Under the NDIS short term accommodation (STA) — often referred to as NDIS short term accommodation — and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) are both temporary housing supports, but they differ in purpose and duration. In simple terms, NDIS short term accommodation is designed for short stays (like respite breaks or short holidays), usually up to 14 days at a time and around 28 days per year. MTA, on the other hand, is for longer transitional stays – typically several weeks or months (often up to 90 days, with possible extensions in special cases).
What is Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?
STA (also called respite accommodation) provides a short break away from home with funded support. The NDIS can pay for both your lodging and support during the stay. According to NDIA guidelines, STA “covers the cost of your care in another place for up to 14 days at a time”. In practice, this means STA funding can cover accommodation, meals, personal care and agreed activities while you’re away. You will usually have trained support staff on hand to assist with daily tasks during your stay. For example, STA might fund a week-long supported holiday or a few nights of respite care in a shared home when your usual carer is unavailable.
What is Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)?
MTA is for longer-term interim housing – for example, living in a temporary accessible home while waiting for your new house to be ready. The NDIS will fund MTA only if you have a confirmed long-term housing plan (like a future Specialist Disability Accommodation or home modification) and that permanent home isn’t available yet. In fact, the NDIA states MTA is funded only when “you have a home you’ll move into and you need somewhere else to live in the medium term”. It’s important to note that MTA is not for holidays; it’s specifically for bridging gaps in disability-related housing plans. MTA is generally funded for around 90 days (though the NDIA may extend it if needed). For example, someone might use MTA after a hospital stay when their own home needs modifications – the NDIS would fund a temporary accessible apartment for a few months while the home is made ready.
Key Differences
Duration: STA is short-term (up to 14 days at a time, max ~28 days/year). MTA is longer (generally weeks or months, often up to ~90 days).
Purpose: STA is for respite and short breaks (e.g. carer relief or a short supported holiday). MTA is for transitioning – providing interim housing when your long-term home isn’t ready yet.
Services Covered: STA covers accommodation and supports (meals, personal care, activities) during your stay. MTA covers mainly the cost of housing and required disability supports; it does not cover routine living costs like food or utilities.
Funding Source: STA usually comes from your NDIS Core (Daily Living) budget if included in the plan. If you have spare core funds, you can often use them for STA. MTA is a specific home-and-living support in your plan and is funded separately.
Example: A typical STA use is a one-week supported holiday or respite stay. A typical MTA use is living in a temporary accessible apartment for 2–3 months while waiting for your future permanent home.
In summary, STA gives you a brief, funded break away from home, while MTA provides a longer, temporary home as you transition to your permanent housing. Both support accommodation and care, but STA is a short respite whereas MTA is a short-term housing solution. Understanding these differences will help you and your team plan the right supports under your NDIS plan.
For example, NDIA guidelines note MTA is typically funded as a “once-off” support and it ends once you move into your permanent home.
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