NDIS Short Term Respite in 2026: A Friendly Guide for Participants and Carers
NDIS Short Term Respite in 2026: A Friendly Guide for Participants and Carers
- January 21, 2026
Caring for a loved one with a disability is an incredible journey—full of love, patience, and dedication. But let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. If you’re feeling stretched thin, know that you’re not alone, and there are supports designed to help both you and your loved one recharge.
One of the most valuable supports through the NDIS is Short Term Respite (STR)—formerly known as Short Term Accommodation (STA). In October 2025, the NDIA officially changed the name to STR to better reflect its real purpose: helping participants get a short break while supporting the wellbeing of the people who care for them.
Here’s everything you need to know about navigating NDIS respite care in 2026.
1. What is NDIS Short Term Respite (STR)?
Short Term Respite gives a participant the chance to stay away from their usual home for a short period, usually up to 14 days at a time. It’s a “bundled” support, meaning it covers everything a participant needs for a safe and comfortable stay, including:
- Accommodation in a standard, accessible setting
- Personal care and help with daily tasks
- Meals and activities, but only if they are required as part of the participant’s disability support
The Purpose
STR isn’t just a holiday—it’s a lifeline. Its main goal is to give informal carers—parents, siblings, friends—a well-earned break. When participants receive high-quality professional care away from home, carers can recharge, reducing the risk of burnout and keeping the whole family’s routine more sustainable.
2. Who Can Access Respite Funding?
Not every NDIS participant automatically qualifies. In 2026, STR is mainly for participants who:
- Live with informal supports: You live with, or regularly receive support from, family or friends
- Need high-intensity care: Typically, more than six hours of disability-related support a day
- Face risk of carer breakdown: There’s evidence the current caring arrangement might become unsustainable without a break
Note for SIL/ILO participants: If you already receive 24/7 paid support through Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO), you usually aren’t eligible. Your daily care needs are already professionally supported.
3. Key Changes in the 2025–2026 Guidelines
If you haven’t checked your plan recently, here’s what’s new:
- Rebranding to STR: The NDIA wants to make it clear—this funding is for care and support, not luxury travel or holidays.
- The 28-Day Rule: Participants can access up to 28 days of STR per year, which can be split into:
- One weekend per month
- Two 14-day blocks
- A single week during school holidays
- One weekend per month
Accommodation Guidelines: “Standard accommodation” means clean, comfortable, and accessible. Luxury hotels may be partly paid out-of-pocket by participants if they exceed the NDIS price limit.
4. Types of Respite Care
STR isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, you could choose:
Type | Best For |
Respite cottages/facilities | Participants who enjoy a home-like environment with 24/7 staff and peers |
In-home respite | Participants who prefer to stay at home while a support worker steps in for the family |
Community-based respite | Short stays centred on activities like supported camps or sports outings |
Hotel/short-stay rentals | Participants needing a specific location (e.g., near medical care) with a support worker |
5. Understanding Costs and Ratios
Respite is usually funded at a 1:3 ratio (one worker for three participants), but if your support needs are more complex, you may be eligible for 1:2 or 1:1 support.
2025–2026 daily price limits for a 24-hour stay (1:1 support) roughly are:
- Weekday: ~$2,000–$2,200
- Saturday: ~$2,500–$2,800
- Sunday: ~$3,500+
These prices cover accommodation, meals, and activities.
6. How to Include Respite in Your Plan
To secure STR funding, preparation is key:
1. Link it to a goal: NDIS needs to see that respite supports a goal, such as:
“I want to build independence and social skills by spending time away from my parents.”
“I want to maintain my current living arrangement by ensuring my family can continue caring for me.”
2. Collect evidence: A letter from your primary carer detailing carer fatigue and support hours is useful. An OT report recommending a “trial of independent living” also strengthens your case.
3. Use flexible core funding: Even if your plan doesn’t specifically list STR, your Core – Assistance with Daily Life budget can sometimes be used to fund respite, if it meets “reasonable and necessary” requirements.
7. What NDIS Won’t Cover
It’s important to manage expectations. STR funding does not cover:
- Holiday extras: Theme park tickets, cinema trips, fancy dinners
- Travel costs: Airfares, trains, or overseas trips
- Carer travel costs: The NDIS won’t pay for family or carers to join the trip
8. Emergency Respite
Life is unpredictable. If a primary carer is suddenly hospitalised or faces a crisis, emergency respite is available.
For adults: Contact your Support Coordinator or the NDIA immediately. Concept Care can assist with organising emergency respite if needed.
For carers: Concept Care provides temporary respite, even outside NDIS funding, while alternative arrangements are made. Call 1800 266 237 for fast, compassionate support.
Final Thoughts: STR is a Lifeline
Short Term Respite is more than a break—it’s an investment in the wellbeing of both participants and their carers. When used effectively, participants gain independence and new experiences, while carers get the rest they need to keep supporting their loved ones.
If you think STR could help your family, have a chat with your NDIS Planner or Support Coordinator in Sydney. Starting the conversation early means you can plan breaks that truly support your wellbeing—and the wellbeing of the people you care about.
Concept Care – Your Sydney Respite Partner
At Concept Care Disability Solutions Pty Ltd, we understand that respite care is about more than a break—it’s about supporting independence and maintaining family wellbeing. We offer in-home and short-term respite, giving participants the chance to build independent living skills in a safe, supportive environment. If you’re looking for NDIS respite care near you, Concept Care provides compassionate, personalised support across Sydney—from the Inner West to the Hills District and beyond.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help—call 1800 266 237 or email [email protected].