Short Term Accommodation (STA) Guide

Complete guide to NDIS Short Term Accommodation - from respite care and emergency housing to holiday support and trial stays. Find the right STA solution for your needs.

40,000+
NDIS participants use STA annually
For respite, emergencies, and holiday experiences
1-120
nights duration range
From emergency overnight to extended holiday stays
500+
registered STA providers
Across Australia offering diverse accommodation options
24/7
emergency accommodation availability
Crisis response when you need it most
Understanding STA

What is Short Term Accommodation?

Short Term Accommodation (STA) provides temporary accommodation and support for NDIS participants for various purposes including respite care, emergency housing, holidays, and trial accommodation experiences.

STA is designed to provide flexible, temporary accommodation solutions that support both NDIS participants and their families. Whether you need respite care, emergency accommodation, or want to experience different living arrangements, STA offers safe, supportive environments with appropriate care and supervision.

Unlike permanent accommodation options, STA is specifically designed for short-term stays ranging from one night to several months, providing opportunities to access professional support, try new experiences, and give family carers essential breaks.

Flexible Duration

From overnight stays to several months, depending on your needs

Various Support Levels

From independent stays to 24/7 care based on your needs

Comfortable STA accommodation with accessible bedroom and modern amenities

Did you know? Over 40,000 NDIS participants use STA services annually for respite, holidays, and emergency accommodation.

Key Benefits

How STA Can Support You and Your Family

STA provides essential support for both participants and their families, offering flexibility, safety, and peace of mind.

Family Respite
Used by 85% of STA participants

Essential breaks for family carers to rest, recharge, and attend to personal needs while ensuring continued quality care.

Emergency Support
Available within 24-48 hours

Immediate accommodation when your usual housing becomes unavailable due to emergencies or unexpected circumstances.

Trial Experiences
Helps 70% make informed housing decisions

Opportunity to experience different accommodation types, locations, and support arrangements before long-term commitments.

Holiday & Recreation
Growing 15% annually

Supported holiday experiences and recreational opportunities with appropriate care and supervision.

Quick Start

Find Your STA Pathway

Choose the pathway that best matches your current situation and needs.

I need emergency accommodation now

Immediate support for crisis situations

Quick Steps:

  1. 1Contact STA providers immediately
  2. 2Provide basic information
  3. 3Emergency placement within 24-48 hours
Get Emergency Help
I want to plan regular family respite

Scheduled breaks for family carers

Quick Steps:

  1. 1Identify respite needs
  2. 2Find suitable providers
  3. 3Book 2-4 weeks in advance
Plan Respite Care
I want to try different accommodation

Trial stays before permanent decisions

Quick Steps:

  1. 1Research accommodation types
  2. 2Book trial stays
  3. 3Compare experiences
Explore Options
I want supported holiday experiences

Recreation and travel with support

Quick Steps:

  1. 1Choose destinations
  2. 2Book holiday accommodation
  3. 3Plan activities and support
Plan Holidays
Comprehensive Guides

Explore STA Topics in Detail

Dive deeper into specific aspects of Short Term Accommodation with our comprehensive topic guides.

Types of STA & When to Use
8 min read

Explore the 6 main types of STA including respite care, emergency accommodation, holiday support, and trial stays. Understand eligibility and when each type is most appropriate.

Topics Covered:

Respite Care
Emergency Accommodation
Holiday Support
Trial Stays
Eligibility Requirements
Read Complete Guide
Accommodation Options & Facilities
6 min read

Discover different STA accommodation types from purpose-built facilities to host families and independent units. Learn what facilities and support are available.

Topics Covered:

Purpose-Built Facilities
Host Families
Independent Units
Group Accommodation
Read Complete Guide
Booking & Planning Process
7 min read

Master the STA booking process including timeline requirements, information needed, and planning strategies for successful stays.

Topics Covered:

Booking Timeline
Planning Checklist
Information Required
Preparation Tips
Read Complete Guide
Funding & Costs Guide
5 min read

Understand STA funding from your NDIS plan, what's included in costs, pricing models, and how to maximize your STA budget effectively.

Topics Covered:

NDIS Funding
Cost Breakdown
What's Included
Budget Management
Read Complete Guide
Emergency Accommodation
4 min read

Critical information about accessing emergency STA when you need immediate accommodation due to crisis situations or unexpected circumstances.

Topics Covered:

Crisis Response
Emergency Booking
Immediate Support
Safety Planning
Read Complete Guide
Respite Care Support
6 min read

Comprehensive guide to using STA for family respite including regular breaks, planned respite, and supporting family carer wellbeing.

Topics Covered:

Family Respite
Regular Breaks
Carer Support
Respite Planning
Read Complete Guide
Rights & Advocacy Support
5 min read

Know your rights during STA stays, complaint processes, advocacy resources, and how to ensure quality support and accommodation.

Topics Covered:

Participant Rights
Quality Standards
Complaints Process
Advocacy Services
Read Complete Guide
Related Information

Related NDIS Support Types

Explore other NDIS support types that might complement your STA usage or provide alternative accommodation solutions.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Permanent specialized housing that you might trial through STA before making long-term commitments.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Daily living support services that can complement STA stays or provide ongoing support in your permanent home.
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)
Longer-term transitional housing for when you need accommodation for weeks to months during major changes.

Ready to Explore STA Options?

Whether you need emergency accommodation, respite care, or want to explore holiday options, we're here to help you understand STA and find suitable providers.

NDIS participant enjoying activities at STA accommodation
Looking for other accommodation information? Explore our Learning Resourcesfor more information.