Navigating NDIS Short Term Respite can feel overwhelming for many families, especially when trying to understand funding, eligibility, and how it fits into your overall NDIS plan. With updates and ongoing changes in 2026, it’s important to know how STR works and how to use it effectively. This guide will help you understand the key details and plan with greater confidence.
What Is NDIS Short Term Respite (STR)?
NDIS Short Term Respite (STR) provides temporary care and support for NDIS participants, either in a different accommodation setting or through structured respite arrangements.
Short Term Respite is the new name for Short Term Accommodation (STA), officially updated in October 2025, with no change to the support provided. STR covers accommodation (if needed) and all supports during the stay, including personal care, daily assistance, meals, and planned activities.
Benefits of Short Term Respite for Families and Carers
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- Prevents carer burnout: Regular breaks help carers recharge, reducing stress and fatigue while supporting their overall health.
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- Maintains wellbeing: Allows carers to attend appointments or personal activities knowing the participant is safely supported.
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- Balances commitments: Planned respite helps carers manage work and household responsibilities.
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- Sustains family bonds: Time apart eases tension and strengthens the relationship between the carer and the participant over time.
Benefits of Short Term Respite for Participants
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- New experiences: Offers social activities and opportunities outside the usual routine, building confidence and enjoyment.
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- Safe, supervised environment: Provides 24/7 professional support in accessible accommodation for peace of mind.
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- Continuity of care: Maintains daily routines and therapies, supporting ongoing progress toward NDIS goals.
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- Independence and growth: Encourages confidence and independence through new environments and experiences.
How Does Short-Term Respite Funding Work?
Where STR Sits in Your NDIS Plan
NDIS Short Term Respite (STR) is funded under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life. This means it sits within the part of your plan that covers everyday supports to help you live safely and independently.
Short Term Respite funding is usually flexible within your Core Supports budget and may not be listed separately, but STR must follow NDIS rules and stay within your approved funding.
Funding Limits
NDIS Short Term Respite (STR) is typically capped at 28 days per year, with stays limited to 14 consecutive days. Additional days are only approved in exceptional circumstances, such as unexpected changes in care, and must comply with NDIS rules and the participant’s plan.
Flexibility in Use
The 28 days of STR funding are used in different ways, depending on what works best for you and families. STR can be taken as a block stay of up to 14 consecutive nights, or spread out across the year. For example, one weekend each month.
Short Term Respite funding cannot be used at the same time as other supports covering the same care period, meaning no “double dipping” of funding.
Who Is Eligible for Short-Term Respite?
General Eligibility Criteria
Short-Term Respite (STR) is generally considered for participants who rely strongly on informal, unpaid support in their daily lives. This usually includes participants who:
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- Live with informal support such as parents, partners, or other family members.
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- Receive 6 or more hours of daily care, especially for personal care, supervision, or daily living tasks.
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- Depend mainly on unpaid carers, meaning most of their regular support comes from family or friends rather than paid workers.
STR is designed to provide a planned break for these unpaid carers, while making sure the participant continues to receive appropriate care and support during the stay.
Additional Eligibility Considerations
Beyond general eligibility, the NDIS considers additional factors when determining if Short Term Respite (STR) is reasonable and necessary, including:
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- High-intensity support needs requiring complex or frequent care
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- Behavioural support requirements needing structured supervision
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- Rural or isolated locations with limited access to in-home services
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- Carers with multiple responsibilities under significant pressure
Eligibility for Children (Under 18)
For children under 18, Short Term Respite (STR) is generally funded only in exceptional cases, as families are expected to provide typical age-appropriate care. STR may be approved when a child’s disability creates support needs beyond what is usual, or when respite is necessary to prevent carer burnout or family breakdown.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
Under current NDIS guidance, Short Term Respite (STR) is designed to support unpaid carers who need a break. NDIS Respite is generally not funded where respite is unnecessary to maintain informal care arrangements. This typically includes participants who:
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- Living independently without informal support
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- Already receiving 24/7 paid support
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- In SIL or ILO arrangements
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- Receiving >18 hours of paid daily support
What Does Short-Term Respite Cover?
In Group Settings (1:3 or 1:4 Ratio)
In a group Short Term Respite (STR) setting, funding includes both accommodation and support. Participants receive care in a structured, supervised environment with shared staff, typically including:
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- Accessible accommodation: Clean, fully equipped spaces (e.g. cabins or purpose-built respite homes) with accessibility features such as wheelchair access.
