Key points:
- The NDIS is closely checking claims for short-term accommodation (STA).
- The Agency has a much harder line on what this funding can be used for.
- NDIS operational guidelines state it cannot be used for holidays.
- Check with your NDIS Planner first if you’re thinking about using your STA funding and you’re unsure if it will meet the guidelines.
Short-term accommodation and assistance (including respite) funding and how to use it can be confusing at times. The NDIS has a renewed focus on this area of spending, and is being much stricter on short-term accommodation and assistance (STA) expenses.
Here is the latest we’re seeing at Leap in!
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- An increase in the delay of payment for STA claims while the NDIS take 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 by the NDIA to be a ‘holiday’ expense.
In light of these developments, we recommend you obtain advice from your NDIA Planner, Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator before spending STA funding on holidays, hotels or vacation-like experiences.
Longer turnaround for complex claims.
In March this year (2024), the NDIS announced they would be taking longer to pay provider invoices and that payment times would be extended up to ten days for some complex claims.
STA is falling into this complex claims category and many STA claims have been subject to longer turnaround times by the NDIS.
In some cases, we have seen claims held, reviewed and denied after several weeks. In other cases, the NDIS has requested additional information (such as copies of receipts).
STA is not for holidays.
The NDIS operational guidelines for short-term accommodation make it clear that this funding is not intended for holidays.
While the NDIS may approve some associated activities, it refers to the below paragraph in the operational guidelines as a reason for rejecting some claims it does not deem to be reasonable and necessary.
“Short-term accommodation is not for holidays. We only fund short term accommodation when the need for this is related to your disability, such as for respite or skill building. Talk to your support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner if you’re going on holiday and need your disability support delivered in another location.” – NDIS short-term accommodation operational guideline.
Closer look at holiday activities and accommodation.
Claims that are being more closely examined by the NDIS include:
- Where the full cost of a holiday is being claimed
- Accommodation costs such as hotels
- Holiday activities that are unrelated to a person’s disability needs and goals.
While there are reports that some people have claimed these types of expenses in the past, the NDIS now appears to be taking a stricter approach.
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.
Get advice before you book.
If you’re going away and need a support worker or other supports, talk to your NDIS Planner, Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator about your disability support needs first.
Top tip: There are many companies that offer holidays and related activities for NDIS participants. This does not mean that a holiday will automatically be funded. Check before making any payments, including a deposit.
How the NDIS makes decisions about short term accommodation.
Based on the guidelines, when considering whether to fund short-term accommodation the NDIS needs to know:
- The STA is related to your disability
- It helps you pursue your goal
- It helps you to participate in the community
- It’s value for money
- How much support your family and other informal supports provide.
When the NDIS may fund STA.
The operational guidelines state that the NDIS may fund short-term accommodation if:
- It means your family or informal supports can support you for longer
- You might not need as much support in the future
- It helps you maintain functional capacity
- It helps you increase your independence
- It helps you do more activities.
An example is the cost of temporary accommodation in a suitable facility if your usual carer is not available. See our article on Respite care and the NDIS for details.
It won’t fund STA for:
- Longer-term accommodation as this is a day-to-day living cost that anyone is expected to pay
- Housing crisis situations
- Accommodation for another reason, for example waiting for home modifications to be done.