With lots of NDIS changes and news taking place, we have collated a summary of some of the items that might be of interest to our community.
Short term accommodation is now called short term respite
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has recently updated the name and guidelines for short term accommodation (STA), which is now officially called short term respite (STR). While the purpose of the support remains similar, the new name and guidance provide clearer direction on when and how this support can be used.
Why the change?
The NDIA renamed STA to short term respite to better reflect the true intent of the support, which is providing a short break for participants and their informal supports (such as family or friends). The focus is no longer just on accommodation, but on the respite and support provided during that time.
If a participant’s NDIS plan still uses the term “short term accommodation”, it means the same thing as short term respite.
What’s different?
The updated guideline clarifies eligibility, purpose, and use of this support:
- Purpose. STR gives participants time away from their usual home environment while allowing informal carers to rest and recharge, so they can continue in their caring role.
- Eligibility. It is generally available to participants who receive daily, informal disability-related support, usually six or more hours per day.
- Children. STR for children will only be funded where their disability support needs are greater than what is typical for their age, and where respite helps families sustain their caring role.
- Exclusions. Participants who live alone without informal supports, or who already receive substantial paid support such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO), are unlikely to receive separate funding for STR.
Where and how it can be used
Short term respite can take place in a variety of settings, including hotels, motels, cabins, cottages, or traditional respite houses. It may also be provided at home if it still gives the participant and their informal supports a break.
The NDIA emphasises that STR is not a holiday or for attending events. The focus must remain on disability-related support needs similar to what the participant usually receives at home.
Funding and duration
STR is funded through a participant’s Core Supports budget. Most participants can access up to 28 days per year, typically taken as shorter stays of up to 14 days at a time.
What this means
By renaming the support and refining the criteria, the NDIA aims to ensure Short Term Respite is used appropriately, giving both participants and carers meaningful, restorative breaks.
For more information about this change, visit the official NDIA page.
New pricing arrangements
The NDIA released the Updated NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26, effective 24 November 2025.
The update refines how supports and services are priced under the scheme, introducing clearer pricing for art and music therapy, updated regional and remote travel loadings, and revised provider line items to better match service delivery practices. While participants’ overall plan funding amounts remain the same, the changes may affect how providers claim for services and how supports are costed. The NDIA advises participants and providers to review current service agreements to ensure they align with the new pricing structure.
You can read more about it on the NDIA website.
Need a little support?
If you are finding the changes and news challenging to get your head around, you are welcome to contact our Family Support team with any NDIS-related questions at familysupport@dsav.asn.au (up to 18 years old) or debbyf@dsav.asn.au (for 18 years and over), or you can phone 9486 9600.