Types of STA & When to Use
Comprehensive guide to the 6 main types of Short Term Accommodation, when each is appropriate, and how to determine which type best suits your needs.
Which Type of STA Do You Need?
Answer these simple questions to identify the most appropriate STA type for your situation.
I need accommodation within 24-48 hours
→ Emergency Accommodation
- Contact STA providers immediately
- Provide basic emergency information
- Accept available accommodation
I can plan weeks or months ahead
→ Consider all STA types based on purpose
- Identify your specific goals
- Research appropriate STA types
- Book well in advance
Family carer needs a break
→ Respite Care
- Plan regular respite schedule
- Find suitable providers
- Book recurring arrangements
Want to try different accommodation
→ Trial Accommodation
- Research accommodation options
- Book trial stays
- Compare experiences
1-7 nights
→ Respite Care or Emergency
- Book appropriate short-term option
- Prepare for brief stay
- Plan next steps
Weeks to months
→ Transitional or Assessment Support
- Consider medium-term options
- Plan transition goals
- Prepare for extended stay
6 Main Types of Short Term Accommodation
Each type of STA serves different purposes and circumstances. Understanding the details helps you choose the right option.
Respite Care
Planned breaks to give families and carers time to rest, work, or attend to other responsibilities.
Key Features:
- Regular scheduled breaks
- Family carer respite
- Planned in advance
- Recurring arrangements possible
- Professional support available
- Activities and social programs
When to Use:
- Family carers need regular breaks
- Carer illness or hospitalization
- Family holidays or events
- Work or study commitments
- Preventing carer burnout
- Maintaining family relationships
Primary Benefit:
Family carer relief
Emergency Accommodation
Immediate temporary housing when your usual accommodation becomes unavailable.
Key Features:
- Available at short notice
- Crisis response
- Flexible duration
- Emergency support services
- 24/7 booking availability
- Safety planning included
When to Use:
- Home damage or repairs needed
- Family crisis or breakdown
- Sudden carer unavailability
- Housing loss or eviction
- Safety concerns at home
- Medical emergencies affecting housing
Primary Benefit:
Crisis response
Holiday & Recreation
Supported holiday and recreational experiences with or without family.
Key Features:
- Tourism and recreation focus
- Group or individual holidays
- Accessible destinations
- Recreational activities
- Social interaction opportunities
- Cultural experiences
When to Use:
- Want holiday experiences with support
- Family holidays with assistance
- Group recreational activities
- Exploring new places
- Social interaction opportunities
- Cultural or educational trips
Primary Benefit:
Recreation and social experiences
Trial Accommodation
Opportunity to experience different accommodation types before making permanent decisions.
Key Features:
- Experience different housing types
- Test support arrangements
- Assess compatibility
- Inform future decisions
- Various accommodation styles
- Different support levels
When to Use:
- Considering permanent accommodation changes
- Evaluating SDA options
- Testing independence levels
- Assessing support needs
- Comparing providers
- Planning housing transitions
Primary Benefit:
Informed decision making
Transitional Support
Bridge accommodation during transitions between permanent housing arrangements.
Key Features:
- Housing transition support
- Time to find permanent housing
- Adjustment support
- Planning assistance
- Skill development
- Goal-oriented support
When to Use:
- Moving between permanent homes
- Waiting for SDA availability
- Aging out of family home
- Relationship changes
- Financial circumstances change
- Support needs reassessment
Primary Benefit:
Smooth transitions
Assessment & Recovery
Supported accommodation during health recovery or assessment periods.
Key Features:
- Health recovery focus
- Allied health access
- Medication management
- Assessment support
- Professional care
- Rehabilitation services
When to Use:
- Post-hospital discharge
- Mental health recovery
- Rehabilitation needs
- Assessment requirements
- Therapy intensives
- Health stabilization
Primary Benefit:
Health support and recovery
Who Can Access STA?
STA is available to NDIS participants who meet specific criteria and have demonstrated need for temporary accommodation.
NDIS Participant
You must be an eligible NDIS participant with STA funding in your plan.
Details: STA funding is allocated in your Core Support budget based on assessed need for respite or temporary accommodation.
Reasonable & Necessary
The STA must be reasonable and necessary to achieve your NDIS goals.
Details: Must support your independence, social participation, or provide essential respite for family carers.
Temporary Need
STA is for temporary accommodation needs, not permanent housing solutions.
Details: Designed for stays ranging from one night to several months, depending on your circumstances and plan.
Support Requirements
You may need some level of support during your stay, or be able to stay independently.
Details: STA can provide various support levels from minimal assistance to 24/7 care, depending on your needs.
During Plan Development
- Discuss your respite and accommodation needs
- Explain family carer circumstances
- Identify potential emergency needs
- Discuss holiday and recreation goals
Plan Reviews
- Request STA if not currently funded
- Adjust funding based on usage patterns
- Provide evidence of need if required
- Document benefits from previous STA use