Important information about claiming Short Term Respite (STR) during the holiday season
Short Term Respite and the holiday season
Short Term Respite (STR) is support for participants who need to live out of their home for a short period of respite care. It can be used for participants to give carers a short break from their caring role, which can be especially important during the holiday season.
Previously known as Short Term Accommodation, Short Term Respite is only for breaks from your informal supports — not for holidays, skill-building, or tourism.
The NDIA has also specified that STR is not for capacity-building activities or skill building, it is for rest and recuperation.
General STR rules
- Short Term Respite is a daily rate that includes support, meals, activities, transport, and accommodation.
- STR can be arranged through a registered STR provider, or you can organise your own accommodation.
- Must involve at least one overnight stay.
- Capped at up to 14 days per stay, and 28 days per year (extensions only in exceptional circumstances).
- Purpose is to provide respite for informal supports, not to replace them or provide leisure.
- A receipt must be provided for self-arranged accommodation, if you’re claiming this support cost as a reimbursement.
NDIS STR eligibility requirements
You may be eligible for STR if any of the below applies to you
- Live with or receive more than 6 hours/day of support from informal carers.
- Have disability-related support needs requiring ongoing care.
- Fit at least one of the following: high-intensity supports, behavioural supports, rural isolation, or multiple family caring responsibilities.
- You get support from primary informal supports, whose wellbeing and capacity to continue their caring role is at risk.
- Your primary informal supports have additional caring responsibilities. For example: young children or other family members with disability support needs.
You will not be eligible for STR if any of the below applies to you:
- Living independently.
- Already receiving more than 18 hours paid daily supports.
- Using supported independent living (SIL) or individualised living options (ILO).
What is not included in STR?
The below items and travel are not considered an NDIS support and cannot be claimed through STR:
- Interstate travel
- STR where informal supports were also attending
- Visiting family & friends
- Work related travel
- School holiday programs
- Cruises
- Health retreats
- Holiday accommodation
- Entry tickets to events
- Travel, food or activity costs for 1-1 care cannot be claimed through STR (this would be considered a personal expense)
- Living alone and independently or receiving SIL supports – are no longer eligible for STR
- For any reason as outlined in the supports that cannot be claimed list.
Key questions to think about when booking STR
- Is it written in your plan? (check with your ‘My NDIS Contact’ before you arrange your STR).
- Have you been funded for 1-1 support in your plan or group funding?
- Do you live with or receive more than 6 hours/day of support from informal carers? You may be eligible if so.
- Are you already receiving more than 18 hours paid daily supports? This may affect your eligibility.
- Does attending STR provide respite for your usual carers? (What is the reason for STR?)
- Does the accommodation component of the STR represent value for money?
- Are you using a registered NDIS respite provider?
- Do you have a service agreement with your provider?
We’re here for you
If you have any questions about PACE or your obligations as a service provider or support coordinator, just let us know.
If Plan Partners are your customers’ plan manager or support coordinator, we can provide additional assistance with things like setting up service agreements or help with invoicing.