Current NDIS term
The current NDIS participant page uses “short-term accommodation”.
Short-term accommodation and respite
STA vs Respite: What Is the Difference?
People often use “STA” and “respite” to describe the same kind of short supported break. Current NDIS information uses the term short-term accommodation, while respite remains a familiar way to describe the purpose of time apart from usual caring arrangements.
Why both terms are still used
The NDIS changed the public wording from short-term accommodation to short term respite in 2025, then returned to the term short-term accommodation in 2026 following community feedback. That is why participants, families and providers may still use STA, short-term accommodation and respite in the same conversation.
The current NDIS participant page describes short-term accommodation as support that gives a participant time apart from their usual care arrangements while the people who usually help them can take a short break from caring responsibilities.
STA is not a holiday package
Current NDIS guidance focuses STA on disability-related support needs during the short stay. It also states that NDIS funding cannot be used for holiday packages, airfares, ordinary holiday costs and various non-NDIS expenses.
Participants should use STA funding in line with their plan and current NDIS rules. AIC Services can discuss service availability and support delivery but does not decide whether STA is funded in a participant’s plan.
What an STA enquiry should cover
Useful information includes the requested dates, location, usual support needs, personal care, communication, mobility, medication responsibilities, meals, overnight support, behaviours or safety considerations and the purpose of the short stay.
Availability is not guaranteed. A suitable service depends on staffing, accommodation, timing, the participant’s needs and the agreed support arrangement.
STA and respite in practical terms
Use these points as a practical comparison. The participant’s own plan, support needs and preferences remain central.
Common everyday wording
Families and providers may still say “respite” because the support can provide time apart from usual informal caring arrangements.
Same planning question
Whatever term is used, the participant should check what their plan funds and what support is actually required during the stay.
Before booking a short stay
Clear questions can make provider and support decisions easier to compare.
Check the plan
Confirm the participant has appropriate funding and understands how it can be used.
Describe support needs
Explain the participant’s usual supports so the provider can assess suitability and staffing.
Confirm what is included
Ask what support, accommodation and other components are included and what costs are not covered by NDIS funding.
Helpful related pages
Continue with the service or guide that best matches what you are trying to arrange.
Practical planning guides
Use these pages when you move from comparing terms to planning an actual support arrangement.
Official NDIS information used for this guide
NDIS rules and terminology can change. These official pages are useful for checking the latest position.
Important: This AIC Services guide is general information, not an NDIS funding decision or legal advice. Participants should check their current plan and official NDIS information for their circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is STA the same as respite?
The terms are often used for overlapping ideas. Current NDIS participant information uses “short-term accommodation”, while respite remains familiar wording for a short break from usual caring arrangements.
Can STA be used as a holiday?
Current NDIS guidance says STA funding cannot be used for holiday packages and various ordinary travel or holiday costs. The support must be used in line with the participant’s plan and NDIS rules.
Does AIC Services guarantee an STA placement?
No. Availability depends on dates, staffing, accommodation suitability, participant support needs and the service arrangement being requested.
In-home respite and carer-break guides
Use these practical guides when the key question is how support can create a break from usual caring arrangements while keeping the participant's needs and routines central.
Contact AIC Services
AIC Services
54 Main Road
Moonah, TAS 7009
Phone:
1300 023 456
Email:
support@aicservices.com.au
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Moonah office
54 Main Road, Moonah TAS 7009
To reduce unnecessary third-party requests, interactive mapping is available from our Contact page and Moonah office page.
Contact details & map