NDIS STA Guide: Short Term Accommodation Rules, Limits & Line Items
Short Term Accommodation (STA), incorporating respite care, provides NDIS participants with short stays away from home while giving primary carers a essential break. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, STA is an all-inclusive support covering accommodation, personal care support worker hours, meals, and activities.
This operational guide details NDIS STA rules, official line item codes, maximum day limits, and step-by-step instructions to access respite funding in your NDIS plan.
Overview of NDIS Accommodation & Respite Categories
The NDIS funds distinct temporary accommodation options depending on participant goals and carer requirements:
| Accommodation Stream | NDIS Budget Category & Line Item | Max Duration Limit | Operational Focus & Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Term Accommodation (STA / Respite) | Core – Daily Activities (01_045_0115_1_1) |
Up to 14 days block (Max 28 days/yr) | Short-term respite, carer relief, accommodation, meals, personal care, and activities included. |
| Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) | Core – Daily Activities (01_044_0115_1_1) |
Up to 90 days | Temporary housing fee while awaiting a confirmed long-term SDA/SIL home (care billed separately). |
| Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Core – Daily Life (01_011_0115_1_1) |
Ongoing long-term allocation | Permanent 24/7 rostered support worker care in shared or single accommodation settings. |
What is Included in NDIS STA Funding?
Unlike standard housing supports, STA funding is fully bundled into a standard daily rate that includes:
- Short-Term Accommodation Fees: Room and facility costs for the duration of the stay.
- 24/7 Personal Care Support: Rostered support worker hours based on your required care ratio (1:1 up to 1:4).
- All Daily Meals & Refreshments: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily food requirements.
- Agreed Community Activities: Community outings, recreational activities, and local transport during the stay.
Rules for Securing STA Funding in Your NDIS Plan
- Demonstrate Carer Relief Need: Show that temporary respite maintains informal care arrangements and prevents carer burnout.
- Focus on Capacity Building Goals: Highlight goals such as building independence, trying new activities, or practicing independent daily living skills.
- Check Core Supports Flexibility: If STA is not explicitly itemized, flexible Core Supports funding can often be utilized for STA stays if it aligns with your plan goals.
Book NDIS STA & Respite Stays in South Australia
Speak with our intake team to schedule short-term accommodation placements, respite stays, or trial independent living options.
Contact Alliance Care SupportHow Alliance Care Support Assists
Alliance Care Support provides registered NDIS Short Term Accommodation and respite stays across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Our Support Capabilities:
- Accessible Respite Properties: Fully equipped, comfortable NDIS-approved accommodation options.
- Tailored Care Ratios: Dedicated 1:1 or shared support workers matched to participant support plans.
- Seamless Booking & Billing: Direct billing to NDIS Core Supports budgets under official price limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of Short Term Accommodation (STA) does the NDIS fund per year?
The NDIS typically funds up to 28 days of Short Term Accommodation (STA) / Respite per financial year. This is usually allocated in blocks of up to 14 days at a time.
What NDIS line item covers Short Term Accommodation (STA)?
Short Term Accommodation and Respite is funded under Core - Assistance with Daily Life using line item 01_045_0115_1_1 (or ratio-specific codes like 01_054_0115_1_1 to 01_057_0115_1_1).
What is included in the NDIS STA daily rate?
The NDIS STA daily rate is an all-inclusive rate covering 24-hour support worker care, short-term accommodation costs, all daily meals, and agreed community activities during the stay.
What is the difference between STA and MTA under the NDIS?
STA (Short Term Accommodation) is all-inclusive respite for up to 28 days to give carers a break. MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) covers only the physical housing fee for up to 90 days while waiting for long-term housing, with personal support worker care billed separately.
Next Steps
- Check Core Budget Allocation: Confirm available Core Supports funding in your NDIS plan.
- Select Respite Dates: Determine preferred dates and care ratios for your STA stay.
- Contact Our Intake Team: Connect with Alliance Care Support to reserve your STA accommodation.
To learn more about booking NDIS Short Term Accommodation, contact Alliance Care Support today.