A Complete Guide to NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA)

Welcome to Your Guide to NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA) – a clear look at short stays through the NDIS in Gippsland and nearby areas like Warragul. STA gives participants the chance to stay in a safe and supportive place away from home for a short time.

These stays can be a chance to explore new experiences, build capacity, and offer informal carers time to rest and recharge. At I’m Included Disability, we partner with participants to make short-term accommodation meaningful, accessible, and aligned with personal goals.

What is NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?

Short-Term Accommodation (also known as NDIS Short-Term Accommodation) is a type of funding that is provided to individuals who require short-term accommodation outside their home.

STA is designed to:

Support participants in building independence and developing skills.
Create a community participation.
Provide informal carers with occasional relaxation to maintain long term care.
Create safe environments where participants can connect with others and participate in activities.

STA may cover:

Personal care supports.
Safe and comfortable accommodation.
Foods based on nutrition.
Agreed activities with the provider, focusing on individual goals and community connection.

NDIS typically funds STA for up to 28 days each year, which can be used flexibly – such as a weekend per month or a continuous stay.

How Does NDIS Decide on STA Funding?

The NDIS considers STA funding if: Here’s how supported independent living works:

The need relates directly to disability.
It contributes to personal goals and skill-building.
It supports community participation.
It provides value for money compared to other supports.
It does not substitute family or informal care but supplements it.

It should be mentioned that holidays and general accommodation requirements are not financed by STA. Rather, it is offered in cases of a disability-related support need, like the practice in a new environment of daily living skills.

Applying for NDIS Short-Term Accommodation

To get started with STA, here are the suggestions:

Consult your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or planner.
Call the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.
In the case of children under 9, families can reach a NDIS Early Childhood Partner.

As a part of the process, you might have to:

Provide identity documents.
Share information about your goals and support needs.
Work with your provider to design STA arrangements that suit you.

How STA Supports Participants’ Goals

STA can be an opportunity to:

Enhance autonomy through exercising competencies under new environment.
Make friends and acquaintances.
Be involved in community activities and programs.
Find personal development opportunities.

By creating space for carers to rest, STA also sustains long-term informal supports while keeping the participant’s needs central.

STA for Children

For children, STA funding depends on the child’s needs and the family’s situation. The NDIS may fund STA where additional support is required compared to peers of a similar age.

STA for children can include:

Support with daily routines.
Capacity-building process, which can be a group learning or skill-based program.
Socialization and recreation.

In some cases, funding may extend beyond 28 days if there are significant needs and appropriate justification.

Crisis Situations

Although STA is not designed to resolve housing issues of homeless people or those with long-term needs, it can be applied in a situation where the usual support solutions of a participant are not available on a temporary basis. In such instances, they can consult their Support Coordinator, planner or Local Area Coordinator regarding the options.

Finding STA Providers in Gippsland

Across Gippsland, including Warragul and nearby regions, NDIS-registered providers deliver Short-Term Accommodation options. At I’m Included Disability, we focus on creating welcoming environments where participants feel safe, respected, and included.

Our STA services include:

Comfortable accommodation in supportive settings.
Disability care.
Healthy diets and wellness programs.
Social and recreational opportunities.

We also collaborate with participants and their families to make STA arrangements customized to personal objectives, interests and cultural demands.

Final Words

NDIS Short-Term Accommodation offers participants more than just a temporary stay – it’s an opportunity to build confidence, explore new skills, connect with the community, and give families peace of mind.

At I’m Included Disability, we are committed to delivering STA that is inclusive, capacity-building, and person-centered. By working in partnership with participants and carers across Gippsland and surrounds, we create short-term stays that are safe, supportive, and meaningful.