Short-Term Accommodation (STA): Man in an electric wheelchair on a path in front of a house.

NDIA Clarifies Short-Term Accommodation Funding

Recently, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has raised concerns about some participants inadvertently using their Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding for holidays, which is outside the intended purpose of this support. As a result, some participants have been required to repay the NDIA for accommodation costs.

At Lifely, we’re here to help you navigate the NDIS and ensure you get the support you need. Here’s our summary of how these clarifications could impact your STA plans.

What is Short-Term Accommodation Funding?

STA funding is intended to provide short-term support and accommodation in situations such as:

Respite care: To give your regular carers a break
Skill-building: To help you develop independence
Support when carers are unavailable: Ensuring continuity in your care when your regular support is not available

The main purpose of STA funding is to help you achieve your NDIS goals. While it may involve a comfortable setting, the primary focus is on providing essential disability support and respite for your carers.

In contrast, a holiday is primarily for leisure. If you are using accommodation solely for enjoyment without receiving disability support, the NDIA considers it a holiday, which is not eligible for STA under the NDIS.

Lifely’s Advice on Short-Term Accommodation Usage

At Lifely, we are committed to helping you use your NDIS funding appropriately and avoiding any issues. To ensure you are using STA correctly, we recommend the following:

Seek advice: If you have a support coordinator, they can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your stay aligns with your NDIS goals and funding guidelines.
Plan: Before booking any STA, we suggest checking with your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator to confirm that your stay meets the funding criteria.

It is important to remember that if STA is used for a holiday, you may be required to repay the NDIA. By staying within the guidelines, you can make the most of your NDIS plan and avoid any unexpected costs.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need further clarification about STA funding, please reach out to your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator or you can call the NDIS National Contact Centre open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (local time) by telephone on 1800 800 110 or by email at enquiries@ndis.gov.au.

You can also contact your Lifely Support Coordinator, or Plan Manager on 1300 799 421 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm (AEST) or via our online contact form. We are here to help you get the most from your NDIS plan and support your journey towards achieving your goals.