NDIS Updates to Short Term Accommodation (STA): What Providers Need to Know

From the 1st of July 2026, changes to how Short Term Accommodation (STA) is claimed under the NDIS have come into effect. And for providers, this is a significant shift. STA is moving from a bundled daily rate to an itemised approach. While this may take some adjustment, it ultimately brings clearer accountability and reflects the supports you actually delivered.

Before looking at the claiming changes, it's worth noting a recent terminology update. The support is once again being referred to as Short Term Accommodation (STA). The NDIA had previously renamed STA to Short Term Respite (STR), but following feedback, it has changed the name back.

The change reflects feedback that the term respite placed greater emphasis on the needs of informal supports. In the latest Operational Guideline, the NDIA describes STA as “mutually rewarding” time apart for participants and their informal supports, recognising the benefits these supports can provide for both participants and their support networks.

What has changed for claiming Short Term Accommodation under the NDIS

Previously, STA was claimed as an all-in-one daily fee. This bundled rate included Disability Support Worker (DSW) costs, accommodation, food, and utilities under a single line item. While this made invoicing simpler, it made it difficult to separate disability-related supports from everyday living expenses which are not NDIS-funded supports.

Under the updated guidance, STA will be unbundled, which means each component must be claimed separately using new line items. This includes:

• Support work - claimed based on the actual hours, timing, and intensity of support delivered.

• Accommodation - claimed separately for either participants and support workers, and expected to align with Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), currently priced at $162.85 per night. This could possibly limit the range of available accommodation options.

Costs that are not considered NDIS supports, such as meals, utilities, and activities, can no longer be included in STA claims. Even in group settings, meals are now formally excluded, where they may have been funded before.

What this means for you

The biggest impact is on how you record services and submit claims. With the removal of the flat daily rate and the worker-to-participant ratio component, billing must now reflect what was actually provided during each stay.

In practice, this means your claims will need to clearly separate support work and accommodation into individual line items.

Participants and families may notice changes in how STA services are described or invoiced, so keeping them informed can help manage expectations and maintain trust. It is also important that participants understand what is covered by their NDIS plan and whether there are any out-of-pocket costs to consider. Having these discussions early can help avoid surprises and ensure everyone has a clear understanding of the supports being provided. Any changes should be clearly explained and reflected in your service agreement.

Making these adjustments may feel like extra work at first, but it’s a step towards more transparent, sustainable funding and makes it easier to show that your claims accurately reflect the eligible NDIS supports you’ve delivered.

How First2Care supports providers

At First2Care, we work alongside providers to help make things clearer and more manageable. We support clear and compliant claims, helping ensure invoices align with current NDIS requirements, including this new update to itemised STA claims.

We also work proactively to resolve issues efficiently, reducing delays and follow-ups, so you can focus on delivering quality supports and spend less time chasing paperwork.