The NDIS recently released new guidance for short term respite (STR), previously known as short term accommodation. At Leap in! we’ve received many questions from providers about what’s changed, who’s eligible and what’s included. As we learn more, we will keep you updated as the guidance may change.
STR is a Core support that gives NDIS participants a safe, supported place to stay when informal supports are unavailable or need a break. It can be delivered in standard accommodation (with basic needs or no extra inclusions), a private homestay or the participant’s home and covers essential supports like personal care and overnight assistance when required.
Who is eligible for short term respite?
A participant may be eligible for STR if they:
- Live with their primary informal supports, or
- Receive more than six hours of daily support from their primary informal supports
A participant may be eligible if at least one of the following applies:
- They need high-intensity support, such as complex bowel care, enteral feeding or tracheostomy care
- They have intensive or complex behaviour support needs
- They require specialist behavioural intervention
- They live in an area with limited access to in-home supports
- Their primary carers are stressed, unwell or ageing
- Primary carers have other caring responsibilities, like caring for young children or other family members.
For children, STR is only funded if their disability support needs go beyond what’s typical for their age and it helps the family continue in their caring role. If STR is approved, it will be written into their plan.
What’s included and what’s not covered?
Many providers are seeking clarity on what’s included in the NDIS short term respite (STR) rate. NDIA guidelines must be followed to ensure compliance and avoid delays with claims.
NDIS short term respite covers:
- Basic, standard accommodation (if applicable)
- Personal care and daily support
- A support worker to stay overnight, where required.
It does not cover:
- Meals (unless part of a centre-based group rate). Food bought during the respite stay must usually be paid for by the participant outside the STR support. Note: Where a participant is receiving 1:1 support in a centre/group facility, the 1:1 rate STR may include meals.
- Activities or outings (unless part of the STR rate at a group respite setting). Extra activities are considered a personal expense and should be paid for separately.
- Transport to and from the location.
These extra items cannot be bundled into STR claims. Costs for any food, activities or transport included in an invoice will need to be removed before submitting a claim to the NDIA.
Can support worker accommodation be funded?
Yes, but only when overnight or extended support is genuinely needed. This is usually funded based on the number of support hours a participant typically receives.
To meet compliance, the support must be:
- Clearly documented in the participant’s support plan
- Itemised separately on invoices
- Provided in a reasonably priced, standard setting with basic amenities or a group-based centre or facility.
Accommodation cannot be added on for convenience or leisure purposes.
Understanding support ratios for STR.
Support ratios refer to how many participants are supported by a worker at one time (e.g. 1:1 for individual support, 1:3 for group-based). The ratio affects the type of support delivered and the hourly rate that can be claimed. STR is typically funded at a group rate.
Using the wrong support ratio may result in non-compliant claims. To check what ratio a participant is funded for, a provider can ask a participant to share it, though they are not obliged to.
What Leap in! needs to process STR claims.
From the Member
- A copy of their NDIS plan
- Approval for any 1:1 STR supports (if claimed above a group rate)
- If there is a ratio stated in the plan, Leap in! is required by the NDIA to abide by the ratio
- Accommodation receipts (if relevant).
If STR is not included in the person’s plan, we cannot process the claim.
From the provider
- A copy of the service agreement with the Member
- Support logs or timesheets or other evidence of the support hours provided
- A summary of any activities undertaken
- Accommodation receipts if applicable.
If any required information is missing or inaccurate, Leap in! will follow up with the Member and/or provider before submitting a claim to the NDIA. This helps ensure claims are compliant and can be processed without delay.
Final tips for delivering STR.
- Check the plan: Make sure STR is included as a specified support in the participant’s NDIS Plan before delivering services
- Clarify the ratio: Confirm whether the participant is funded for 1:1 or group-based support
- Keep clear records: Maintain accurate service agreements, support logs and itemised invoices to ensure smooth claims processing.
Have questions?
If you are unsure of your requirements as an STR provider, please contact the NDIA Provider team on 1300 311 675.
Leap in! are here to help. Call us on 1300 05 78 78, email us at [email protected] or chat with us online at www.leapin.com.au
