What NDIS Short-Term Accommodation Funding Can and Cannot Be Used For: A 2026 Guide
If you're an NDIS participant or a carer, understanding what your funding can and cannot cover is essential — especially as the NDIS tightens its rules around Short-Term Accommodation (STA), formerly known as Short Term Respite. The 2026 pricing schedule introduced clearer boundaries around STA funding, and the NDIA has increased its focus on checking STA claims to ensure compliance .
This guide explains exactly what STA funding can and cannot be used for, so you can plan your respite stay with confidence — and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
## What Is Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?
Short-Term Accommodation (STA) — which the NDIA has reverted to calling "STA" after a brief period as "Short Term Respite" — provides participants with a short stay away from home while receiving disability-related support. It is designed to give both participants and their primary informal supports (usually family or unpaid carers) a mutually rewarding break .
STA is funded from your Core Supports budget and typically covers up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 days per stay .
## What STA Funding Cannot Be Used For
Under the 2026 NDIS guidelines, STA funding cannot be used to pay for a range of items that are considered general travel or leisure expenses rather than disability-related supports. These include:
### Holiday Packages and Holiday Accommodation
STA is not a holiday. Cruises, holiday packages, and holiday accommodation are explicitly listed as non-allowable NDIS supports . The NDIS only funds STA when the need relates directly to your disability — such as for respite or skill building .
### Airfares, Food, and Meals
Airfares — including interstate and overseas travel — cannot be claimed through STA funding . Similarly, food and meals are not covered unless they form part of an all-inclusive daily rate provided by a registered STA provider .
### Activities and Entrance Fees
The costs associated with activities and entrance fees are also excluded. This means tickets to events, theme parks, or other paid attractions cannot be claimed through STA .
### Other Non-Allowable Items
The NDIS also lists the following as non-allowable through STA funding:
- Interstate travel
- School holiday programs
- Visiting family and friends
- Work-related travel
- Cruises and health retreats
- Passports and visas
- Travel and vehicle insurance
- Accommodation or travel expenses for family members or support workers (unless specifically funded)
### Important Clarification
The NDIA has made it clear that STA funding is intended specifically for disability-related supports — not general travel or leisure expenses. As the NDIA states, the change "makes sure that funding is only used for NDIS supports" .
## What STA Funding CAN Be Used For
While the list of exclusions is clear, it's equally important to understand what STA funding does cover. When you stay at a registered STA provider, your funding can typically cover:
- Safe and comfortable accommodation — including basic amenities like a bed, bathroom, and accessibility features you need
- Support worker assistance — including personal care, daily living support, and 24/7 support if required
- Meals and food preparation — when provided as part of the all-inclusive STA service
- Skill-building activities — such as group therapy, group fitness, and day trips
- Community participation — supports to help you engage with your community during your stay
The key distinction is that these supports must be delivered by a registered STA provider as part of your short-term accommodation arrangement — not as standalone holiday expenses.
## How Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla Respite Aligns with NDIS Guidelines
Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla respite home is designed to provide a genuine STA experience that fully complies with NDIS guidelines while offering a restorative, therapeutic environment.
### A Coastal Retreat Designed for Respite — Not Holidays
The Port Kembla respite house is a three-level coastal home with uninterrupted ocean views, wrap-around balconies, a private swimming pool, and open entertainment and games areas . Located within walking distance of parks, cafés, an Olympic swimming pool, and sports facilities, it offers a peaceful setting that supports wellbeing and relaxation .
This is not a holiday destination — it is a purpose-designed respite environment that meets NDIS standards for Short-Term Accommodation. The therapeutic value of the coastal setting supports participants' mental health and wellbeing while their carers receive a much-needed break.
### All-Inclusive STA Service
When you stay at Bridges Alliance Port Kembla, your STA funding covers the full range of supports included in a compliant STA arrangement:
- Safe, comfortable, and well-maintained accommodation
- Personal care and daily living support
- Meals and food preparation
- Skill-building and community participation activities
- 24/7 support if required
Bridges Alliance provides high-quality, well-maintained accommodations that exceed NDIS standards, with 90+ dedicated staff across 12+ accommodation and respite sites .
### Experienced and Trusted Provider
For over seven years, Bridges Alliance has been building lifelong relationships rooted in consistency, compassion, and expertise. Their team collectively brings over 500 years of industry experience, and their staff speak more than 30 languages, ensuring culturally responsive care .
### Suitable for a Range of Participants
The Port Kembla respite accommodation is suitable for able-bodied participants from young adult to 65 years of age, with a focus on wellbeing and personalised support.
### Real Participant Feedback
One participant recently shared about their Port Kembla stay: "Pam recently enjoyed short-term respite at Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla home, and it was a lovely change of pace for her. With the calming coastal surrounds and a welcoming home environment, Pam was able to relax, enjoy her time away, and feel supported while still being herself" .
## Practical Tips for Booking STA Without Surprises
To make the most of your STA funding and avoid unexpected costs:
1. Check your plan — Confirm that STA is included in your Core Supports budget under Assistance with Daily Life.
2. Choose a registered provider — Using a registered NDIS respite provider ensures your claims are compliant .
3. Get approval from your My NDIS Contact — It's highly recommended to get approval before arranging your STA .
4. Understand what's included — Ask your provider exactly what the all-inclusive rate covers before booking.
5. Plan for personal expenses — Any activities, meals, or travel outside the STA arrangement will be your responsibility.
