🏠Short-Term Accommodation (STA) in the NDIS: Current Policy Overview
Welcome to ISM's Knowledge Hub! đź‘‹
Today, we're diving into a crucial topic for NDIS participants, plan managers, and support coordinators: Short-Term Accommodation (STA), including respite.
Understanding STA policy under the NDIS can be tricky, especially with evolving guidelines and misconceptions about allowable vs. non-allowable uses. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from legislative references and core funding rules to best practices for ensuring compliance and effective use of STA.
Let’s explore the latest updates and key insights to help you navigate STA with confidence! 🚀
Overview
Short-term accommodation (STA), including respite, is a support that allows an NDIS participant to have a short stay away from their usual home with appropriate care. This report provides an up-to-date overview of STA policy under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), focusing on guidelines, operational policies, and legislation relevant to plan managers and support coordinators. It covers the latest rules for using STA under core funding, legislative references (NDIS Act and Rules), clarification of allowable vs non-allowable uses, common misconceptions (and how to address them), and best practices with examples for effective and compliant use of STA.
NDIS Guidelines on STA under Core Funding
What STA Covers: STA (sometimes referred to as “respite”) is funding for support and accommodation for a short period away from home. It typically covers a 24-hour period of care, including accommodation, personal care, food, and agreed activities during the stay​. In other words, STA funding packages combine the cost of a place to stay and the necessary support services, often in one all-inclusive daily rate​. The aim is to give participants a safe change of environment while supporting their disability needs and to give their informal carers (like family) a short break from caregiving​.
Duration and Flexibility: NDIS usually funds up to 28 days of STA per year, which can be used flexibly​. Typically, STA can be used for short stays of up to 14 days at a time (for example, a participant might do a two-week block or one weekend per month)​. Stays longer than 14 days in one go are generally not considered STA; anything beyond 14 consecutive days or more than 28 total days/year would require special approval or different support (such as Medium Term Accommodation for transitional needs)​.
Funding Source: STA is funded from a participant’s Core Supports budget under the category “Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement.” This means you do not need a separate STA line item explicitly listed in the plan to use it – if a participant has flexible core funding, they can choose to spend it on STA as needed (provided it meets the usual criteria)​ . In practice, many plans may mention STA or respite, but even if not explicitly stated, participants can use available Core funds for STA if it is reasonable and necessary for their situation. Plan managers should note that STA does not require stated support in the plan; it can be claimed from core funding up to the permissible limits as long as it aligns with the participant’s goals and needs.
Pricing and Staffing: The NDIS sets standard price limits for STA in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document​. These rates are usually based on a “group” support model (e.g. a facility where support staff care for multiple participants at once). Generally, STA is funded at a group rate unless there is clear evidence that the participant requires a one-to-one support arrangement due to their disability​. Providers typically charge a daily rate that bundles accommodation, personal care, food, and activities for that day. If a participant’s needs are higher and they cannot share support, the plan may fund a higher (individualised) rate, but this must be justified. Plan managers should ensure any STA invoices comply with the price limits and ratio appropriate for the participant’s level of support (e.g. 1:3 care ratio vs 1:1).
Operational Guidelines: The NDIA’s Operational Guideline on Short Term Accommodation (last updated 1 July 2022) reiterates that STA is intended for respite and skill-building, not for holidays or non-disability related purposes. It confirms that if a participant already has funding in Core, they can use it for STA as needed to pursue their plan goals​. As of late 2024, the NDIA acknowledged some ambiguity in STA usage and announced that a new, more detailed STA operational guideline would be released (expected in early 2025) to provide additional clarity​. Plan managers and support coordinators should keep an eye on the official NDIS website for the release of these updated guidelines.
Legislative Framework: NDIS Act and Rules for STA
While the NDIS Act 2013 does not mention “Short Term Accommodation” by name, STA must satisfy the Act’s general requirements for funded support. Section 34(1) of the NDIS Act 2013 outlines the criteria for “reasonable and necessary” support. In summary, any support funded (including STA) must:
Be related to the participant’s disability needs and assist them in pursuing their goals​. (For example, STA might help a participant develop independence or maintain social participation by trying new activities in a different setting.)
