STA vs MTA vs respite: what's the difference?
How Short Term Accommodation, Medium Term Accommodation and respite relate to each other, and which one applies to your situation
What is Short Term Accommodation (STA)?
How does respite fit in?
What is Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)?
How do I know which one I need?
What does each one look like in real life?
A side-by-side comparison
Common mix-ups that slow people down
How these fit with your other supports
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between STA, MTA and respite?
STA (Short Term Accommodation) funds short stays away from home, including respite breaks, and is drawn from your Core budget. Respite is a purpose of STA, not a separate funding type. MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) funds accommodation for up to around 90 days while you wait to move into a confirmed home, and is…
Is respite the same as STA?
Respite is one of the main reasons STA is funded. On your plan you'll see Short Term Accommodation rather than a line called respite, because the NDIS funds respite breaks through STA — covering the stay, support, meals and activities.
How long can MTA last?
MTA is generally funded for up to around 90 days. It's a bridge for when you have a confirmed home to move into but it isn't ready yet — for example while an SDA dwelling or home modifications are being completed.
When would I use MTA instead of STA?
Use MTA when you're transitioning into confirmed housing that isn't ready — such as being discharged from hospital with a home lined up but not yet available. Use STA for short breaks and respite, not for bridging a housing move.
Which budget funds STA and MTA?
STA is funded from your Core budget as a number of days per year. MTA is usually funded from your Capital budget because it relates to housing transition rather than everyday support.
Can I use STA and MTA in the same plan?
Yes. They serve different purposes, so it is common to have STA for occasional breaks and MTA available for a housing transition in the same plan period. STA is usually funded from Core and MTA from Capital, so they draw on different parts of your budget.
Does respite come out of my regular support hours?
No. Respite is funded as Short Term Accommodation, which is a separate allocation covering the stay, support, meals and activities together. It is not deducted from the day-to-day support hours you use at home, although both sit within your Core budget.
What happens if I run out of STA days?
STA is generally allocated as a set number of days per plan period, and unused days do not automatically roll into your next plan. If you expect to need more, raise it at your plan review with evidence of the breaks you and your carers rely on, rather than waiting until the days run out.