The term Short Term Accommodation is now called Short Term Respite – a change that better reflects the purpose of this NDIS support. Rather than focusing on where participants stay, it highlights the value of giving both individuals and their informal carers a meaningful break.
What Is Short Term Respite?
Short Term Respite gives participants time apart from their usual care arrangements while allowing primary informal supports—family members, friends, or carers—to take a short rest and recharge.
It focuses on the support being provided, whether at home or in shared settings, instead of the accommodation itself. Short term respite is not designed for skill-building but for providing temporary relief for participants and their carers. Other NDIS supports can help develop skills or independence if that’s the goal.
Who Can Access Short Term Respite?
This support is suitable for:
- Participants who live with their primary informal supports or receive daily drop-in assistance.
- Participants who get disability-related support from their informal supports for more than six hours a day.
For children, it’s funded only in special cases where the disability support needs are beyond what’s typical for their age and the support helps the family maintain their caring role.
However, if a participant already receives extensive paid support—such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO)—short term respite usually isn’t required.
What Short Term Respite Does Not Replace
It does not replace:
- Natural time apart, like school, work, or community activities.
- Mainstream services such as crisis accommodation, child protection, or family support programs.
These services remain important and should still be accessible for participants and their families.
What Short Term Respite May Include
Short term respite can provide:
- Support with daily activities.
- Standard accommodation for participants.
- Accommodation for a support worker if overnight help is required.
“Standard accommodation” means a clean, comfortable space with accessibility features—such as a hotel, short-stay rental, cabin, or respite home.
Where and How It Can Be Used
Respite should be planned with your provider, including how often and where it takes place. It can be used:
- In group or individual settings.
- Within your home state or territory.
- Even at home, if it helps you take a break from your usual care.
However, it cannot be used for holidays, entertainment tickets, or event stays.
Funding and Flexibility
You have choice and control in how you use short term respite. It must:
- Be paid from your core budget.
- Align with your NDIS plan and guidelines.
- Reflect the support you usually receive at home.
Most eligible participants receive up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days per instance. You only pay for the supports actually used.
Final Thoughts
The change from Short Term Accommodation to Short Term Respite highlights a shift toward care, sustainability, and wellbeing. It supports both participants and carers, ensuring they can continue their roles with renewed energy and balance.
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At SDH, we’re committed to providing short term respite options that nurture care, strengthen relationships, and enhance quality of life.
FAQ’S
1. What is Short Term Respite in the NDIS?
Short Term Respite provides temporary support for participants while giving their informal carers time to rest. It focuses on the support provided, not the accommodation itself.
- Who is eligible for Short Term Respite?
It is for participants who live with or receive daily support from informal carers, especially when support exceeds six hours a day. Children may qualify when their needs are higher than what’s typical for their age. - What does Short Term Respite include?
It may include help with daily activities and standard accommodation for the participant, and sometimes for a support worker. The accommodation must be clean, safe, and have the required accessibility features. - Where can Short Term Respite be used?
It can be used in shared or individual settings, within the participant’s home state or territory, or even at home if it supports a break. It cannot fund holidays or entertainment-related costs.
5. How much funding is available for Short Term Respite?
Most eligible participants receive up to 28 days per year, with no more than 14 days at a time. You only pay for the exact supports used, and funding must come from your core budget.