Represent value for money in that the cost is reasonable relative to the benefit and to alternative support options​. (For example, the cost of a respite stay should be commensurate with the level of care provided and not excessively higher than standard rates.)
Be effective and beneficial for the participant, per current good practice. (For instance, the respite arrangement should genuinely benefit the participant’s well-being or capacity, not just be a luxury.)
Take into account what is reasonable for informal support (family, carers) to provide​. This is particularly relevant for STA: the NDIS will consider whether family or friends can continue to provide support or if they genuinely require a break. The NDIS (Supports for Participants) Rules amplify this, instructing the NDIA to consider the extent of support provided by family and informal networks and the benefit of giving them a short break when deciding on STA funding​. STA is essentially justified by the need for respite for informal carers or for the participant to have time away that cannot be met by informal care alone.
Not be more appropriately provided by other systems (like health or housing services) and not be an ordinary living expense a person would cover themselves​. This means if the need for out-of-home accommodation is due to a non-disability-related issue (e.g. homelessness or a pure housing crisis), it will not meet NDIS funding criteria for STA. The NDIS Act and its rules classify normal housing costs as personal responsibility unless the need is directly due to disability. For example, short-term housing needed due to a family conflict or awaiting home repairs would typically not qualify as STA-funded by NDIS​. Participants in a housing crisis are expected to use mainstream homelessness services, not NDIS funding, for emergency shelter​.
Crucially, Section 34(1)(f) of the Act (and related NDIS Rules) emphasises that NDIS funds cannot be used for day-to-day living costs that everyone incurs unless those costs are substantially higher due to the person’s disability. In the context of STA, this principle explains why certain expenses are excluded (discussed below under allowable vs non-allowable uses)​. The recent legislative amendments (effective 3 October 2024) introduced clearer definitions of “NDIS supports” vs “non-NDIS supports” in the law. The NDIA has published lists of specific items that are not NDIS supports (things the scheme will not fund) to reinforce these rules​ . STA must be utilised in accordance with these definitions – meaning it should only pay for disability-related support and accommodation and nothing on the “non-NDIS supports” exclusion list.
For plan managers and support coordinators, it’s important to understand this legislative backdrop: it provides the justification for why STA claims must exclude certain costs (like meals or entertainment not related to disability needs) and why the NDIA sets limits on STA usage (e.g. capping days per year to ensure it’s used as intermittent respite, not ongoing housing). When advocating for STA in a participant’s plan or approving invoices, referencing these criteria can help ensure compliance. For instance, if a dispute arises about funding an STA request, one might point to the NDIS Act’s requirement that the support facilitates the participant’s social/economic participation and is reasonable for the NDIA to fund given informal supports​.
Allowable vs. Non-Allowable Uses of STA Funding
It’s critical to distinguish what STA funding can cover versus what it cannot cover under NDIS rules. Both the official guidelines and legislative criteria set clear boundaries:
Allowed/Included under STA funding:
Accommodation and personal care for the participant during the short stay. This is the core of STA: the cost of a room/bed in a facility (or other respite setting) plus support workers to assist the participant with daily activities (e.g. help with self-care, mobility, etc.)​.
Meals and basic living needs during the stay – when provided as part of the STA package by the provider. In a typical STA (like a group respite centre or licensed STA provider), the daily rate often includes meals and activities for the participant ​. This is allowable because it’s bundled as part of the disability support arrangement. (For example, a group home respite service may provide food to all residents as part of care – this is covered by the STA funding at the standard rate.)
Group activities or programs agreed with the provider. STA often involves social or skill-building activities (outings, workshops, etc.) that the participant engages in during their stay. These activities, if included in the STA service, are funded as part of the package​.
