Update: Short Term Accommodation is Now Short Term Respite

We’re aware of the recent NDIS changes to short term respite (STR), previously known as short term accommodation (STA). We understand these changes may affect some members of our community and how you access our services. 

We want to reassure you that we remain committed to exploring every available option to help you continue accessing our services, though we know this may look different for each person depending on their circumstances. In the new year, we’ll be consulting with our community to better understand how these changes affect you and to consider any actions we may need to take. 

What’s changed? 

STA is now officially STR. This change has been introduced to align with the NDIS’s focus on providing participants – and their primary informal supports – with a temporary break from usual care arrangements. “Primary informal supports” refers to family, friends or unpaid carers.  

STR is generally available for adult NDIS participants who: 

• Live with their primary informal supports  

• Receive regular support for more than six hours a day 

At least one of the following must also apply: 

• You receive high intensity supports 

• You have intensive or complex behavioural support 

• You live in an area where alternate in-home supports aren’t widely available and accessible 

• Your primary informal supports’ wellbeing and capacity to continue their caring role is at risk 

For children, STR is available in exceptional circumstances when: 

• The child’s support needs are above what is typical for their age (6+ hours of support a day) 

• The support helps the family continue in their caring role 

Additional conditions apply, which are available in the STR Operational Guidelines. This could include families with multiple children with a disability or other health issues. 

Some people who previously accessed STA may now be ineligible or need to meet different conditions. This could include those living independently, in supported independent living, individualised living options, or with high levels of paid support (18+ hours a day). 

You can read more about the changes on the NDIS website. 

We’ll continue looking at every option to support access to our services, including alternative funding pathways. What’s possible will depend on individual circumstances. 

We want to hear from you 

If these or other NDIS changes have affected your access to our services, please let us know by completing the contact form on our website: https://mdnsw.org.au/contact-us/   

Your experiences will help us advocate for the needs of our community.  

Sources 

• NDIS Short Term Respite: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/how-we-can-help-carers/short-term-respite  

• STR Operational Guidelines: https://bit.ly/4r6pXPf

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