Blog

STA 101: Everything you need to know about Short Term Accommodation

What is STA?

Short Term Accommodation is an integral part of the NDIS framework, offering essential short-term support that is directly related to your disability needs, aligned with your goals, and designed to provide value for money. The flexibility in funding and the ability to choose between individual and group experiences ensures that STA can be tailored to meet different needs effectively.

Here’s a simple way to understand Short Term Accomodation:

  1. Temporary Stay: STA means living in a different place for a short period.
  2. Support for informal support: It gives family members or usual carers a break from their caring duties.
  3. New Experiences: Staying in a new place can be a chance to try new activities, meet new people, and learn new skills.
  4. Personal Care and Fun Activities: Short Term Accommodation includes personal care, accommodation (a place to stay), meals, and activities that you and your support providers agree upon.
  5. Flexible Use: You can use STA for up to 28 days a year, and it can be used in different ways, like one weekend a month or a two-week block; up to 14 days at a time.
  6. Individual and group support: Short Term Accomodation can be a solo adventure with one-on-one support or a group experience where you enjoy activities with others, depending on what suits you best.

 

Short Accomodation is designed to make your life exciting and give your regular support a break. STA ensures that you continue to receive the care and support you need, benefiting everyone involved.

How STA integrates into the NDIS Framework

  1. Purpose of Short Term Accomodation in NDIS: STA is a break that offers your informal support  time to recharge and a chance for you to engage in different activities and experiences. This support is crucial for maintaining the well-being of both you and your informal support.

  2. Funding Criteria:
    Relation to Disability: Short Term Accomodation must be directly related to your disability needs. The NDIS will fund STA if it meets this criterion.
    Pursuing Goals: The funding for STA must align with the goals set out in your NDIS plan. This might include goals like increasing independence, building skills, or participating in the community.
    Value for Money: The NDIS evaluates whether STA is cost-effective and beneficial over time. They consider if sharing support with others is needed and the overall benefit to you.

  3. You can receive STA funding in two ways:
    Direct Funding in Your Plan: Short Term Accomodation can be directly funded in your NDIS plan if it is deemed reasonable and necessary.
    Using Your Core Support Budget: while your Core Support Budget can cover Short-Term Accommodation (STA) to meet your goals, using it for STA might reduce the funds available for other daily living supports listed in your plan.

  4. Coordination and Support: To understand how Short Term Accommodation can fit within your NDIS plan and align with your goals, you can talk to your support coordinator, plan manager, local area coordinator, early childhood partner, or planner. These professionals can help tailor the STA to fit your needs and ensure it aligns with your NDIS plan.


Key Points to Remember

  • Short Term: It’s a temporary change of living arrangements.
  • Supports informal support/carers: Helps give your carers a break.
  • New Opportunities: Offers a chance to try new things and meet new people.
  • Includes Direct Support and Activities: Provides necessary direct support, accommodation, and activities.
  • Flexible Usage: Can be used flexibly throughout the year.
  • Individual or Group Setting: depending on your support needs STA can be enjoyed on an individual basis or in a group setting
  • Reflects Goals: Funding must reflect the goals in your NDIS plan.
  • Funding Options: Can be directly funded in your plan or use your Core Support budget.

 

Interested in learning more about STX’s STA and travel support services? We’d be happy to send you some more information. Contact STX today!

More information

Let's plan your next holiday.

Skip to content