Support staffing costs. Whether the participant is supported in a group or individually, the wages of support workers who care for them during STA are covered by the STA funding (within price guide limits). This can include overnight support, assistance with community access outings during the STA, etc., as long as it’s within the scope of a short-term stay.
Flexible scheduling of stays. Participants can use their STA budget in various patterns – e.g. a week-long stay for respite or regular weekend stays spread across the year. The funding can be broken into smaller increments or used in one block, as long as the total days per year are within the funded limit​. This flexibility is allowable and encouraged to meet individual needs (some families prefer monthly weekend respite; others might use a longer break once or twice a year).
Multiple smaller STA instances. Instead of a long block, a participant could do, say, seven separate weekend stays (totalling 14 days) over a year. This is allowed; the 28-day annual cap is the main limit, not the number of instances. Each instance still should not usually exceed 14 consecutive days​.
Not allowed/excluded under STA funding:
Day-to-day living expenses that are unrelated to disability support. STA funding cannot be used to pay for ordinary living costs like a participant’s groceries outside of the STA facility, eating out at restaurants, utility bills at home, or general lifestyle expenses​. The NDIS expects that things like food, rent, and entertainment are personal costs unless they are a built-in part of the STA service. For example, if a participant chooses to arrange STA in a setting where meals are not provided, they must cover their own food costs – the NDIS won’t reimburse grocery bills or takeaway meals separately as part of STA. The NDIA’s latest guidance explicitly states STA funds cannot pay for food and groceries (except when included in a facility’s package), nor for personal travel, recreation, or other lifestyle costs​ .
Travel costs to and from the STA location. Getting to the short-term accommodation is considered a personal or everyday expense. Participants cannot use STA funds to pay for transportation to the respite venue​ . For instance, if a respite centre is located two hours away and the participant incurs costs to get there (whether by car, train, or flight), those travel costs are not claimable under STA. The participant would need to pay for travel themselves or use any separate Transport funding in their plan if applicable. (The only slight exception is that if, once the participant is at the STA, the provider takes them out for activities, the provider could include local transport as part of the support service. But the trip to the STA itself is not covered)​. Similarly, travel or accommodation costs of family members or support workers accompanying the participant are not covered by NDIS funding​ – NDIS only funds the support worker’s time, not their travel tickets or separate hotel.
Holiday expenses or tourism. STA is not intended for holidays or vacation travel. The NDIS will not fund what amounts to a holiday for the participant (or their family), such as paying for hotels, holiday resorts, cruises, theme park tickets, airfare for vacations, or tourist activities​ . The guidelines are very clear: “STA is not for holidays or tourist travel.”​ If a participant wants to take a holiday, they can still use their usual support (like funding for a support worker to assist them on the trip), but they cannot use STA funding to cover the holiday accommodation or travel costs that anyone would normally pay when on vacation​ . In practical terms, this means a participant cannot claim a week at a hotel as STA unless that hotel stay is explicitly serving a respite purpose and only disability support costs (carer hours, etc.) are claimed. Regular vacation elements are out-of-pocket.
Extended accommodation or housing needs. STA is, by definition, short-term. It is not meant for medium-term or long-term accommodation needs. If a participant requires a place to live for several months (e.g. while waiting for a home to be modified or during a transition between housing), that falls under Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or other housing supports, not STA​. Likewise, STA funding cannot be used as a stop-gap for homelessness or emergency housing beyond the immediate respite context. Using STA inappropriately to cover a housing shortfall could result in NDIA rejecting the claim.
Participants in certain living situations. Recent policy clarifications state that participants who live in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangement or who live alone with paid support are generally not eligible for STA/respite funding​. The reasoning is that STA’s purpose is to give informal carers a break – but if a participant lives without informal carers (for example, supported 24/7 by rostered paid staff in a group home or living independently), they already have “time apart” from family and thus wouldn’t need respite in the same way​. Plan managers should be aware that claims for STA for a participant in SIL are likely to be rejected as non-compliant, and support coordinators should focus on other supports for those individuals.
