Short Term Respite Explained: A Simple Guide for NDIS Participants and Families

Key Points:

• Short Term Respite (STR) is an NDIS support that offers temporary care and daily living assistance while informal supports take a break.
• Eligibility for NDIS Short Term Respite depends on factors such as daily reliance on primary informal supports, high intensity needs, and behaviour support needs.
• STR covers essential support and basic accommodation but does not fund holidays or travel, as outlined in the latest NDIS updates.
• AIIM Choices provides caring NDIS plan management support to help participants access Short Term Respite and use their NDIS plan with confidence.

Summary:

The NDIS has updated its guidelines and now refers to Short Term Accommodation as Short Term Respite (STR), creating clearer expectations for participants and their informal supports. STR gives participants a safe place to stay while receiving daily supports they need, allowing carers time to rest. AIIM Choices provides caring and personalised NDIS plan management to help participants understand the latest NDIS updates and make the most of Short Term Respite in their NDIS plan.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What Is NDIS Short Term Respite?
3. Who Is Eligible for Short Term Respite?
4. What Does Short Term Respite Cover?
5. What Short Term Respite Does Not Cover?
6. How AIIM Choices Can Help You Access Short Term Respite in Your NDIS Plan

On 16 October 2025, the NDIS announced changes to Respite Care or Short Term Accommodation (STA). It is now officially called Short Term Respite (STR).

This update was announced through NDIS online channels. It’s designed to bring clarity to how this support works for participants and their families.

At AIIM Choices, we are here to help you understand these changes so you feel confident about how Short Term Respite fits within your NDIS plan. Let’s walk through what this means for you and how you can make the most of this valuable support.

What Is NDIS Short Term Respite?

Short Term Respite is an NDIS support that helps you stay in a safe and comfortable environment for a short period while your carers take a break.

The new name highlights the purpose of this support. It gives both you and the people who support you time to rest, recharge and maintain their wellbeing.

This type of support helps you access:

• Temporary accommodation for a short stay
• Personal care and support with your daily routines
• A safe place to stay while your carers take a break
• Opportunities to practise independence or try new experiences that relate to your NDIS goals

Short Term Respite also helps you continue your usual routines so you feel supported, steady, and ready to return home feeling refreshed.

Who Is Eligible for Short Term Respite?

STR is designed for NDIS participants who rely on primary informal supports (e.g. family, friends, or carers) each day. You may be eligible if:

• You live with your primary informal supports.
• You receive regular daily care from them for more than six hours each day.

The NDIS may also approve Short Term Respite if one or more of the following apply:

• You need high intensity supports that require complex care.
• You need specialist behavioural intervention support.
• You live in an area with limited in-home support options.
• Your primary informal supports have additional caring responsibilities. These include caring for young children or other family members with disability support needs.

For children, STR can be funded only when:

• Their disability support needs go beyond what is typical for their age.
• It helps the family continue providing care.

You are less likely to receive STR if:

• You live without informal supports.
• You already receive more than 18 hours of paid support each day.
• You are not taking a break from your carers.
• You are waiting for home modifications.
• You live in supported independent living (SIL).
• You receive individualised living options (ILO) funding.
• You need urgent housing or crisis accommodation.

What Does Short Term Respite Cover?

Short Term Respite can be used in different settings as long as the support aligns with NDIS guidelines. It may include:

• Standard accommodation with basic amenities. These include a clean room, a bed, bathroom access and the accessibility features you need.
• Staying in your home or a private homestay. In these cases, the NDIS funds your supports only, not the accommodation.
• Personal care supports to help you start your day, follow routines, or finish your day with comfort and dignity.
• A support worker who stays with you if required, including support for community, cultural, or social activities. The activities themselves are not funded.

It’s also important to remember that STR supports should relate to your disability and align with your plan goals.

What Short Term Respite Does Not Cover

When it comes to STR, one of the most important things all NDIS participants need to remember is that it is not a holiday. It is a disability-related support that ensures continuity of care while supporting the wellbeing of your carers.

It cannot be used for:

• Holidays, cruises or travel packages
• Flights, accommodation or insurance for holidays
• Accommodation outside Australia
• Travel or accommodation costs for family during a holiday
• Meals while travelling
• Tourist activities, entrance fees or outings during a holiday

Understanding these details helps you use your NDIS STR funding confidently and correctly.

How AIIM Choices Can Help You Access Short Term Respite in Your NDIS Plan

At AIIM Choices, we understand that navigating these NDIS updates can feel confusing. That’s where our NDIS Plan Management services come in. Our experienced NDIS Plan Managers are here to help you understand your funding.

We’ll also help you track your budget and make sure you’re getting the most out of your plan, including access to Short Term Respite when you need it.

We work alongside you to:

• Review your current plan and identify if STR funding would benefit you
• Help you prepare for plan reviews and reassessments
• Connect you with quality registered providers who deliver safe and comfortable respite care

Working with AIIM Choices means you have a dedicated team in your corner who genuinely cares about your wellbeing and independence. We take the time to understand your unique situation and provide personalised support that works for you and your family.

Reach out to AIIM Choices today for guidance on how to access Short Term Respite and make the most of your NDIS plan.