NDIS respite cost calculator

Estimate accommodation and support separately, then ask providers to confirm the same services and dates. Current NDIA guidance uses short-term accommodation (STA); you may also see short term respite (STR), the name the NDIA used briefly from October 2025.

There is no single all-inclusive daily price. The 2026-27 schedule separates accommodation from support hours. Food, meals, holidays and activity tickets are not included as funded costs in this calculator.

Build your estimate

Enter the total days and support hours for the whole stay. Rates start at national standard price limits checked against the 2026-27 NDIA schedule. Replace them with your agreed rates if lower. This is a standard-support estimate, not a claim calculator; remote pricing, shared staffing, sleepovers and high-intensity support need a separate provider quote.

Participant accommodation Total days AUD per day

01_082_0115_1_1 · National limit $162.85 per day

Support worker accommodation, if applicable Total days AUD per day

01_082_0115_1_1 · National limit $162.85 per day

Standard support: Weekday Daytime Total hours AUD per hour

01_200_0115_1_1 · National limit $73.58 per hour

Standard support: Weekday Evening Total hours AUD per hour

01_201_0115_1_1 · National limit $81.07 per hour

Standard support: Saturday Total hours AUD per hour

01_202_0115_1_1 · National limit $103.54 per hour

Standard support: Sunday Total hours AUD per hour

01_203_0115_1_1 · National limit $133.50 per hour

Standard support: Public Holiday Total hours AUD per hour

01_204_0115_1_1 · National limit $163.46 per hour

Standard support: Weekday Night Total hours AUD per hour

01_205_0115_1_1 · National limit $82.57 per hour

Use the hours actually quoted for this participant, not 24 support hours for every accommodation day. Confirm how shared support and overnight arrangements are priced. Do not count the same hour under two day types.

What to compare before booking respite

Accommodation accessibility and the actual support schedule.
Staffing ratio, overnight support, required skills and continuity of care.
Separate accommodation and support prices, any personal costs and cancellation terms.
Written confirmation of dates, funding arrangements and who will provide care.

How much does NDIS respite cost per day?

The total depends on accommodation, hours and timing of support, staffing arrangements and the applicable prices. Multiplying a single daily bundle by the number of nights can miss those differences. The estimator covers the listed standard items only.

Does the estimate show what the NDIS will pay?

No. Discuss the support with your my NDIS contact or plan manager where relevant and check your plan before agreeing to a stay. The usual duration guidance is not an automatic entitlement for every participant.

Can I use my provider's quote?

Yes. Enter the quoted quantities and rates for the listed items. Use the comparison below the result for two equivalent quotes. If the quote includes other support types, ask the provider for a complete breakdown before comparing totals.

Sources

Rates and guidance checked on 9 September 2026. Defaults use the listed NDIA standard national limits; entered provider prices can differ. How we check our content.