NDIS Short Term Accommodation & Respite Care Guide 2026
NDIS respite planning starts with the support a participant needs while their usual carers take a break. Current NDIA guidance calls this short-term accommodation (STA). Older pages and documents may call it Short Term Respite (STR).
The pricing changed from a single bundled approach. Compare accommodation and support separately rather than relying on an old all-inclusive daily rate.
What is NDIS short-term accommodation?
The current NDIA explanation describes support during a break from usual care arrangements. It is usually funded for up to 28 days a year, with blocks of up to 14 days. Eligibility and use depend on the participant’s circumstances and plan; these limits are not an automatic entitlement.
How much does NDIS respite cost?
Ask for a written breakdown using the 2026-27 NDIA pricing schedule. It has separate accommodation and support items. The support component depends on hours, timing and the relevant support arrangement. A quote needs to explain quantities, rates and any personal costs.
Use the NDIS respite calculator to estimate the listed standard accommodation and support components. It also lets you compare two provider quotes. It does not determine eligibility or calculate every possible support arrangement.
Compare a quote using the same support brief
For an illustrative quote, six hours at an agreed $60 per hour are $360. Add only the separately agreed accommodation and other applicable components. This is an arithmetic example, not a published price or a complete overnight-support quote. A provider quoting four hours has not quoted the same service, even if its total looks lower.
Confirm whether support is individual or shared, the actual hours and overnight arrangements, and any accommodation charges. Ask the provider to identify the items and explain the quantities before comparing totals.
Use the provider comparison worksheet to record answers. Compare respite provider options once you have a brief.
Can respite happen at home?
The current NDIA guidance includes short-term accommodation arrangements in a person’s own home as well as shared or individual settings. Discuss what support is appropriate and funded for the participant rather than assuming a hotel stay is necessary. The usual overnight support needs still matter.
What is included, and what is paid separately?
The current NDIA guidance excludes food, meals, holiday packages and activity tickets from STA funding. Ask the provider to separate funded support from personal expenses. Do not assume an advertised holiday or an all-inclusive package is claimable because a business uses NDIS terminology.
Prepare a useful respite request
Before contacting providers, write down the following. Leave uncertain items marked “to confirm” instead of guessing.
| Detail | What the provider needs to understand |
|---|---|
| Preferred dates | Start and end dates, plus whether alternatives are possible |
| Location | Where the participant wants support, including whether home-based respite is being considered |
| Daily routine | Tasks and times where assistance is needed |
| Overnight support | What help is normally needed overnight |
| Access and communication | Relevant equipment, mobility and communication requirements |
| Staffing | Any needs the provider must assess before quoting |
| Funding | The plan arrangements and what still needs confirmation |
A coordinator or family member can prepare the request with the participant. Share relevant details with permission, rather than circulating complete records to every business.
Compare providers on more than the headline price
A cheaper quote may describe fewer support hours or different overnight arrangements. Ask each provider to confirm the same brief before comparing totals.
- Who will provide the support and what experience is relevant to the participant’s needs?
- Is the proposed setting accessible for this participant?
- Is support shared, and how will the participant’s needs be met?
- What exactly is included in accommodation, support and personal expenses?
- Are the proposed dates available, or is the response only an invitation to discuss them?
- What happens if the participant becomes unwell, plans change or support is unavailable?
Record the answers side by side. A provider profile, registration or response is not a confirmed booking.
If you need respite at short notice
State the proposed date clearly and ask providers for written confirmation. Keep a backup plan with the participant and their usual support team. Carevo can help send a request to providers, but cannot guarantee immediate availability or approve funding. For an immediate safety emergency, call 000.
Before agreeing to a stay
Confirm the service agreement, itemised quote, dates, contacts and responsibilities. The care handover and continuity template can help organise the practical information needed by the chosen provider.
Common questions
Are STA and STR different services?
STR is an earlier name used in some material. Use the current NDIA guidance and the item descriptions in the applicable pricing schedule when checking a quote.
Can I compare quotes before I know my funding?
You can ask for information, but tell the provider what remains unconfirmed. Do not commit on the assumption that a calculator result is an NDIS funding decision.
Can I use Carevo to book a guaranteed place?
Carevo is a connection platform. A request lets providers respond to your needs. The provider must confirm suitability, dates, prices and the agreement before a booking is established.
Your next step
Find respite that fits your support needs
Share your preferred dates, location and support requirements. Providers can confirm their availability, inclusions and quote. You choose whether to proceed.
Free to send a request. Provider availability, suitability and prices need confirmation before you agree to services.
Free tool
Estimate Short Term Respite costs
Estimate STR (formerly STA) costs for your situation.
Customer Lead · Updated
Gemma is Carevo's Customer Lead. She spent several years working as a support worker before moving into concierge and partnerships roles, so she writes from the frontline of care.