Non-disability related reasons. If the need for the short stay is not directly due to the participant’s disability, it won’t meet funding criteria. For example, STA won’t be funded just because a participant’s house is being renovated or fumigated or because they want to stay near a family event – those situations are not about disability support. Only if the need for out-of-home support stems from the disability (such as providing respite to prevent carer burnout or supporting the participant through a period when usual supports are unavailable) is STA appropriate.
In essence, allowable STA funding is focused on the participant’s care and support needs during a short break, whereas non-allowable costs are those that any person would ordinarily pay for themselves or that fall outside the disability context. Plan managers should carefully review STA invoices to ensure they only contain allowable items. For example, if a provider invoice for STA includes a charge for “movies and bowling outing – $50” as separate line items, this might be questionable unless those are part of the agreed STA support activities. If the invoice includes a charge for a support worker’s mileage driving the participant to the venue, the plan manager should flag that because transport to the STA is not claimable​. Clear communication with providers can ensure invoices are adjusted to fit NDIS rules (e.g. bundling costs appropriately or excluding ineligible expenses). Support coordinators, on their side, should set expectations with participants and families about these boundaries – for instance, explaining that while meals are covered in a group home respite if the participant decides to go out to a café, they should bring personal spending money.
Common Misconceptions and How to Address Them
Given the complexity of STA rules, there are several common misconceptions among participants, families, and even some providers. Plan managers and support coordinators often find themselves correcting these misunderstandings. Here are a few frequent ones and guidance on addressing them:
“STA must be specifically listed in the plan to be used.” is not true. Some participants believe they can only use STA if their plan explicitly says “Short Term Accommodation” or has funding set aside for it. In reality, any Core Support funding can be used flexibly for STA if it’s reasonable and necessary​. The NDIA does not require a separate line item for STA in the plan​. How to address: Explain to participants that core funding is generally flexible. If using STA will help them achieve their goals (for example, building independence or giving their carer a rest), they can allocate some of their Core budget to it. However, it’s wise to inform the NDIA planner or include the need in plan reviews if you anticipate regular STA use so the budget is sufficient. Support coordinators should document the rationale (disability-related need for respite) to preempt any questions. If a plan manager is unsure about a claim because STA wasn’t explicitly mentioned, they can refer to the NDIS guideline stating a participant “does not need STA stated in their plan” to access it​.
“NDIS pays for my holiday.” – Misconception. People sometimes confuse STA with a funded holiday. A participant might say, “I have STA funding, so NDIS will pay for me to go to a resort for a break.” The truth is that NDIS will only fund the disability support portion of a trip, not the leisure travel itself​ . How to address: Be very clear that STA is for respite, not tourism. If the participant wants a vacation, NDIS can fund support workers to go with them or necessary equipment, but the participant must cover standard holiday costs (flights, hotels, tickets)​. One way to explain it is: “Imagine if you didn’t have a disability – you would pay for your own holiday. The NDIS’s job is to pay for the extra support you need due to disability, not the holiday itself.” Point them to the NDIA statement that STA is not for holidays and that NDIS won’t pay for things like cruises, theme park tickets, or family travel costs​. Providing examples can help dispel this misconception (e.g. “When you use STA funding for a short break, it usually means going to a specialist respite house or program. It’s different from taking a vacation.”).
