Short breaks and camps
Camps and short breaks with the NDIS — how they can be funded, including as respite and short-term accommodation, and the benefits for you and your family.
A camp or a short break can do a world of good — a change of scene, new experiences, new friendships, and a rest for everyone. Unlike an ordinary holiday, some camps and short breaks can be funded through the NDIS, because they can involve disability support and respite. This guide explains how that works in general terms, the benefits, and how it differs from the holidays we cover elsewhere.
What short breaks and camps are
How they can be funded
Respite and short-term accommodation
The benefits for you and your family
Finding and arranging a break
Frequently asked questions
Can the NDIS fund a camp or short break?
Sometimes, yes. Because camps and short breaks can involve disability support and respite, funding can come into it in ways an ordinary holiday cannot. What can be funded depends on your plan and goals, so ask your planner or support coordinator.
What is respite in the NDIS?
Respite is a break for both you and the people who usually support you. It can be arranged in different ways, including short-term accommodation — a supported stay away that gives your usual carer a rest while you are supported elsewhere.
Is a camp funded the same way as a holiday?
Not quite. An ordinary holiday's costs are yours to pay, with the NDIS funding only the disability support. A camp or short break can involve support and respite, so the NDIS can sometimes help fund it. The mechanism depends on your plan.
How do I know if a specific camp can be funded?
Talk to your planner, LAC or support coordinator before committing. What can be funded, and how, depends on your own plan and goals. They can help you work out whether a particular camp or break fits.
What are the benefits of a short break for my family?
Respite gives your usual carer a genuine rest, which helps everyone keep going sustainably. For you, it can mean new experiences, new friendships and a chance to build independence away from home.
How far ahead should I book a camp?
Book with plenty of notice, as popular supported camps and short-break options can fill up. Sorting the funding conversation with your planner early also gives you time to confirm everything before you commit.