Respite: how much can you get and how to book it
How respite is funded through Short Term Accommodation, roughly how much you can get, and the practical steps to book a respite stay
How much respite can I get?
What does STA respite cover?
How do I book a respite stay?
The different kinds of respite you can use
How your STA days work in practice
Booking respite: common mistakes to avoid
How respite fits with your other supports
Frequently asked questions
How much NDIS respite can I get?
There's no single fixed amount. Respite is funded through Short Term Accommodation (STA) based on what's reasonable and necessary for you, taking account of your support needs and your carers' situation. It's commonly funded as a number of days per year, but your actual funding reflects your circumstances.
What does NDIS respite (STA) cover?
STA respite covers the accommodation for the short stay, the support you need during it, meals, and activities or community access as part of the break. It's designed to be a genuine break for you and the people who usually support you, not just a bed.
How do I book a respite stay?
Check your plan for STA funding and available days, decide the kind of respite and dates you want, contact STA providers for availability, confirm the support you'll need, book early for busy periods, and use your support coordinator to help arrange it if needed.
How is the amount of respite decided?
The NDIS decides respite (STA) on what's reasonable and necessary, considering your support needs and the role of your informal carers. Strong evidence of your needs and the importance of breaks for you and your carers supports adequate STA funding.
What if my respite funding isn't enough?
If your STA funding doesn't cover the breaks you and your carers need, raise it at your next plan reassessment with evidence of your needs and the importance of respite. A change of circumstances — like increased carer strain — can support a request for more.
Can I get emergency respite if my carer suddenly can't cope?
Emergency or unplanned respite can sometimes be arranged when a carer becomes unwell or a situation breaks down, but it depends on availability and your funding. Contact your support coordinator or provider urgently, and if there is a genuine risk to your safety or support, treat it as an emergency and seek help…
Does using respite reduce my other NDIS funding?
No — respite (STA) is its own funding, and using it doesn't cut your other supports. While you are on a respite stay, that stay covers your support for those days, so you wouldn't also claim your usual in-home hours for the same time. Outside the stay, your other supports carry on exactly as normal.
How far ahead should I book respite?
As early as you can, especially for school holidays, long weekends and other popular periods when respite houses book out well in advance. For those busy times, weeks or even a couple of months ahead is not too early. For quieter periods you may get a place at shorter notice, but planning ahead is always safer.