Important Update for Providers – “Short Term Accommodation” is now “Short Term Respite”

Key Points:

• Short Term Accommodation has been formally renamed to Short Term Respite, reflecting the NDIA’s clearer focus on supporting informal carers.
• Providers must review and update internal documents, service descriptions, and claims processes to meet the updated NDIS requirements.
• Short term respite remains funded under Core supports and is not intended for holidays or skill-building activities.
• Staying compliant with these changes is essential for maintaining trust, service quality, and ongoing NDIS provider compliance..

Summary:

The NDIA has replaced the term Short Term Accommodation with Short Term Respite to better reflect the support’s purpose of giving informal carers a break while ensuring participants receive appropriate care. Providers must update their documentation, processes, and messaging to stay aligned with these NDIS updates and maintain strong NDIS provider compliance. Understanding and applying these changes ensures that organisations deliver short term respite safely, consistently, and in line with the NDIS Practice Standards.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released an important update that affects all providers delivering short-term support: Short Term Accommodation (STA) is now officially called Short Term Respite (STR).

While the name has changed, the intent behind this support remains the same: offering participants safe, appropriate care while giving their informal supports a much-needed break.

This update reflects the NDIA’s focus on clarity, consistency, and participant wellbeing, and it’s essential for providers to understand what this shift means for service delivery and ongoing NDIS provider compliance.

What this means for providers

Below is a clear breakdown of the key updates for STR. Staying on top of these changes helps NDIS providers maintain strong compliance and deliver services that align with the updated guidelines.

• While the term has changed, the essence of the support remains: enabling a break for informal carers (family/friends) whilst the participant receives appropriate support.
• The updated guideline explains who can access STR, what it may include, where it can be used, and how funding is allocated.
• Key eligibility points to note: participants who live with or receive daily support from primary informal supports for more than 6 hours a day may be eligible.
• STR is not designed for holidays, skill-building, or as a substitute for paid supports.
• Funding is generally from the Core budget under “Assistance with Daily Life” and commonly capped at up to 28 days per calendar year, typically with a max of 14 days at a time (unless exceptional circumstances apply).

Action required for your organisation

To stay aligned with the latest NDIS updates, providers will need to refresh their documentation and service practices. Making these adjustments early helps maintain compliance and ensures a smooth transition for your team, participants, and their families.

• Update your policies, procedures, service descriptions and contracts to reference “Short Term Respite” instead of STA.
• Review your eligibility screening, service design and claims processes to align with the updated guideline rules (especially the focus on break for informal supports, not holiday or skill-building).
• Ensure your invoicing, scheduling and documentation clearly demonstrate alignment with the updated definitions and funding boundaries.
• Communicate with participants and their informal supports about the terminology and purpose change—clarifying that the support remains, but the framing has shifted to reflect its core purpose.

For providers seeking a deeper dive, the official NDIA factsheet is available here: Short Term Respite – NDIA Factsheet

How Engels Floyd can help STR providers stay compliant

Navigating NDIS updates, especially changes affecting supports like NDIS short term respite, can be challenging without clear, expert guidance.

Engels Floyd’s experienced team provides tailored support to help providers maintain strong NDIS provider compliance, update documentation, and confidently apply the new STR requirements across their organisation.

If you need an NDIS compliance consultant for providers, assistance reviewing your policies, or support aligning your service delivery with the latest rules, we’re here to make the process easier. 

Reach out to Engels Floyd today for practical guidance and personalised support to stay on top of your compliance obligations. If you operate an STR service and are navigating the NDIS registration process, we can help you understand what’s required and simplify each step. You can schedule a complimentary consultation, or access our free resources tailored for providers: NDIS Registration Guide and 10 Mistakes That Delay NDIS Registration (Free Checklist).