation options in Adelaide.
Contact Alliance Care SupportHow Alliance Care Support Assists
Alliance Care Support provides fully accessible Medium Term Accommodation and SIL housing options across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Our Support Capabilities:
- Accessible Interim Vacancies: Modern, NDIS-approved properties ready for immediate MTA placements.
- Integrated Support Worker Rosters: Coordinating daily personal care shifts alongside MTA accommodation stays.
- Discharge & Transition Coordination: Working directly with hospital discharge teams and Support Coordinators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 core criteria for NDIS MTA eligibility?
To qualify for NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), you must: 1) Require temporary housing due to your disability, 2) Have a documented, confirmed long-term housing solution (such as SIL, SDA, or pending home modifications), and 3) Be unable to move into your long-term home immediately.
How long will the NDIS fund Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)?
The NDIS funds Medium Term Accommodation for up to 90 days. Extensions beyond 90 days are only approved in exceptional circumstances where long-term housing construction or modifications are delayed through no fault of the participant.
What NDIS line item covers Medium Term Accommodation?
MTA accommodation fees are funded under Core - Assistance with Daily Life using line item 01_044_0115_1_1.
Does MTA funding cover support worker care and daily food costs?
No. The MTA line item covers only the cost of the physical accommodation. Personal support worker care is billed separately from your standard Core Supports budget, and daily food or utility expenses are everyday living costs paid out of pocket.
Next Steps
- Confirm Long-Term Housing Timeline: Obtain written confirmation of your expected permanent move-in date.
- Check NDIS Category 01 Allocation: Verify available MTA funding in your NDIS plan budget.
- Contact Our Intake Team: Connect with Alliance Care Support to review MTA vacancies in Adelaide.
To learn more about organizing Medium Term Accommodation, contact Alliance Care Support today.