Key points:
- There’s new information from the NDIS about short-term accommodation and assistance (STA) and what it can be used for
- STA cannot be used for holidays.
- STA remains an ‘NDIS support’
- The NDIS is closely checking claims for STA
- Check with your NDIS Planner first if you’re thinking about using your STA funding.
Short-term accommodation and assistance (including respite) funding can be confusing.
The NDIS had previously confirmed that NDIS funds could not be spent on holidays.
Now the NDIS has issued new information about how short-term accommodation and assistance (STA) works and what it can (and can’t) be used for.
What is short term accommodation?
STA is designed to help informal supports continue their caring role. It is one option for participants and their informal support to have some time apart, with the participant staying away from their usual home for a short period.
Under the recent legislation changes which came into effect on 3 October 2024, short term accommodation continues to be an NDIS support. This support falls under the Core – Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement category.
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STA is a type of NDIS support
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You can use STA funding to stay away from home for up to 14 days at a time
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STA is not available for people in supported independent living (SIL) or who live alone
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Generally funding for STA is for a group price, unless there is evidence that a participant needs individual support.
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STA can’t be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports.
What can STA help with?
If it relates to your disability support needs, and where it is reasonable and necessary, STA may be used to fund:
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Short term accommodation costs
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Assistance with self care including daily tasks like showering and dressing
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Community access while staying in STA.
In a group setting, STA may also include meals and activities (it must be within the maximum all-inclusive daily claimable rates in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits). These extras can’t be included in a private setting.
What doesn’t STA pay for?
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Food and groceries
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Transport or travel
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Transport to accommodation funded with STA
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Holidays, holiday activities or tourist travel
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Longer-term accommodation
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Housing crisis situations
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Accommodation for another reason, for example waiting for home modifications to be done
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Any item on the list of non-NDIS supports.
STA is not for holidays.
NDIS funds (including STA) can’t be used for:
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Cruises
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Holiday packages
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Holiday accommodation
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Airfares
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Passports or visas
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Travel insurance
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Accommodation or travel expenses for family members or support workers
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Theme parks, music, theatre, cinema, sporting events and conferences
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Day-to-day living costs such as food or meals.
How is STA funded?
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In your Core budget
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It must meet your disability support needs
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It does not need to be stated in your plan
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It’s usually for group rates unless you need individual support
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Once you have used your STA funding, you can’t ask the NDIS for more.
The NDIS is looking more closely at STA claims.
The NDIS is being much stricter on short-term accommodation and assistance (STA) expenses and is taking longer to turn around some STA claims.
Here is the latest we’re seeing at Leap in!
- An increase in the delay of payment for STA claims while the NDIS takes extra time to review them more closely
- An increase in the number of cases where the NDIS is requesting additional information to support STA claims/reimbursements
- An increase in the number of STA claims that are being rejected and reimbursements being declined by the NDIS
- An increase in the number of rejections where the STA accommodation is deemed to be a ‘holiday’ expense.
- In some cases, funds have already been spent and they are unable to be claimed for reimbursement as the NDIS has deemed the expense as holiday-related.
Talk to your planner before spending STA funding.
We recommend you obtain advice from your NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator:
Before spending STA funding
If you’re going away and need a support worker or other disability related supports in another location.
Top tip: There are many companies that offer holidays and related activities as being for NDIS participants, however, this does not mean that it will be funded automatically by the NDIS. Check before making any payments, including a deposit.
Want more information about the recent NDIS changes?
The changes cover many aspects of the NDIS including eligibility, supports that can be funded, how budgets are allocated and how plans are managed.
Visit the dedicated Leap in! page on NDIS changes for detailed information or What will the NDIS pay for? to see our summary of supports that you can spend your NDIS funding on…and what you can’t.