Complete Guide to Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)
Everything you need to know about MTA - from transition housing and recovery accommodation to bridge solutions and planning your medium-term stay.
What is Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)?
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) provides temporary housing solutions for NDIS participants who need accommodation for weeks to months during transitions, recovery, or while waiting for permanent housing arrangements.
Duration
Typically 3 weeks to 12 months
Purpose
Transitions, recovery, bridge housing, skill development
Support
Flexible support levels based on individual needs
Housing Transitions
Moving between different living arrangements
Recovery Periods
After hospitalization or health episodes
Bridge Housing
While waiting for permanent accommodation
Key Point: MTA Fills the Gap
MTA fills the important gap between short-term respite (STA) and permanent housing solutions. It provides the time and support needed for planned transitions, recovery, skill development, or while waiting for long-term housing to become available. Unlike STA which is typically for respite, MTA is goal-oriented with specific outcomes in mind.
Benefits of Medium Term Accommodation
MTA provides crucial support during transition periods, offering stability and time to achieve your goals.
MTA vs Other NDIS Support Types
Understanding how MTA compares to other NDIS accommodation supports helps you choose the right option.
Medium-term accommodation for transitions and recovery
Short-term accommodation for immediate needs
Ongoing support in your own home
Permanent specialized disability accommodation
Short Term Accommodation for respite and emergency needs.
Explore STA GuideSupported Independent Living for ongoing daily support.
Explore SIL GuideSpecialist Disability Accommodation for specialized housing.
Explore SDA GuideWho Can Access MTA?
MTA is available to NDIS participants who meet specific criteria and have demonstrated need for medium-term accommodation.
You must be an eligible NDIS participant with MTA funding allocated in your plan.
Details: MTA funding may be in your Core Support budget or as a specific allocation based on your circumstances.
You have a demonstrated need for medium-term accommodation (weeks to months).
Details: Longer than STA (short-term) but shorter than permanent housing solutions, typically 3 weeks to 12 months.
Experiencing life transitions, recovery, or waiting for permanent housing solutions.
Details: May include hospital discharge, family breakdown, housing modifications, or waiting for SDA placement.
The MTA must be reasonable and necessary to achieve your NDIS goals and support your wellbeing.
Details: Must support your independence, safety, or enable successful transition to permanent housing.
NDIS Plan Required: You must have an active NDIS plan with MTA funding allocated or be eligible for plan variation.
Temporary Need: MTA is not for permanent housing - you must have plans for future accommodation.
Goal-Oriented: Your MTA stay should support specific goals like recovery, transition, or skill development.
Types of Medium Term Accommodation
Different types of MTA serve different purposes and circumstances, each with specific features and duration expectations.
Housing during planned transitions between different long-term living arrangements.
Key Features:
- Planned transition support
- Skill development focus
- Preparation for independence
- Flexible support levels
Best For:
People transitioning from family home, group homes, or between different accommodation types
Temporary housing during recovery from hospitalization or significant health episodes.
Key Features:
- Health recovery support
- Allied health access
- Medication management
- Gradual independence building
Best For:
People recovering from surgery, illness, or mental health episodes requiring supported accommodation
Housing while waiting for permanent accommodation options to become available.
Key Features:
- Temporary stability
- Maintains support continuity
- Flexible duration
- Location flexibility
Best For:
People on waiting lists for SDA or other permanent housing, or awaiting plan reviews
Extended stays to properly assess support needs and develop appropriate long-term plans.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive assessment
- Trial support arrangements
- Skill evaluation
- Future planning
Best For:
People needing extended assessment to determine appropriate long-term support and housing
Medium-term housing following crisis situations requiring extended support to stabilize.
Key Features:
- Crisis response
- Trauma-informed support
- Safety planning
- Rebuilding stability
Best For:
People experiencing family breakdown, accommodation loss, or other crisis situations
Temporary housing while your permanent home undergoes accessibility modifications.
Key Features:
- Maintains routine
- Close to original location
- Temporary arrangement
- Familiar support continuation
Best For:
People whose homes are being modified for accessibility or safety requirements
MTA Accommodation Options
Choose from various accommodation types based on your support needs, independence level, and personal preferences.
Shared accommodation with other residents and 24/7 support staff available.
3-6 residents
24/7 support available
Features:
- Shared living spaces
- Individual bedrooms
- Trained support staff
- Group activities
Benefits:
- Peer interaction
- Structured support
- Social opportunities
- Cost-effective
Self-contained accommodation with support available as needed.
