Here at Leap in! we’re often asked whether the NDIS covers respite care. The answer is yes but it’s important to understand how it works.
The NDIS provides funding for a range of short-term supports that can offer a break for both people on the NDIS and their carers.
These supports may be delivered at home, in a group setting or at a centre for a few hours, overnight or for several days.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides short-term support for a person with a disability when their usual carer is unavailable or needs a break.
Respite may include:
- Informal care from friends or family (not funded by the NDIS)
- Formal care through paid in-home or centre-based services (may be funded)
- Participation in activities such as joining a community group (may be funded)
- Temporary personal support at home while carers are away (may be funded).
Short-term accommodation and assistance (inc. respite).
The NDIS recognises the role of family, carers and support networks and the importance of these relationships. Respite can contribute to the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.
Rather than using the term ‘respite care’, the NDIS refers to this support as Short term accommodation and assistance (including respite). STA is a flexible support category that includes respite and other short-term living arrangements.
STA can be used for short stays away from home, usually for up to 14 days at a time. You’ll find it listed as “Short term accommodation and assistance (including the provision of respite care)” in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits guide.
How does respite care under the NDIS work?
STA funding appears under the Core – Assistance with Daily Life budget in your NDIS Plan. If you have Core funding, you can usually use it for STA without needing it stated in your plan.
You can typically use up to 28 days of STA per year in blocks of time that work for you, up to 14 days at a time. For example, one weekend per month or a two-week block.
Longer-term arrangements require a different type of NDIS funding such as Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or Supported Independent Living (SIL).
What does respite care cover?
STA (including respite) covers all basic expenses in a 24-hour period related including:
- Short-term accommodation in a suitable setting
- Assistance with personal care
- Overnight support
- Meals*
- Activities agreed with the provider.*
**Important note: The supports covered are different for people in a group centre or residence and individual support settings. See NDIS Updates advice on short term accommodation and assistance for more details about what’s covered by STA…and what’s not.
STA does not cover holidays.
Short Term Accommodation (STA) is not the same as a holiday. STA is only funded by the NDIS when it’s related to your disability support needs.
This includes when:
- Your usual carers are unavailable
- A short break supports your wellbeing or home situation.
The NDIS does not fund:
- Holiday accommodation like hotels or Airbnb
- Cruises airfares or holiday packages
- School holiday programs
- Accommodation for attending events or activities unrelated to your support needs
- Tickets to music, theatre, or events while you’re staying away from home.
How much does respite care cost?
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set out maximum prices based on the day of week as well as the ratio of staff to participants. Price limits vary for remote and very remote regions.
Rates include all supports for a 24-hour period. It’s important to check what’s included and confirm pricing with your provider in advance.
If support is needed for less than 24 hours, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate or use other support categories.
How to get respite care in your NDIS Plan.
STA can be funded if it is considered reasonable and necessary. When reviewing your plan or preparing for a Plan Review, consider:
- Times when your usual carers are unavailable
- Planned holiday breaks for carers
- If respite could support your long term independence or other goals.
The NDIS will also consider what informal support is reasonable from family, carers and community networks.
Free Leap in! Presents webinar: All things respite and home living.
Thursday 22 May, 10am–11am AEST.
Register now for this free online workshop. Leap in! Learning and Development Manager, Dee Thomson, will provide valuable insights with great tips and examples. Learn more about NDIS respite and home living options including STA, SDA, SIL and ILO.
Initially published 1 February 2020, updated 20 August 2020, 14 October 2021 and 13 May 2025.
Further reading
Core Supports budget: A closer look.
What is Supported Independent Living? Plus how to get your free SIL ebook.
NDIS Updates advice on short term accommodation and assistance.