“STA will cover all my costs during the stay, including food and outings.” is only partially true. There is nuance here: STA daily rates often include meals and basic activities if provided by the STA service, but if a participant chooses an arrangement where these aren’t provided, NDIS won’t reimburse those separately​. Some participants are surprised to learn they might need to pay for their own dinner or movie ticket during STA if it’s not part of the provider’s package. How to address: Clarify the difference between inclusive STA services vs. individualised arrangements. If the participant goes to an STA centre, likely their meals and on-site activities are covered by the STA funding (since the provider factors that into the NDIS-priced rate)​. However, if the participant hires a support worker to take them on the weekend away at a rented cabin, the worker’s time can be claimed (up to the STA daily limit), but the cabin rental and food might not be fully covered if they exceed or fall outside the price limits. Encourage participants and providers to negotiate and document which costs are included. Plan managers can request invoices to be itemised and ensure that any included meals or activity costs are within what the NDIS Pricing Arrangements allow. The NDIA’s FAQ notes that in a centre-based STA, meals/activities can be included in the rate, but in an individual setting, they “cannot be included” as extras​. Sharing this official info can clear up confusion and prevent unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
“I can use more than 28 days of STA if I have funding left over.” – Misconception. The NDIA’s typical policy is a maximum of 28 days per year for STA. Even if a participant has a large Core budget, NDIA generally will not consider STA beyond that without a very strong justification. How to address: Inform participants that 28 days per year is the guideline for STA​. Using more than that is unusual and would likely require a plan review or exceptional approval. The NDIA has stated, “Once you have used your STA funding, you can’t ask us for more,” emphasising that it’s capped​. If a participant thinks they need considerably more respite (say their informal supports cannot continue without extended breaks), this should be addressed through a planned reassessment and perhaps exploring other support options (like additional personal care support at home or even transitioning to supported living if appropriate). Plan managers should be cautious if they see STA claims approaching the 28-day mark and communicate with the support coordinator or participant about plan sustainability.
“STA can be used in any situation I’m away from home (e.g. if I’m hospitalised or in crisis).” – Not exactly. STA is specifically for planned short-term respite or skill-building stays. It’s not a catch-all for any time a participant is temporarily out of their house. For example, a participant cannot claim STA for a hospital stay (that would fall under health system responsibility) or if they have to evacuate their home due to a natural disaster (civil emergency services would handle accommodation). Also, as noted, STA is not meant for general crisis housing like homelessness​. How to address: Ensure participants understand the purpose of STA – it’s there to support disability-related short stays that have a therapeutic or respite rationale. In genuine crises where the issue is not disability-related, the participant or their network should seek appropriate community services (though the NDIS plan might fund extra supports related to their disability during a crisis, it wouldn’t fund the accommodation itself if it’s an unrelated need). Support coordinators can help by having an emergency plan outside of NDIS (contacts for crisis accommodation services, etc.) and by communicating with the NDIA if a sudden need for STA-like support arises due to a carer emergency. The NDIA has indicated they will work with participants if, say, a carer suddenly can’t provide care, or there’s a risk of harm at home – they might arrange STA or alternative supports in those disability-related emergencies​. But it should not be assumed that any absence from home equals STA.
“Participants in group homes (SIL) can also get STA for a break.” This is incorrect under current policy. This is a newer clarification that may not be widely known yet: people in Supported Independent Living aren’t eligible for STA respite since their family is not in a full-time caring role for them​. A support coordinator or plan manager might encounter a SIL participant’s family asking, “Can our son come home to us on some weekends and use STA funding for us to have respite from the group home?” Under NDIA’s stance, this doesn’t fit STA’s purpose. How to address: Explain the NDIA’s reasoning. STA principally gives informal carers a break, and in SIL, the carers are paid staff. Participants in SIL already have 24/7 support, so additional “respite” funding isn’t provided because it would be double-dipping on support. If an SIL participant wants occasional changes of scenery or trips, those would be treated as community access or personal support hours from their core funding, not STA. Keep updated on NDIA communications because families and even some providers might not realise this change. (Notably, advocacy groups like PWDA have expressed concern about this restriction​, so it’s a discussed topic.)
In all cases of misconceptions, pointing to official NDIS sources is the best way to resolve disagreements. Both plan managers and support coordinators should be ready to show the relevant section of the NDIS guidelines or price guide to back up what is allowable. This transparency helps maintain trust – the participant sees it’s not just an arbitrary decision by the manager or coordinator but the actual rule set by NDIS. Keeping records of any NDIA advice (for example, if you email the NDIA for clarification and get a response) can also help if there’s confusion later.
