What is Short Term Accommodation (STA)?

STA is a support under the NDIS for when you need to be away from home for a short period. This funding is often used for respite care, providing a break for both participants and their carers. STA funding can cover:

• Personal care

• Accommodation

• Food

• Activities

STA is designed to help you try new things, develop new skills, and maintain your living situation by giving your carers a break. The NDIS typically funds up to 28 days of STA per year, which can be used flexibly to meet your needs.

STA vs. Holidays: Key Differences

It’s easy to see why STA and holidays might seem similar—they both involve being away from home and often include fun activities. However, they are fundamentally different, especially regarding funding.

STA:

• Funded by NDIS: STA can be funded if it meets the reasonable and necessary criteria.

• Inclusive Costs: STA includes costs for personal care, accommodation, food, and activities as part of the support.

• Service Agreements: Having a service agreement is vital to clarify what supports are provided and their pricing.

• Disability Support: STA must include supports directly related to your disability.

Holiday:

• Not Funded by NDIS: The NDIS won’t fund a holiday, as these costs are considered typical for anyone, with or without a disability.

• Separate Costs: Holiday expenses like accommodation, meals, and entertainment must be paid out of pocket.

• Prepayment: Often required for holidays but not applicable for NDIS-funded supports.

• Non-disability Activities: If you’re not receiving disability-related support, it’s considered a holiday, not STA.

How Better Days STA Aligns with NDIS Goals

At Better Days, our stays are designed to help you achieve your NDIS goals, such as capacity building, independence, confidence, and social participation. While most aspects of our stays might align with STA funding, it’s crucial to understand that not all costs can be covered under STA.

1. Capacity Building: Many of our activities focus on developing new skills and increasing independence.

2. Social and Community Participation: Our day trips are an excellent opportunity to meet new people and engage in community activities.

3. STA Funding: Portions of the trip that involve personal care, accommodation, and disability-related activities might be eligible for STA funding, depending on your individual plan and goals.

Customising Your NDIS Plan

Every NDIS participant’s plan is unique, and how you can use your funding will depend on your specific goals and needs. It’s important to work with your support coordinator to ensure that any trip aligns with your NDIS goals and falls within the reasonable and necessary criteria set by the NDIA. When planning a travel experience, speak to our disability travel consultants for an honest discussion about your NDIS goals and funding, to see what can be claimed from your plan.

Beware of Dodgy Practices

Unfortunately, there are some providers who claim to fund all expense paid interstate/overseas holidays through STA, with only minimal out-of-pocket costs to the participant. This practice is not only misleading but also an example of a rort. These providers are not using the NDIS funding correctly, which can lead to serious consequences and potentially having to pay back any funds claimed improperly, It is crucial to choose a registered NDIS provider who is transparent and adheres to NDIS guidelines to avoid any complications.

Approving Use of STA Funding

In the current environment, the NDIA is cracking down on incorrect use of STA, so if you are wishing to use STA for any services, speak to your Plan Manager first. Invoices are now being more scrupulously checked by plan managers, so once your Support Coordinator has suggested and approved the service, make sure the charge gets approved by your plan manager BEFORE you proceed.

Final Thoughts

At Better Days, we are committed to providing experiences that not only offer fun and relaxation but also help you achieve your NDIS goals. If you have any questions about how to use your NDIS funding for STA, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate this process and ensure you get the most out of your plan.

For more information, visit our website, Give us a call or speak to your support coordinator.