Dec 20, 2024

Changes to NDIS short term accommodation and respite

If you are an NDIS participant or you care for somebody with a disability, you’ll be aware of the changes to NDIS funding and supports under the NDIS legislation. These changes are in response to the NDIS Review Final Report which included 26 recommendations and 139 actions aimed at making the scheme more sustainable, transparent and fair.

Changes to the NDIS started to roll out from 3 October 2024 and will continue over a 12-month transition period.

One area where changes have already been made is short term accommodation and assistance (STA). While some of these changes can be confusing, the good news is that STA continues to be an NDIS support. This means you can still to use your NDIS funding for this type of support – as long as it meets your disability support needs.

However, there is some new information about what this support can and can’t be used for. Additionally, the NDIS is looking more closely at STA claims so it’s a good idea to discuss your plans to access this type of funding with an expert such as your Northcott Customer Partner.

What is short term accommodation and assistance?

Short term accommodation and assistance (also called respite) refers to support for when you live out of home for a short period of time. It is designed to give your carer a break from their caring role, while knowing you are being properly looked after. It can also be used to support you to increase your independence or build your skills – depending in your individual circumstances.

STA support falls under the “Core Supports – Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement” category of your NDIS funding.

What does STA funding cover?

There are some clear guidelines about what is and isn’t covered under the 24 hour STA funding. Generally speaking, if the task or activity relates to your disability support needs, and where it is reasonable and necessary, STA funding may be used to fund it.

What’s included:

accommodation in group or individual settings
self-care/personal care such as showering and dressing
community access supports while staying in STA
meals/groceries at the accommodation
agreed-upon activities (only in group settings).

What’s not included:

takeaway food or going out to eat (including additional food purchased at outings during your stay)
non-NDIS supports or activities like cruises, tickets to theme parks, sporting events, movies and theatre shows you agree to attend as part of your stay, or family travel expenses
travel costs, such as getting to the accommodation
any items on the non-NDIS supports list
accommodation for other purposes such as home modifications, homelessness or long term housing

These items are extra out-of-pocket costs that customers must cover themselves. Northcott will discuss these extra expenses with you at the time of booking. In some cases, Northcott may require payment for tickets or activities prior to your stay.

STA and holidays

The NDIS guidelines clearly state that STA funding cannot be used for holidays. This includes things like:

cruises
holiday packages
holiday accommodation
airfares
passports or visas
travel insurance
accommodation or travel expenses for family members or support workers
theme parks, music, theatre, cinema, sporting events and conferences

How much funding is available?

Eligible participants can access up to 28 days of STA per year, but your time away can only be booked for up to 14 days at a time.

Who can access this funding?

NDIS participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or who live alone are not eligible for this type of funding.

In most other situations, children and adults with disability can access this, as long as the need is directly related to their disability. Talk to your Customer Partner for more information.

Summary table

Category	Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life
Funding	Usually up to 28 days of STA per year, but can only be booked for up to 14 days at a time
Eligibility	Not available for people in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or who live alone
Funding type	Generally for a group price, unless there is evidence that a participant needs individual support
What it covers	Accommodation, personal care, food at the accommodation, and activities agreed between the participant and the provider

Northcott’s Short Term Accommodation/Respite

Northcott has 8 Short Term Accommodation and Respite homes (Short Stays) for children and adults with disability.

In New South Wales, our homes are in Roselands, Cabramatta, Bradbury, Blacktown, North Rocks, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.

In Queensland, we have a short stay home on the Gold Coast. Call our Enquiries team today on 1800 818 286 or talk to your Northcott Customer Partner about how you or a loved one you care for can use STA funding to give carers a short break to rejuvenate.

Roselands Respite Cabramatta Respite Bradbury Respite Blacktown Respite North Rocks Respite Tamworth Respite Gold Coast Respite

Accessibility and Inclusivity

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