Best Practices and Case Examples for Using STA Effectively
To ensure STA funding is used effectively, compliantly, and to the participant’s benefit, plan managers and support coordinators should collaborate and follow best-practice approaches. Below are some practical guidelines and a case example illustrating good use of STA:
1. Plan Ahead and Align with Goals: Support coordinators should discuss STA needs during plan development or review meetings. If the participant has an informal support network that may need respite (e.g. elderly parents caring for a young adult with disability), include that context in the planning conversation. STA should be tied to the participant’s goals or needs – for example, a goal of “increasing independence” or “maintaining family relationships” can justify STA as it gives both participant and family a positive break​. Ensure the participant understands how STA fits their NDIS goals (like learning new skills during the short stay or preventing burnout so they can continue living at home). By aligning STA with goals, you also satisfy the “reasonable and necessary” criteria (NDIS Act s.34(1)(a)-(b)) in documentation.
2. Choose Reputable, Experienced STA Providers: Not all providers offer STA, and among those who do, quality and inclusions vary. It’s best to identify providers who have experience delivering STA to NDIS participants​. These providers will be familiar with NDIS pricing rules, likely offer group-based programs, and understand reporting requirements. They often package accommodation, support, meals, and activities into one NDIS-friendly daily rate​. Working with such providers reduces the risk of compliance issues. Support coordinators can maintain a directory of vetted STA services (NDIS-registered respite centres, community organisations with STA programs, etc.). It’s also wise to have a service agreement in place that clearly outlines what the STA includes.
3. Document the Details: From a plan manager’s perspective, proper documentation for STA claims is essential. Recent practice shows many plan managers now ask for detailed documentation before approving STA invoices​.. Providers (or support coordinators on behalf of participants) should supply:
A signed service agreement or booking confirmation that covers the STA dates and what will be provided​.
An accommodation receipt or evidence if the STA involves an external accommodation cost​.(to ensure it actually took place).
A roster or record of support worker hours and activities during the STA​. This should outline what supports were delivered (personal care, community outings, etc.) and by whom. It ties the expense to the participant’s disability needs.
A brief report on the outcomes or activities from the STA (even just a paragraph on skills practised or the benefit to the participant). This can demonstrate the STA’s connection to the participant’s goals and the respite effect achieved.
Providing this information protects the participant and plan manager in case of any NDIA audit or question about the claim. It shows the STA was legitimate and in line with NDIS rules ​... Plan managers should communicate these requirements to providers ahead of time so that invoices come with the necessary supporting info, avoiding payment delays.
4. Ensure Value for Money: Both coordinators and plan managers should consider the cost-effectiveness of the STA setup. For example, if a participant is using STA in a one-to-one setting (like staying alone in a rental with support workers), the costs can escalate. Check that the provider is charging within the NDIS price limits for all support items and that if any part of the support isn’t delivered (say a meal is missed or a group activity didn’t happen), the invoice reflects an appropriate reduction or discount for that​. The NDIA expects evidence of value – e.g., if a participant didn’t use one of the activity sessions included in a day, an ideal provider would subtract that cost or provide an alternative rather than bill as if everything was delivered​. Plan managers should be vigilant for any “unusual” charges. If something looks excessive (like charging multiple full 1:1 support shifts concurrently), question it. Support coordinators can help by negotiating package rates and making sure the participant isn’t over-serviced beyond what they need.
5. Coordinate STA with Other Supports: Plan managers and support coordinators should collaborate to make sure using STA doesn’t inadvertently cause issues with other supports. For example, if a participant is in STA for a week, their usual in-home support provider should be notified so they’re not scheduling services that week (to avoid double booking or no-show charges). Or if the participant has a day program, the STA stay might replace that for the duration. Good communication ensures the participant’s support schedule is adjusted smoothly. It also helps to inform the participant’s informal support of the plan – e.g., the family knows the dates and can prepare for their break. From a funding perspective, using STA might temporarily reduce spending in other core areas (since separate personal care funding isn’t used while in STA), so the plan manager can factor that into budget tracking.
