Understanding Short-Term Respite (STR) and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) Under the NDIS
Supporting Participants and Families Through Flexible Accommodation Options
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a range of accommodation and support options designed to assist participants to achieve their goals, maintain wellbeing, and access appropriate supports when needed.
Two accommodation-related supports that are commonly discussed are Short-Term Accommodation and Assistance (STA), including respite, and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA). While both involve temporary accommodation, they are funded for different purposes and are intended to meet different participant needs.
Understanding the distinction between these supports can help participants, families, carers, Support Coordinators, and healthcare professionals make informed decisions and access the most appropriate support pathway.
What Is Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?
Short-Term Accommodation (STA), often referred to as respite, provides participants with temporary accommodation away from their usual home while receiving support from qualified staff.
STA is designed to provide participants with opportunities to:
Develop independence and daily living skills
Build social and community participation skills
Experience new environments
Increase confidence
Establish relationships with peers
Participate in recreational activities
Support informal carers and family members through planned breaks
STA is generally a goal-focused support rather than simply a holiday or accommodation service.
What Does STA Typically Include?
Depending on the participant's support needs, STA may include:
Accommodation
Personal care support
Assistance with daily living activities
Meals
Community access and participation
Recreational activities
Overnight support where required
The supports provided should align with the participant's NDIS goals and assessed support needs.
Who Might Benefit from STA?
STA may be appropriate for participants who:
Want to build independence skills
Are preparing for future independent living arrangements
Would benefit from social interaction with peers
Require a temporary break from their usual living environment
Have family members or carers who require planned respite
Need opportunities to develop confidence and life skills
STA can be delivered in a range of settings, including dedicated respite homes, Supported Independent Living (SIL) environments, or other suitable accommodation arrangements.
What Is Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)?
Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) is a temporary accommodation support funded by the NDIS when a participant is waiting to move into their long-term disability-related housing solution.
MTA is designed to provide a suitable place to live during a transition period when a participant has a confirmed long-term accommodation outcome but cannot move in immediately.
The Purpose of Medium-Term Accommodation
MTA is intended to address situations where:
A participant has been approved for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
A participant has secured Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements
Home modifications are being completed
Disability-related housing is under construction or awaiting availability
Hospital discharge requires temporary accommodation before permanent housing becomes available
The focus of MTA is providing temporary accommodation during a defined transition period.
What Does MTA Fund?
MTA generally funds the accommodation costs only.
Participants typically use their existing NDIS supports or other funding streams to cover:
Daily living supports
Personal care
Community participation
Allied health services
Other funded supports
Support needs remain separate from the accommodation funding itself.
Key Differences Between STA and MTA
Short-Term Accommodation (STA)Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)Often referred to as respite.Transitional accommodation support.Focuses on skill development, social participation, and respite.Focuses on providing temporary housing while awaiting long-term accommodation.Usually short stays.May extend over several months where required.Includes accommodation and support.Primarily funds accommodation costs only.Supports participant goals and carer respite.Supports housing transitions.May involve recreational and community activities.Designed to bridge a housing gap.Can be used regularly throughout the year if funded.Generally used for a specific transitional period.
Benefits of STA
Short-Term Accommodation can support participants to:
Build confidence and independence
Learn daily living skills
Strengthen social connections
Experience new environments
Increase community participation
Develop routines and self-management skills
Support future accommodation transitions
Provide planned respite for carers and families
For many participants, STA serves as an important stepping stone toward greater independence.
Benefits of MTA
Medium-Term Accommodation can support participants by:
Providing housing stability during transitions
Preventing unnecessary hospital stays
Supporting safe discharge from hospital
Reducing housing-related stress and uncertainty
Maintaining continuity of supports
Allowing time for housing arrangements to be finalised
Supporting a smooth transition into long-term accommodation
MTA helps ensure participants have appropriate accommodation while awaiting their permanent housing solution.
How STA and MTA Support NDIS Goals
Both STA and MTA can contribute to participant outcomes when aligned with individual NDIS goals.
These supports may assist participants to:
Increase independence
Build capacity and life skills
Improve community participation
Enhance wellbeing
Strengthen support networks
Achieve housing and living goals
Develop confidence in new environments
All supports must be considered reasonable and necessary and relate to the participant's disability-related needs and goals.
The Bridges Alliance Approach
At Bridges Alliance, we understand that every participant's accommodation journey is unique.
Whether accessing Short-Term Accommodation (STA), respite services, Supported Independent Living (SIL), or Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA), our focus is on providing safe, person-centred, and goal-oriented support that promotes independence, dignity, and choice.
We work collaboratively with participants, families, carers, Support Coordinators, hospitals, and allied health professionals to ensure accommodation and support arrangements align with individual needs, preferences, and NDIS goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is STA the same as respite?
STA includes respite but is broader than traditional respite. It can provide opportunities for skill development, social participation, independence building, and community engagement alongside providing a break for carers.
How long can a participant stay in STA?
The duration depends on the participant's NDIS plan, goals, and funding arrangements. Stays may range from a single night to longer planned periods as approved within the participant's plan.
What is the maximum duration for MTA?
MTA is generally funded for a limited transitional period while a participant waits for their confirmed long-term accommodation arrangement to become available. Funding decisions are determined by the NDIS based on individual circumstances.
Does MTA include support workers?
No. MTA generally funds accommodation costs only. Support services are typically funded separately through other NDIS support categories.
Can STA help prepare someone for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Yes. STA can provide valuable opportunities for participants to build daily living skills, develop routines, experience shared living environments, and increase confidence before transitioning into longer-term accommodation arrangements such as SIL.
Who can help me access STA or MTA?
Participants can discuss accommodation options with their Support Coordinator, Recovery Coach, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), NDIS Planner, or service provider to determine which supports may be appropriate for their circumstances and goals.