Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) Explained
Medium Term Accommodation NDIS guide: what MTA is, the 90-day rule, when it is used, what it does and does not pay for, and how to get it in your plan.
Sometimes your long-term home is not quite ready, but you cannot stay where you are — a common and stressful gap. Medium Term Accommodation, or MTA, is the NDIS support designed to bridge exactly that gap. This guide explains what MTA is, the 90-day rule, when it is used, and what it will and will not pay for.
What MTA is
When MTA is used
The 90-day rule
What MTA does and does not pay for
How MTA differs from respite and SIL
Getting MTA into your plan
What happens at the end of MTA
Where this fits in the bigger picture
Frequently asked questions
What is Medium Term Accommodation on the NDIS?
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funds a temporary place to live, usually for up to 90 days, while you wait to move into your confirmed long-term home. It bridges a housing gap — for example, waiting on an SDA vacancy or home modifications — and pays for the accommodation, not your daily support.
How long can you stay in MTA?
MTA is usually funded for up to 90 days at a time. Extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances but uncommon, and they rest on clear evidence that your long-term housing is confirmed and nearing completion. Needing MTA repeatedly usually signals that the long-term housing itself needs…
Does MTA pay for my support workers?
No. MTA pays for the temporary accommodation only. The workers who support you each day are funded separately, through your usual supports such as SIL, a roster of support, or drop-in help. The two run side by side while you are in MTA.
What is the difference between MTA and respite?
MTA bridges a housing gap while you wait for a confirmed long-term home. Short-Term Respite (STR) is different — it gives your informal carers a break. They have different purposes and rules, so it is worth being clear which one your situation calls for.