6. Stay Within Policy Limits: As a best practice, do not max out STA in a way that pushes policy boundaries (like exactly 28 days, all at once, for purely leisure purposes). NDIA officers have some discretion, and they will look at the intent. It’s more defensible to use, say, 26 of the 28 days for clearly documented respite reasons than to use 30 days with some of it looking like a holiday. Always keep the usage aligned with “respite and participant benefit”. If a participant truly needs more, initiate a plan review rather than trying to squeeze it in unofficially.
Case Example (Compliant Use of STA): Jane is a 25-year-old NDIS participant who lives with her parents, who are her primary carers. Jane has moderate intellectual disability and autism. One of the goals of her NDIS plan is to build her independent living skills and give her family regular breaks to sustain their caring role. Her support coordinator helps arrange for Jane to attend a local STA/respite centre one weekend every month (from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon). During these STA weekends, Jane stays with a small group of other participants and engages in activities like cooking lessons, board games, and community outings with support staff. The STA provider charges a fixed daily rate per the NDIS price limits, which covers accommodation, food, personal care, and group activities​. Over a year, Jane uses 24 days of STA in total, well within the typical 28-day allowance. The plan manager has the service agreement and schedule for these stays on file, and each month, the provider sends an invoice with an attached summary of the support provided (including staff notes on Jane’s progress in cooking and social interaction). The plan manager verifies that no prohibited costs (like travel to the centre or extra charges) are included – indeed, the invoice aligns with the NDIS STA line items only. For Jane’s parents, these regular breaks are invaluable, and for Jane, the stays are a chance to try new things and become more comfortable being away from home, which is directly helping her goal of independence​. Because everything is properly documented and within guidelines, the STA claims are processed smoothly. If ever Jane’s family decides to take a short holiday without her, the support coordinator knows not to frame that as STA but instead to arrange Jane’s STA stay while they are away, keeping the purpose clearly respite-oriented (rather than funding Jane to go on the holiday).
In this example, both the support coordinator and plan manager played their roles effectively:
The support coordinator ensured STA was in the plan (or at least planned for) and chose a provider that meets NDIS requirements, linking the service to Jane’s goals (skill-building and sustaining informal supports). They also prepped the family on what STA covers vs what it doesn’t (for instance, if Jane wanted a special outing not provided, the family would need to pay for that separately).
The plan manager made sure each claim was backed by evidence, matched to the correct support category, and stayed within funding limits. If, say, one weekend, the provider had to send in extra staff for a few hours of 1:1 support due to Jane feeling unwell, the plan manager checked that this was reflected properly and within the “reasonability” of the plan (and if it became a pattern, the plan manager might alert the support coordinator to review Jane’s support ratio needs).
7. Stay Updated and Educate Others: The NDIS policies can evolve (as seen with the late 2024 announcements about STA). Plan managers and support coordinators should regularly check official NDIS updates – for instance, the NDIS website’s news or “Would we fund it” sections – to keep current. If new operational guidelines for STA are released in 2025, reading them and possibly attending any webinars or training on the changes will be important. After updating themselves, they should also educate providers and participants. Sometimes providers might not know the finer rules (for example, a hotel that starts offering STA might not realise they can’t just charge everything to NDIS), so a proactive plan manager can prevent problems by informing them upfront (“Please be aware that transport and purely recreational costs can’t be claimed. Here’s what your invoice should include…”). Support coordinators can similarly coach families: for instance, dispelling the myth that “NDIS cut my STA because I’m in SIL now” by explaining the policy and helping them explore alternative supports if needed.
By following these best practices, plan managers and support coordinators will help participants get the full benefit of STA funding while staying compliant with NDIS rules. STA, when used appropriately, can be a highly positive support – offering participants a chance to try new environments and giving carers a much-needed rest​. With careful planning, clear communication, and adherence to guidelines, STA can be implemented smoothly as part of a participant’s support package.
Â