From 1 July 2026, the NDIA has officially changed the name Short-Term Respite back to Short-Term Accommodation (STA). While the name may sound familiar, there are also important updates to how STA is funded and claimed.
These changes are designed to improve transparency and ensure funding better reflects the supports participants actually receive. Whether you currently access STA or are considering it in the future, understanding these updates can help you make informed decisions about your NDIS supports.
Why Has the Name Changed Back to Short-Term Accommodation?
The change from Short-Term Respite back to Short-Term Accommodation (STA) follows feedback from the disability community and better aligns with how this support has traditionally been understood.
Although the name has changed, the purpose of STA remains the same. It continues to provide participants with temporary accommodation away from their usual home while supporting them to work towards their NDIS goals. It also offers families and informal supports an opportunity to take a break from their caring responsibilities.
Ultimately, this is a terminology change rather than a change to who can access the support.
A New Way of Claiming STA
The biggest change is how STA is now claimed by providers.
Instead of submitting a single bundled claim, providers must now separate the accommodation component from the support component. This means claims will better reflect the actual supports delivered during a participant's stay.
The updated claiming process records:
- the accommodation provided
- the number of support worker hours delivered
- when those supports were provided
- the level of support delivered throughout the stay.
This approach aims to improve transparency and ensure NDIS funding is used for the supports participants actually receive.
Understanding What STA Covers
Short-Term Accommodation funding is intended to cover the essential costs of a temporary stay alongside disability-related supports.
Accommodation funding is designed to provide a clean, comfortable, and accessible place to stay where required. This generally includes the basic accommodation itself and any necessary accessibility features.
However, it's important to understand that STA funding does not cover additional expenses such as:
- holidays or holiday packages
- flights or travel costs
- food (this was previously included)
- activity fees (this was previously included)
These costs sit outside the scope of STA funding and may need to be funded separately if appropriate.
Not Every Overnight Stay Is Considered STA
The updated guidance also makes it clearer when accommodation funding can and cannot be claimed.
Accommodation costs cannot be claimed if a participant stays in their own home or in a homestay arrangement. The funding is intended for genuine short-term accommodation provided through an eligible STA service.
This clarification helps ensure funding is used consistently across providers and reflects the intended purpose of STA within the NDIS.
What These Changes Mean for Participants
For many participants, accessing Short-Term Accommodation will continue much as before however the cost of food and activities will now need to be funded by the participant or negotiated with the provider as part of the agreement. For providers, the biggest difference will be using the new claiming arrangements and pricing structure which may impact the activities and meals previously provided at respite.
If you currently receive STA, it may be worthwhile discussing the changes with your provider or Support Coordinator. They can explain how the updated pricing structure works, whether your service agreement needs to be updated, and what to expect when reviewing invoices or funding statements.
While administrative processes may have changed, the goal remains the same: providing quality short-term accommodation and disability supports that help participants build independence, maintain informal supports, and work towards their NDIS goals.
Understanding these updates can help you feel more confident about how your funding is used and ensure you're receiving supports that are clear, transparent, and aligned with the latest NDIS guidance.