1-2 residents
Flexible support hours
Features:
- Private living space
- Own kitchen and bathroom
- Support as needed
- More independence
Benefits:
- Privacy and autonomy
- Skill development
- Flexible support
- Transition preparation
Apartment-style accommodation shared with one or two other compatible residents.
2-3 residents
Daytime or on-call support
Features:
- Shared common areas
- Private bedrooms
- Urban locations
- Modern amenities
Benefits:
- Social connection
- Urban lifestyle
- Shared costs
- Independence building
Flexible accommodation similar to respite but for extended periods.
1-4 residents
Flexible support options
Features:
- Short-term flexibility
- Various support levels
- Accessible facilities
- Activity programs
Benefits:
- Flexibility
- Proven quality
- Established services
- Quick availability
How MTA Works
Understanding the MTA process helps you plan and prepare for your medium-term accommodation journey.
Identify Need
Recognize that you need medium-term accommodation for transition, recovery, or while waiting for permanent housing.
Details: Consider your circumstances - are you transitioning between homes, recovering from hospital, or waiting for long-term housing?
NDIS Plan Discussion
Discuss MTA needs with your NDIS planner or support coordinator during plan development or review.
Details: Explain your situation and why MTA is necessary for your goals and wellbeing.
Funding Allocation
Receive MTA funding in your NDIS plan, typically in Core Support budget.
Details: Funding amount depends on your support needs, accommodation type, and expected duration.
Find Accommodation
Search for suitable MTA providers and accommodation options that meet your needs.
Details: Consider location, support levels, accommodation type, and compatibility with other residents.
Assessment & Matching
Provider assesses your needs and determines if their accommodation is suitable.
Details: Discuss your support needs, goals, and preferences to ensure good fit.
Move In & Settle
Move into your MTA and begin receiving support while working toward your goals.
Details: Establish routines, build relationships with support staff, and work on your transition goals.
Transition Planning
Work with support staff to plan your next steps and permanent housing arrangements.
Details: Develop skills, save money, apply for permanent housing, or prepare for increased independence.
Move to Permanent Housing
Transition to your long-term housing solution when ready and available.
Details: Move to SDA, independent housing, or other permanent arrangements with transition support.
Planning Your MTA Stay
Successful MTA stays require careful planning across multiple areas to achieve your goals.
Estimate how long you'll need MTA based on your circumstances and goals.
Key Considerations:
- Recovery timeline
- Transition requirements
- Permanent housing availability
- Skill development needs
Choose locations that support your goals and maintain important connections.
Key Considerations:
- Access to current supports
- Transport connections
- Family and friend proximity
- Medical and therapy services
Identify what support you'll need during your MTA stay.
Key Considerations:
- Personal care needs
- Medication management
- Life skills development
- Emotional support
Define what you want to achieve during your MTA stay.
Key Considerations:
- Independence skills
- Health recovery
- Housing applications
- Financial planning
Your Rights in MTA
Understanding your rights ensures you receive appropriate support and can advocate for quality accommodation.
You have the right to choose your MTA provider and accommodation type (subject to availability).
Receive high-quality support that respects your dignity, independence, and choices.
Your privacy, cultural needs, and personal preferences must be respected.
Live in a safe environment with appropriate safety measures and emergency procedures.
Provide feedback about your accommodation and lodge complaints if needed.
Receive appropriate support to transition to your next accommodation arrangement.
Need Help or Have Concerns?
If you have concerns about your MTA accommodation or support, you can:
- Speak directly with your accommodation provider
- Contact your support coordinator for assistance
- Lodge a complaint with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
MTA Myths vs Facts
Get accurate information about MTA by separating common myths from the facts.
Myth
MTA is the same as respite care
Fact
MTA is for longer stays (weeks to months) with specific transition or recovery goals, while respite is typically shorter-term breaks.
Myth
You can stay in MTA indefinitely
Fact
MTA is temporary accommodation with specific timeframes based on your goals and circumstances.
Myth
MTA is only for people with high support needs
Fact
MTA accommodates various support levels depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
Myth
MTA limits your independence
Fact
MTA is designed to build independence and prepare you for your next accommodation step.
Myth
MTA accommodation quality is poor
Fact
MTA providers must meet quality standards and provide appropriate accommodation for medium-term stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Medium Term Accommodation.
Ready to Explore MTA Options?
Our expert team can help you understand if MTA is right for your situation and guide you through the application process.
