Is Respite Care Covered by NDIS?
Yes, NDIS funds respite care for people with disability and their families. Here's how.
How NDIS funds respite care
Respite care is one of the most important, and commonly used, supports in the NDIS. It's funded under the Core Supports budget and serves two purposes: giving the participant a change of environment and new experiences, and giving informal carers (usually family members) a genuine break.
The NDIS uses the term Short Term Accommodation (STA) rather than "respite", they mean essentially the same thing. Most plans include between 14 and 28 days of STA per year.
Two types of NDIS respite
Short Term Accommodation (STA)
The participant stays away from home, at a supported accommodation service, on a supported holiday, or in a short-stay care setting. Up to 28 days per year. Covers support worker costs, accommodation, meals, and activities during the stay.
In-home respite
A support worker comes to your home, allowing your usual carer to step away, rest, or attend to other commitments. Funded under Core Supports (Assistance with Daily Life or Social and Community Participation, depending on what the worker does).
What STA covers
- Supported accommodation away from home (up to 28 days per year)
- Support worker costs for the full duration
- Meals and activities during the respite period
- Transport as part of the STA booking
- Personal care and daily living support during the stay
How to access respite funding
Check your current plan
Look for 'Short Term Accommodation' in your Core Supports budget. If it's there, you're ready to book. If it's not, speak to your LAC or Support Coordinator about adding it at your next plan review.
Contact a registered provider
Once you know you have STA funding, contact providers like 4titude to discuss availability. Respite places, particularly for school holidays, fill up quickly, so book early.
Plan around your carer's needs too
Respite planning should consider both the participant's goals and the carer's need for a break. Be honest at your planning meeting about both, it helps the planner allocate the right amount.
Related resources
- Is a holiday covered by NDIS?How STA works for supported holidays
- NDIS funding categories explainedCore Supports, Capital, and Capacity Building budgets
- What does a Support Coordinator do?How a Support Coordinator can help you access respite
Frequently asked questions
Find out about respite options
4titude offers Short Term Accommodation, supported holidays, and in-home respite across NSW. We can help you access the break you need.