FAQs
We believe in transparency, from how to access NDIS funding to our policies, processes and approaches.
General
What is Short Term Accommodation (STA) under the NDIS?
STA is designed to help informal supports continue their caring role by allowing participants to stay away from their homes and informal supports for a short time. It can be funded for up to 14 days at a time to a maximum of 28 days per calendar year. It’s often funded when your usual carers aren’t available, or for you to pursue your personal goals.
Is Respite care or STA a holiday?
No. STA is not for holidays or tourist travel. It is designed to provide participants and their informal supports time apart. Short Term Accommodation is only funded when the need for this is related to your disability, such as for respite or skill building.
Who can access STA under the NDIS?
Anyone with an approved NDIS plan may be eligible for Short Term Accommodation. You can contact Complete Respite Care for more information.
How long can I stay in Short Term Accommodation?
The maximum length is 14 days for a single stay. The maximum per year is 28 days. You can use your Short Term Accommodation funding flexibly. For example, you might want to use it in a block of up to 14 days at a time or for one weekend a month.
What do I do if STA isn’t included in my NDIS plan?
STA can be funded by a participant's Core budget if it relates to their disability support needs, and where it is reasonable and necessary. Talk to your support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner if you’d like to learn more about Short Term Accommodation.
What services are included in STA?
Short Term Accommodation includes:
- personal care/support workers
- accommodation
- community participation activities
- mobility aids and equipment
What services are not included in STA?
NDIS funding does not cover food, transport and non-disability related daily expenses such as entrance fees and event tickets.
Can I use STA as a holiday or recreational trip?
No. Short Term Accommodation is only funded when the need for this is related to your disability, such as for respite or skill building.
What documentation do I need to apply for STA?
- Care Plan
- NDIS number
- plan manager contact details
- evidence that you have a genuine need for STA
Funding and Cost Related FAQs:
How is STA funded under the NDIS?
If you already have funding in your Core budget, you can use this for Short Term Accommodation if it relates to your disability support needs, and where it is reasonable and necessary. NDIS participants can choose to use their Core budget on a range of supports like Short Term Accommodation to suit their needs.
How do I pay for STA with my NDIS funds?
You have three options for who manages the funding in your plan:
- Self-managed: You, or your plan nominee or child representative, manage the funding and pay your providers.
- Agency-managed: The NDIA pays your service providers.
- Plan-managed: your plan manager pays your service providers.
To learn how to claim for each option, refer to: click here
Are there any out of pocket costs?
Additional Expenses — STA funding can be used for assistance with self-care or community access and accommodation. It cannot be used to pay for day-to-day living costs such as food and groceries, lifestyle costs or travel.
Extra Services — if you would like additional services or higher levels of care beyond what is covered in your plan, these may incur additional costs.
What happens if I need more than 28 days of STA?
NDIS may fund other support if you need longer term accommodation support. For example, they might fund Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or other supports depending upon your support needs. You may refer to this link to find out more:
Can I use STA for an emergency stay?
Short Term Accommodation is not for housing crisis situations. Short Term Accommodation can only be funded where the need relates directly to your disability.
Service Specific FAQs:
What types of accommodation are available under STA?
We offer quality accessible 1 and 2 bedroom apartments at various locations around Australia.
What activities are available during an STA stay?
We are happy to arrange free community participation activities of your choice during your STA stay. Please note that expenses like entrance fees and event tickets cannot be covered by NDIS funds. There may be out-of-pocket costs in these cases, which will be outlined in your Service Agreement.
Is STA available for group stays with other NDIS participants?
Short Term Accommodation may be done in group-based facilities with other NDIS participants. However, at Complete Respite Care, we only offer Short Term Accommodation for participants needing individual support, or participants that know each other prior to the stay.
Can my support coordinator help me organise STA?
Yes. Once you have discussed your respite with your support coordinator, he/she may call us at 0483 954 568, or fill out our form by clicking this link
Can I book my own STA?
What if I have specific medical or dietary requirements?
One of our Respite Care Coordinators will be in touch with you once we confirm your quote. Please inform them of any specific medical or dietary requirements you have, they will also request a copy of your care plan. Please note that any food related expenses will be billed out of pocket as per NDIS guidelines.
Booking and Location FAQs:
How do I book STA with Complete Respite Care?
You may call us for a quote or fill out the enquiry form by clicking this link
Once completed, one of our booking agents will be in touch with you. You must first prove a genuine need for STA. Once confirmed, we will send a Service Agreement containing all the details of your stay. After signing the Service Agreement, your STA is confirmed, and we will make all arrangements for you.
Where are your STA facilities located?
We offer respite in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. If you want STA in a different location, please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate this.
How should I choose my STA location?
The best way to choose a location is to find out which of our respite locations are nearest to you. We offer respite in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. If you want STA in a different location, please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate this.
How far in advance should I book STA?
It is best to book at least 2 weeks in advance to allow time for the booking process. We need to confirm you have enough Core Supports funding available to cover the cost, arrange accommodation, equipment and support staff if required.
Do you provide transportation to and from the STA accommodation?
No. Due to recent updates to NDIS terms and conditions, transport is no longer included under STA funding. To ensure seamless travel, we can assist in booking reliable and verified accessible transportation providers out of pocket in every city we serve. You can conveniently book all your transportation needs directly through these trusted partners.
How Can We Help?
We’d love to hear from you, whether you’re ready to book in, you’re interested in learning more about the team behind the screen, or you’d like to know how we can help you.
