The NDIS offer a variety of different accommodation funding options to eligible participants, including short-term accommodation (STA) and medium-term accommodation (MTA). Both types of accommodation can help NDIS participants access temporary accommodation solutions, develop skills, and achieve goals in a safe and supportive environment. Get to know more about STA and MTA, and if it’s right for you.
Short-term accommodation… Let’s break it down!
Short Term Accommodation (STA) is a claimable support that can be used when you need to be away from your place of residence for a short amount of time. It’s typically for up to 28 days and is suitable for people who need temporary accommodation due to changes in their support needs or for respite purposes. This funding can be used flexibly to suit you and your carers needs. That may be one weekend a month, one week every 3 months or even the whole 28 days.
If you have STA included in your NDIS plan, your funding can be used to cover the cost of accommodation and personal care during the stay. However, it’s important to note that STA is not a holiday.
STA may be required for a variety of reasons, such as when a your primary carer requires a break, or when you need a temporary alternative living arrangement.
Eligibility for STA can vary based on your specific disability-related needs and circumstances.
The ins & outs of medium-term accommodation
Medium-term accommodation (or MTA) originally launched at the end of 2019. Although not intentional, the timing of the MTA launch was perfect as it assisted NDIS participants during the COVID-19 pandemic who needed accommodation solutions.
MTA is generally only funded when:
There is evidence of a long-term home
You are no longer able to stay in your current accommodation and can’t move into a long-term home yet
MTA is typically used as a bridging accommodation during home modifications or following discharge from hospital before moving into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Eligible NDIS participants may be able to access up to 90 days of MTA, with funding covering the cost of accommodation during the stay. Medium-term accommodation can be provided in a range of settings, including supported independent living arrangements, group homes, and residential care facilities.
How to request STA & MTA funding in your NDIS Plan
If STA or respite isn’t stated in your plan and you have available funding in your Core budget, you can use that funding for a range of supports including STA where it meets the NDIA’s reasonable and necessary criteria. Currently, this is the same for MTA. However, under the upcoming PACE changes, MTA will no longer be part of your flexible core budget and will only be accessible if MTA is specifically listed in your NDIS plan.
If you know that you will specifically need funding for STA or MTA included in your plan, it’s a good idea to discuss your needs with Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS planner during your first plan meeting or your plan reassessment. This can help prevent you from overspending on your core support budget, which may need to be used for other supports and services.
What kind of evidence do I need?
To have funding for STA or MTA included in your plan, you may need to provide evidence that:
The accommodation is reasonable and necessary for your disability support needs
You have a plan in place for your accommodation, including the purpose and duration of the stay
The cost of the accommodation is reasonable and comparable to other options
Any previous use of STA or MTA and the outcome
Any relevant medical reports or assessments to support the need for STA or MTA
Any risks if STA or MTA is not provided, including any impact on your health and wellbeing
Any personal circumstances that may impact your ability to access other accommodation options
It’s important to note that if your circumstances have changed and you need temporary accommodation assistance, you should contact your support coordinator, LAC, or NDIA planner as soon as possible to discuss next steps.
What next?
If you are approved for STA or MTA, your plan manager or support coordinator can assist you in accessing this funding and finding suitable accommodation options.
It's important to note that while the NDIS provides funding for short-term and medium-term accommodation, it's not a permanent solution. The funding is designed to provide temporary support and to assist you in transitioning to longer-term living arrangements that meet your needs.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.