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- 24/7 support workers: Trained staff available at all times to assist with personal care, medication management and supervision.
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- Meals and daily living support: Nutritious meals, snacks and assistance with daily routines during the stay.
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- Structured activities: Planned games, outings and activities keep participants engaged (external entertainment costs not covered by NDIS).
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- Overnight support: Awake staff available overnight to provide assistance and ensure safety.
In Individual (1:1) Settings
In a 1:1 STR setting, the participant receives dedicated support throughout the stay. This option suits those with higher support needs or requiring closer supervision, and typically includes:
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- Accommodation: A private space (such as a bedroom in a home or hotel room) for the duration of the respite stay.
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- Dedicated support worker: One-on-one support to assist with personal care, supervision and daily tasks, funded through STR.
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- Personal care and supervision: Support with usual routines, including hygiene, meals and mobility, throughout the stay.
However, it may NOT include:
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- Meals (depending on how the stay is arranged)
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- Activity or outing costs
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- Personal entertainment expenses
Accommodation Types
Short-Term Respite (STR) can be delivered in different types of accommodation, depending on the participant’s needs and support arrangements. Common options include:
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- Respite centres: Purpose-built facilities designed specifically for short stays, with accessibility features and on-site support staff.
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- SIL-style homes (short stay): Supported Independent Living homes that offer temporary stays instead of long-term living arrangements.
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- Hotels/motels (if disability supports provided)
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- Cabins, cottages, short-term rentals
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- At-home respite (supports only)
How Much Does STR Cost?
Hourly rates (Standard vs High‐Intensity)
| Day / Time | Standard Support (hourly) | High‑Intensity Support (hourly) |
| Weekday – Daytime (8 am–6 pm) | $70.23 | $75.98 |
| Weekday – Evening (6 pm–midnight) | $77.38 | $83.72 |
| Weekday – Night (midnight–8 am) | $78.81 | $85.27 |
| Saturday (all day) | $98.83 | $106.93 |
| Sunday (all day) | $127.43 | $137.87 |
| Public holiday (all day) | $156.03 | $168.81 |
Short‑Term Accommodation (Respite) – STA/STR
| Staff: Participant | Weekday Day | Saturday | Sunday |
| 1 : 1 (1:1) | $2,178.57 | $2,785.13 | $3,527.69 |
| 1 : 2 (1:2) | $1,198.69 | $1,501.97 | $1,873.25 |
| 1 : 3 (1:3) | $872.06 | $1,074.25 | $1,321.77 |
| 1 : 4 (1:4) | $708.75 | $860.39 | $1,046.03 |
The price includes all support for a 24‑hour period. Up to 2 hours of active support is included in the daily rate.
Source: 2026 NDIS Support Worker Rates (Victoria)
Budgeting Tips for Families
Families maximise their Short Term Respite (STR) funding by planning and selecting options that balance support needs with cost. Practical ways to manage your budget:
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- Choose group stays: Shared arrangements (e.g. 1:3 or 1:4) are usually more affordable than one-on-one support.
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- Book weekdays: Weekday stays often cost less than weekends or public holidays.
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- Plan ahead: Booking early and during off-peak times provides better availability and value.
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- Use only the support needed: Request pro-rata charges for shorter stays and review invoices carefully.
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- Leverage other supports: STR covers accommodation and care, not personal expenses or ticketed activities
Get the Most from Your NDIS Plan with Holistic Futures
NDIS short-term respite provides flexible, temporary support that benefits both participants and carers. By understanding your plan and choosing the right provider, you can use respite to support well-being and sustain long-term care.
Holistic Futures provides personalised, participant-focused NDIS services across Victoria, helping individuals and families confidently navigate their plans and achieve meaningful outcomes. We prioritise choice, dignity, and independence, working closely with you to provide support tailored to your goals and needs.
Core services include:
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- Supported Independent Living (SIL): Safe, supported accommodation for greater independence
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- Short Term Accommodation (Respite): Temporary stays that provide carers a break while ensuring quality care
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- Social & Community Participation: Support to build confidence and connect with the community
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- Life Skills & Home Support: Assistance with daily living, routines, and skill development
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- Support Coordination: Helping you navigate your NDIS plan and connect with the right providers
