STA Funding & Costs Guide
Complete guide to STA funding including NDIS budget allocation, pricing models, what's included in costs, and strategies for managing your STA budget effectively.
How STA Funding Works in Your NDIS Plan
Understanding how STA funding is allocated and used helps you plan effectively and make informed decisions.
STA funding comes from your Core Support budget under 'Assistance with Daily Living'
This is the main source of STA funding in your NDIS plan, allocated based on your assessed needs for respite and temporary accommodation.
Use your STA funding flexibly for different types of temporary accommodation throughout the year
Your STA funding can be used for respite care, emergency accommodation, holidays, or trial stays as needed throughout your plan period.
STA funding can be adjusted during plan reviews based on usage patterns and changing needs
If you need more or less STA funding, discuss this during your plan review with evidence of your usage and needs.
What's Included in STA Costs
Most STA packages include comprehensive services, though specific inclusions vary by provider and accommodation type.
Basic accommodation and facility usage
Standard Inclusions
- Bedroom or sleeping space
- Access to bathroom facilities
- Common area usage
- Basic furniture and bedding
- Utilities (electricity, water, heating)
- Security and safety systems
Premium Options
- Private room with ensuite
- Higher quality furnishings
- Additional amenities
- Premium location access
Meal provision and dietary support
Standard Inclusions
- Three meals per day
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Basic dietary requirements
- Kitchen access (where appropriate)
- Meal preparation assistance
- Special diet accommodation
Premium Options
- Restaurant-style dining
- Extended menu choices
- Nutrition counseling
- Cooking classes or experiences
Personal care and daily living support
Standard Inclusions
- Personal care assistance
- Medication management
- 24/7 support availability
- Emergency response
- Basic activity coordination
- Transport for essential needs
Premium Options
- 1:1 support hours
- Specialized therapy access
- Enhanced activity programs
- Flexible transport options
Recreation and social activities
Standard Inclusions
- Group activities
- Basic recreation programs
- Community access
- Social interaction opportunities
- Entertainment systems
- Basic craft and hobby supplies
Premium Options
- Individualized activity planning
- Specialized programs
- External excursions
- Premium entertainment options
Factors That Affect STA Costs
Several factors influence STA pricing. Understanding these helps you budget effectively and make informed choices.
Support Level Required
Higher support needs result in higher daily rates
Example Price Ranges:
Accommodation Type
Different accommodation types have different cost structures
Example Price Ranges:
Location & Demand
Urban areas and popular destinations typically cost more
Example Price Ranges:
Duration of Stay
Longer stays may offer better rates
Example Price Ranges:
Strategies for Managing Your STA Budget
Smart budget management helps you get maximum value from your STA funding and ensures you can access support when needed.
Book early to secure better rates and availability
- Book regular respite well in advance
- Take advantage of early booking discounts
- Plan around off-peak periods for savings
- Negotiate rates for regular bookings
- Avoid last-minute premium pricing
Select accommodation types that match your needs and budget
- Match support level to actual needs
- Consider group accommodation for cost savings
- Explore host family options for lower costs
- Balance location convenience with cost
- Prioritize essential vs nice-to-have features
Track your STA spending throughout the year
- Keep records of all STA bookings and costs
- Monitor remaining budget allocation
- Plan major bookings around budget availability
- Discuss usage patterns at plan reviews
- Adjust future bookings based on spending
Get the most from your STA funding
- Combine multiple purposes in one stay
- Take advantage of included activities
- Use STA for skill development opportunities
- Build relationships with preferred providers
- Share costs where appropriate and possible
Ways to Reduce STA Costs
- Book during off-peak periods for lower rates
- Consider longer stays for volume discounts
- Negotiate rates for regular bookings
- Explore group accommodation options
- Consider host family arrangements
- Use STA for multiple purposes in one stay
- Take advantage of all included activities
- Focus on skill development opportunities
- Build ongoing relationships with providers
- Plan around your other NDIS goals
Plan ahead: STA funding doesn't roll over to the next plan period
Track spending: Monitor your usage to avoid running out of funding
Emergency buffer: Keep some funding available for unexpected needs
Review regularly: Discuss usage patterns at plan reviews