New Guidelines for Short-Term Respite (STR) under the NDIS: What you need to know

What’s changed? 

The name change from STA to STR signals a shift in emphasis. Instead of focusing on skill-building or “trial stays,” the new guidance places more emphasis on giving informal supports (family/friends) a meaningful break.  

Funding under STR is now strictly for standard accommodation and support during the respite stay — not extras, holidays, cruises or overseas trips. For example: the accommodation must be stationary, in-state (unless border-town) and activities or transport costs are limited.  

Clearer criteria for eligibility 

• For adults: Must live with or have daily drop-in supports from primary informal supports (family/friends) for at least 6 hours a day.  

• For children (under 18): STR is only for “exceptional circumstances”. Informal supports must provide significant disability-related care (6+ hours/day) and additional factors must apply (e.g. risk of entering out-of-home care, another household member with disability, or lack of local in-home support).  

• Time and funding limits: Generally, up to 28 days of STR per year (and no more than 14 days in a row), unless exceptional circumstances apply.  
• Process for getting STR in a plan : The support should sit in the “flexible core” section of a participant’s plan, discuss with your NDIA planner or support coordinator are important.