Short Term Accommodation (STA) is designed to give you and your informal supports time apart, allowing carers to continue their roles effectively. It provides you with the opportunity to stay away from your home for a short period, offering up to 14 days at a time and a maximum of 28 days per year.

STA is funded through your core budget if it meets your disability support needs and is considered reasonable and necessary. It does not need to be explicitly stated in your plan. You can access STA under the “assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement” category. The NDIS funds standard rates for STA, as outlined in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Generally, funding is for group pricing unless there is evidence that individual support is required.

STA funding is strictly for short-term needs and does not cover leisure travel, day-to-day living expenses like food or meals (except in some group settings), or non-NDIS supports such as cruises or theme parks. It also generally excludes travel costs to and from the placement, accommodation for those in supported independent living or living alone, and accommodation that mainstream services could provide. Additionally, it is not intended for excessive or long-term stays.

No, STA is not available for participants in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or those living alone, as they already have time apart from family and informal supports.