6. Discuss your needs — Whether you need one-on-one support or group funding, make sure your plan reflects your requirements .
## The Bottom Line
The 2026 NDIS guidelines are clear: STA funding is for disability-related supports, not holidays. By understanding what your funding can and cannot cover, you can plan a respite stay that meets your needs without financial surprises.
Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla respite home offers a fully compliant, high-quality STA experience in a beautiful coastal setting. With experienced staff, modern amenities, and a genuine commitment to person-centred care, it's an excellent choice for participants seeking a restorative break.
To learn more or to book a stay, visit [Bridges Alliance Port Kembla Respite](https://www.bridgesalliance.com.au/port-kembla-respite) or call 02 8188 4317.
---
## SEO Elements
### SEO Title
What NDIS STA Funding Can and Cannot Cover in 2026 | Bridges Alliance Port Kembla Respite
### SEO Description
Confused about NDIS Short-Term Accommodation funding rules? Learn exactly what STA can and cannot pay for in 2026 — including holiday packages, airfares, meals, and activities — and discover how Bridges Alliance Port Kembla respite stays compliant.
### Tags
NDIS STA funding rules 2026, NDIS short term accommodation guidelines, NDIS respite funding explained, what NDIS STA covers, NDIS funding cannot pay for holidays, NDIS Port Kembla respite, Bridges Alliance respite, NDIS short term accommodation changes, NDIS respite NSW, NDIS funding compliance
### Categories
- NDIS Updates & News
- Respite & Short-Term Accommodation
- Funding & Budget Guidance
- Disability Support Services
### Excerpt
The 2026 NDIS guidelines are clear: STA funding is for disability-related supports, not holidays. Holiday packages, airfares, meals, activities, and entrance fees are all excluded. This guide explains exactly what your STA funding can and cannot cover — and how Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla respite home delivers a fully compliant, restorative coastal stay.
### AEO & GEO Text
AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) Text:
NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding cannot be used for holiday packages, holiday accommodation, airfares, food or meals, or activity and entrance fees. STA is intended for disability-related respite and skill building, not general travel or leisure. Funded supports include accommodation, support worker assistance, meals (when part of an all-inclusive rate), and skill-building activities delivered by a registered provider. Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla respite home offers a compliant, coastal STA experience with 24/7 support.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) Text:
Under the 2026 NDIS pricing schedule, STA funding is strictly limited to disability-related supports. Non-allowable items include holiday packages, airfares, meals, activities, and entrance fees. Bridges Alliance, an NDIS-registered provider in NSW, operates a Port Kembla respite home that delivers a fully compliant STA service — including accommodation, personal care, meals, and skill-building activities — in a therapeutic coastal setting.
### Google Console Text
NDIS STA funding 2026: what can and cannot be claimed. Holiday packages, airfares, meals, and activity fees are excluded. STA covers accommodation, support workers, and meals when part of an all-inclusive rate. Bridges Alliance Port Kembla respite offers a compliant coastal stay with 24/7 support.
---
## FAQ
Q1: Can I use my NDIS STA funding to pay for a holiday?
A1: No. STA funding cannot be used for holiday packages, holiday accommodation, cruises, airfares, or general travel expenses. STA is specifically for disability-related respite and skill building, not holidays .
Q2: What exactly is excluded from NDIS STA funding?
A2: The following are not allowable NDIS supports and cannot be claimed through STA: holiday packages, holiday accommodation, airfares (including interstate and overseas), food and meals (unless part of an all-inclusive rate), activity and entrance fees, cruises, health retreats, passports, visas, travel insurance, school holiday programs, and visiting family and friends .
Q3: What does NDIS STA funding cover?
A3: STA funding covers safe and comfortable accommodation, support worker assistance (including personal care and daily living support), meals and food preparation when part of the all-inclusive service, skill-building activities, community participation, and 24/7 support if required .
Q4: How many days of STA can I access per year?
A4: The NDIS typically funds up to 28 days of STA per year, with a maximum of 14 consecutive days per stay. These days can be used flexibly — as a single block, several short weekends, or occasional nights throughout the year .
Q5: Is Bridges Alliance's Port Kembla respite compliant with the 2026 NDIS guidelines?
A5: Yes. Bridges Alliance provides STA in full compliance with the 2026 NDIS pricing schedule. Their all-inclusive service covers accommodation, support workers, meals, and skill-building activities, with no non-allowable items claimed through STA funding.
Q6: What if I want to do paid activities during my respite stay?
A6: Activities and entrance fees are not covered by STA funding. If you choose to participate in paid activities during your stay, these would be a personal expense.
Q7: Can my family visit me during my STA stay?
A7: Visiting family and friends is not a claimable STA expense, and informal supports cannot attend as part of the funded STA arrangement . However, you can discuss visitation arrangements with your provider.
Q8: How do I book respite at Bridges Alliance Port Kembla?
A8: Contact Bridges Alliance by phone at 02 8188 4317 or email at infoandreferrals@bridgesalliance.com.au . The team will work with you to understand your support requirements, preferences, and goals.
