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If you care for someone with disability, you already know how much energy it takes, and how rare a proper break can be. NDIS Short Term Respite (STR) exists to give both you and the person you support that break, with funded accommodation and care away from home. Here is what STR is, what it covers, who can access it, and how to arrange a stay in 2026.
What is NDIS Short Term Respite (STR)?
Short Term Respite is funded accommodation and support that lets an NDIS participant stay somewhere other than their usual home for a short period, usually in blocks of up to 14 days. You may also see it written as Short Term Accommodation, or STA, which is the formal NDIS line item name. At Respite Stays we use the term STR because it reflects what the support is really for: a genuine respite break for the participant and their carer.
During an STR stay, the participant is supported while their regular carer or family takes time to rest, travel, attend to their own health, or simply recharge. It is one of the most practical supports in the NDIS, yet many families do not realise it is available to them.
In short: STR gives the participant a safe, supported stay away from home, and gives their carer a genuine break, all funded through the NDIS.
What is included in an STR stay?
What your stay covers depends on the type of respite you choose, and the difference is worth understanding.
| Type of respite | What the stay covers |
|---|---|
| Group or facility based | Accommodation, personal care, meals and group activities bundled into a single daily rate, with several participants staying together. |
| Self contained | A private, fully equipped home to the participant, plus the support you arrange. Meals and day to day activities are self directed, so you or your support worker shop, cook and plan outings just as you would at home. |
Many families value the privacy, independence and flexibility of a self contained stay, while others prefer the company and structure of a group setting. We can help you find the option that suits the participant. Our overview of what to expect during a respite stay walks through the details.
Who is eligible for STR funding?
STR is available to NDIS participants whose plan includes Core Support funding under Assistance with Daily Life. You are likely to be eligible if:
- respite would help your support network keep caring for you over the long term;
- your usual carer needs a break to rest and avoid carer burnout;
- a change of environment would support your wellbeing, independence or goals.
The NDIS funds STR when it is considered reasonable and necessary. As a rough guide, many plans include enough funding for up to 28 days of respite per year, often taken as one or two week blocks, but the exact amount depends on your individual circumstances and plan.
How is STR funded under the NDIS?
STR is drawn from your Core Support budget, so in most cases you do not need a separate line item added to your plan. How you pay the provider depends on how your plan is managed.
| How your plan is managed | How you pay the provider |
|---|---|
| Plan managed | Your plan manager pays the provider on your behalf, so there is no out of pocket cost to you. |
| Self managed | You pay the provider and claim the amount back through the myplace portal. |
| NDIA managed (Agency) | The provider must be NDIS registered. Respite Stays is registered, so we can support you. |
STR is charged in line with the NDIS price arrangements, with rates that vary depending on whether the stay falls on a weekday, weekend or public holiday. The support you need is priced on top of the accommodation, so the total reflects your situation. We always set out your full costs in writing before anything is confirmed.
How to arrange an STR stay, step by step
1. Check your funding
Confirm you have Core Support funding available for respite. Your support coordinator or plan manager can help.
2. Choose your dates and location
Decide when you would like to stay and where. We offer respite accommodation across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
3. Request a quote
Tell us your dates, the support you need and any access requirements, and we will prepare a written quote.
4. Confirm funding
Once you are happy, your plan manager or support coordinator confirms the funding and we lock in the booking.
5. Enjoy the stay
Arrive and settle in, with support on hand for as much or as little as you need.
STR with Respite Stays
We are an NDIS registered provider of Short Term Respite accommodation, with self contained, accessible homes in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Stays can include optional 1:1 support, so participants with higher needs are fully looked after. Whether you are planning ahead or need emergency respite at short notice, we can help you find the right fit.
Ready to plan a break?
Check your STR funding or arrange a stay with our team. No obligation.
Send a booking inquiryFrequently asked questions
How many days of STR can I use?
Many plans fund up to around 28 days of respite per year, commonly taken as one or two week blocks. The exact figure depends on what is reasonable and necessary for you, so check your plan or ask your support coordinator.
Can I bring my own support worker?
Yes. If you already have a support worker you trust, they are welcome to support you during the stay. Alternatively, we can arrange experienced support workers for you, including 1:1 support.
Is STR the same as SIL or MTA?
No. STR is short term respite, Supported Independent Living (SIL) is ongoing daily support in your home, and Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) bridges a longer gap, for example while waiting for housing. See our full comparison of STR, SIL and MTA.