The information in this article was updated and correct as of 29 October 2025.

NDIS Respite Care Accommodation and Short Term Respite  

Are you interested in getting Short Term Respite in the form of accommodation? This article provides all the relevant information to help you access the supports you need through your NDIS funding.

What is Short Term Respite?

Previously known as Short Term Accommodation, Short Term Respite (STR) is support for participants who need to live out of their home for a short period. It can be used as respite for participants or to give carers a short break from their caring role.  

STR is only for breaks from your informal supports — not for holidays, skill-building, or tourism. 

The NDIA has also specified that STR is not for capacity building activities or skill building, it is for rest and recuperation. 

General STR rules 

  • Must involve at least one overnight stay.
  • Capped at up to 14 days per stay, and 28 days per year (extensions only in exceptional circumstances).
  • Purpose is to sustain informal supports — not to replace them or provide leisure.
  • Meals, activities, and transport are explicitly excluded unless part of a centre’s all-inclusive daily rate. 


NDIS STR eligibility requirements

You may be eligible for STR if any of the below applies to you 

  • Live with or receive >6 hours/day of support from informal carers.
  • Have disability-related support needs requiring ongoing care.
  • Fit at least one of the following: high-intensity supports, behavioural supports, rural isolation, or multiple family caring responsibilities.
  • You get support from primary informal supports, whose wellbeing and capacity to continue their caring role is at risk.
  • Your primary informal supports have additional caring responsibilities. For example: young children or other family members with disability support needs.

You will not be eligible for STR if any of the below applies to you: 

  • Living independently without drop-in supports.
  • Already receiving >18 hours paid daily supports.
  • Using supported independent living (SIL) or individualised living options (ILO).

How is Short Term Accommodation (STR) funded?


The NDIS funds STR under the Core Support category ‘Assistance with Daily Living’.

Usually, Short Term Respite is funded up to 28 days of per year. You can use your Short Term Respite 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. 

Depending on your needs, you may share a support worker with other guests to maximise value for money. Generally funding is for a group price, unless there is evidence you require individual support because of your disability. 

STR funding covers the cost of personal care, accommodation and support. It's designed to be flexible, allowing participants to choose when, where, and how they receive this support, ensuring their needs and preferences are met while maintaining their independence and well-being.

How can I get STA included in my plan?

If you’d like funding for respite care included in your plan, you will need to request it in your planning or plan review meeting.

In this meeting, you should explain how much support you require and how your informal support network or carer help to deliver that support day-to-day. Try to highlight the effect this has on both of you, and how STR would help the situation. 

As with all planning meetings, you should take any documents that support what you’re saying – this is especially important when it comes to STR. Some examples of documentation you could take to increase your chances of receiving funding for STR would be a report from an Occupational Therapist or a Psychologist. A letter from one of your informal supports, explaining their role and why respite care would help give them a break to avoid burn-out, can also be very useful. 

Essentially, you should take any evidence that makes it easier for the NDIS to understand your situation and why it’s reasonable and necessary for you to receive respite care. 

If you don’t have a planning meeting anytime soon, reach out to your 'My NDIS Contact' to talk about using some of your core funding flexibly for STR.

How do I find a respite care facility?

There are many specialised respite care providers located all throughout the country. These range from small homes to larger, hotel-style facilities. Each offers different services and supports to their guests. 

Take your time to research what’s available and which STR providers meet your specific support needs. There are several websites and online communities that can help you with your search, so take a look around. 

If you have a support coordinator, they can also be useful for helping you get the right level of funding in your plan and connecting you with a suitable STR provider.