There has been some discussion around changes to STA (Short Term Accommodation) as an approved NDIS support in 2025. It remains a vital support designed to give participants and their carers a break, supporting time apart, promoting independence and respite for informal carers. Let us now look at what changes, what remains the same, a few handy tips and what this means for us:
Changes (now excluded):
- Participants living alone or with SIL funding (these living arrangements do not directly involve informal carers, for whom STA provides a break/ respite as stated above).
- Food, groceries and personal lifestyle costs.
- Non-NDIS supports such as cruises, theme parks and similar tourist attractions, family travel expenses, airfare and travel insurance. The NDIS wishes to draw a distinction between STA being for respite, as opposed to leisure, vacations/ holidays or sightseeing.
- Providers may not include meals as bundled extras if a participant chooses STA in an individual setting.
- Travel costs to and from accommodation.
- Long-distance travel (e.g. flights). Participants are therefore encouraged to access local STA options.
No change (still included):
- Self-care or community access supports.
- Accommodation in group or individual settings.
- Meals and activities (now only in group settings, wherein providers may bundle meals and activities into the daily rate).
A few handy tips:
- Please check your NDIS plan’s core budget for STA eligibility – it doesn’t need to be stated in your plan.
- Always check the NDIS Pricing Arrangements for up-to-date STA rates.
- Discuss group vs. individual options with your provider.
- Factor in travel costs if selecting STA options far from home.
What this means for Auxilium Recovery Network:
- Please reach out to the friendly Auxilium team to discuss your eligibility, or if any of this information requires further discussion.
- We have rebranded our STAs from “Supported Getaways” to “Goal Oriented Respite”.
- We will work closely with you to tailor your Goal Oriented Respite experience to your unique preferences as best we can, while adhering to the new guidelines.
- We will support you in working towards as many of your NDIS plan goals as possible while on Goal Oriented Respite.
- This way you can try new things, develop new skills and make new friends while you and your informal supports enjoy a well-deserved break.