Short Term Disability Accommodation: A Practical Guide for Australians
Last updated 28 October 2026 · 7 min read · By Sarah M., Support Coordinator
In short
Short term disability accommodation is a planned stay away from home, for a short time, with support. The NDIA generally funds up to 28 days of short term accommodation per year, for up to 14 days at a time (NDIS guideline dated 27 July 2026).
This guide covers what it is, what it does and does not pay for, how to plan a stay and how it differs from medium term accommodation. For the wider picture, see how to apply for disability housing.
Key points
Short term accommodation, often called STA, gives a person with disability a stay away from home, and it is separate from long-term housing.
The NDIA generally funds up to 28 days a year, for up to 14 days at a time, under its guideline dated 27 July 2026.
It is not for holidays, and airfares, meals and activity costs are not funded under the guideline.
Funding is only available if you meet the NDIS access requirements and it is in your plan, so ask your planner or support coordinator early.
Short term disability accommodation at a glance
What it is
A planned stay away from home for a short time, with support
Funding limit
Generally up to 28 days a year, for up to 14 days at a time (NDIA guideline, 27 July 2026)
Not funded
Holidays, airfares, meals and activity costs
Who it is for
NDIS participants whose plan includes it, if you meet the NDIS access requirements
Who to ask
Your NDIS planner, local area coordinator or support coordinator
Official source
NDIS Our Guideline: Short term accommodation
What is short term disability accommodation?
It is a stay in a supported setting that gives you a break from your usual living arrangement, or gives carers a break.
Purpose: a short stay with the supports you need, planned in advance with your provider.
Setting: stays may happen in a house or a facility run by a provider; ask what the home looks like and who else is staying.
Not a holiday: the NDIA guideline says it is not for holidays.
Carer breaks: a stay can also give family carers time to rest.
STA disability housing: what the NDIS funds
STA is the short name for short term accommodation, and the NDIA guideline sets out what it generally funds.
Item
What the guideline says
Days a year
Generally up to 28 days of short term accommodation per year
Days at a time
Generally up to 14 days at a time
Holidays
Not funded; STA is not for holidays
Airfares
Not funded
Meals and activity costs
Not funded
Guideline date
27 July 2026
Funding is always conditional: it applies only if you meet the NDIS access requirements and your plan includes it.
How to plan short term disability accommodation
A little preparation makes a short stay safer and more comfortable for everyone.
1Check your plan. Look for short term accommodation in your plan, and ask your planner or support coordinator if you are unsure how it is set out.
2Write down your needs. List personal care, medicines, communication, mobility and routines so the provider can plan support in advance.
3Visit or talk to the provider. Ask about the house, staffing, other residents and how they handle emergencies and complaints.
4Plan a short first stay. You may prefer to start with a short stay to see how it goes before booking a longer one.
5Review afterwards. Talk about what worked and what did not, then tell your support coordinator so your next plan reflects it.
Looking for NDIS support at home?
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Assuming short term accommodation is a holiday, when the NDIA guideline says it is not for holidays.
Booking travel and meals expecting the NDIS to pay, when airfares, meals and activity costs are not funded.
Waiting until a crisis to ask about it, rather than raising it with your planner or support coordinator early.
Not sharing medicine lists, communication tips and routines with the provider before the first stay.
Skipping the review afterwards, so the next plan does not reflect what the stay showed about your needs.
Looking for NDIS support at home?
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
If you are planning a stay, a good first step is a conversation about what support you need at home and away. TQN Care provides personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC), and you can read about our NDIS services. Send us a referral and we will talk through what could work for you.
SM
Sarah M., Support CoordinatorTQN Care is a registered NDIS provider supporting people across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC).
Common questions
FAQs about short term disability accommodation
What is STA in disability? +
STA means short term accommodation, a planned stay away from home with support. The NDIA generally funds up to 28 days a year, for up to 14 days at a time, according to its guideline dated 27 July 2026. It is not for holidays.
How many days of short term accommodation does the NDIS fund? +
The NDIA generally funds up to 28 days of short term accommodation per year, for up to 14 days at a time. Funding depends on your plan, so check with your planner or support coordinator what applies to you.
Does the NDIS pay for travel and meals during a stay? +
No. The NDIA guideline says airfares, meals and activity costs are not funded, and that short term accommodation is not for holidays. Ask your support coordinator how to budget for these costs from your own funds.
What is medium term accommodation for disability? +
Medium term accommodation is a separate NDIS support from short term accommodation. The rules are set by the NDIA, so check its current guideline on the NDIS website and ask your planner or support coordinator whether it could apply to you.