As an NDIS Plan Manager, one of our roles is ensuring that claims for supports are submitted in compliance with the latest NDIS guidelines. This includes Short Term Accommodation (STA), which is a support option for participants requiring temporary accommodation (including respite) to give their usual carers a break or to support other needs.
To help both NDIS participants and providers navigate the claims process efficiently, we’ve created these few pointers outlining best practice for submitting STA claims. This includes understanding what costs are eligible for under STA and how to ensure your claims are processed without delays.
Understanding Short Term Accommodation (STA) and NDIS Rules
The NDIS guidelines outline what can and cannot be included when claiming for STA, especially when it comes to individualised versus group-based services. It’s essential to know what is considered an NDIS-funded support and what isn’t, as there are some exclusions that can impact your claim.
For group-based STAs, some costs may be covered, but when it comes to individualised STA (such as accommodation for a participant), the following expenses cannot be billed under the NDIS funding:
Food Costs
While food may be provided as part of accommodation in certain circumstances, it cannot be claimed under individualised STA.
Activity Costs
This includes costs for activities such as event tickets, theme park entry, or classes. These expenses are not eligible for funding through STA or considered NDIS supports.
Travel Costs
Any travel expenses to and from the accommodation cannot be included as part of the STA claim.
The NDIS have provided clear guidance on these exclusions, and it’s important to ensure your invoice or service agreement reflects this understanding.
How to Submit an STA Claim: Best Practices
To streamline the claims process and avoid potential issues, we ask all providers submitting STA claims to follow these best practices:
Ensure Your Invoice is Correct
The most efficient way to process your STA claim is to make sure your invoice is correctly itemised. We recommend including a statement on the invoice to confirm that the daily STA fee does not include costs for food, activities, or travel. This statement helps confirm compliance with the NDIS guidelines.
Keep the Clear and Easy to Understand
Always ensure that the costs you are submitting are only for accommodation and disability-related support services directly related to the participant’s needs during their stay. Anything outside of this, falls outside the scope of individualised STA funding and can delay the claim or require submission of a complying invoice.
Additional Resources
If you would like more information on Short Term Accommodation and related NDIS guidelines, we recommend visiting the official NDIS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for further insights. Here’s the link to the NDIS FAQs on legislation:NDIS Frequently Asked Questions | Changes to the NDIS Legislation
Conclusion
By understanding what can and cannot be included in STA claims, NDIS participants and providers can work together to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible. We’re here to help with any questions you may have—whether it’s about submitting a claim, clarifying NDIS rules, or any other related concerns.
Don’t hesitate to contact our support team for guidance or assistance with your STA claims. We’re here to make sure everything is done in accordance with the latest NDIS guidelines to ensure participants receive the support they need without delays.
Is Short Term Accommodation (STA) an NDIS support?
Yes, short term accommodation (STA) is included in the 'supports that are NDIS supports' list.
How does STA work?
STA is designed to help informal supports continue their caring role. It is one option that provides participants and their informal supports time apart.
STA allows participants to stay away from their homes and informal supports for a short time. It can be funded for up to 14 days at a time to a maximum of 28 days per calendar year.
STA funding can be used for assistance with self-care or community access and short-term accommodation. It cannot be used to pay for day-to-day living costs such as food and groceries, lifestyle costs or travel.
STA cannot be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports.
Providers offering STA in a centre or group residence may include meals and activities within the daily rate charged – in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits – however these cannot be included if the participant choses to use STA in an individual setting.
We know there are still some questions about what can be claimed under STA, particularly if you want to use a hotel or other accommodation options. We are updating our STA policy.
We will keep you updated on any changes, and further information will be shared when it is available.
How is STA funded?
STA is funded in a participant's core budget if it relates to their disability support needs, and where it is reasonable and necessary.
It does not need to be stated in a participant's plan.
Participants can access STA as part of the 'assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement' category on the NDIS supports list.
The NDIS funds standard rates for STA, which are available in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Generally funding for STA is for a group price, unless there is evidence that a participant needs individual support.
STA cannot be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports.
Does STA cover the cost of transport?
Participants cannot use STA funding to pay for transport to the accommodation funded through STA.
If a participant wants to access STA supports far away from their usual home, the cost of the travel is a day-to-day living cost they are expected to pay for separately. Participants should consider this when choosing an STA option that is right for them. Some participants may have funding for transport to an activity or other support already in their plan. If a participant usually needs transport support because of their disability, their provider may include the cost of transport from the accommodation to activities they provide.
Can STA be used for holidays?
No. STA is not for holidays or tourist travel. It is designed to provide participants and their informal supports time apart.
STA cannot be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports.
NDIS funding can’t be used to pay for:
cruises, holiday packages, holiday accommodation and airfares, passports, visas, or travel and vehicle insurance
accommodation or travel expenses for family members or support workers
theme parks, music, theatre, cinema, sporting events, and conferences
day-to-day living costs such as food or meals. In some cases, your provider may include meals as part of your STA in a centre or group setting. The NDIS funds standard rates for STA, so you may need to negotiate these costs with your provider. Once you have used your STA funding, you can’t ask us for more. You can find the rates in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
If a participant requires support while on holiday, they can continue to use their usual non-STA supports from their NDIS plan.
Participants should speak with their support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner if they are going on a holiday and need their NDIS supports delivered in another location.
Is STA available for participants in Supported Independent Living or living alone?
No. This is because if a participant is living alone or in a supported independent living arrangement, they already have time apart from family and informal supports.