The NDIS funds up to 28 days of respite care per year, with a maximum of 14 consecutive days at a time. This support — now officially called Short-Term Respite (STR) — gives primary carers a genuine break while the participant receives quality care in a supported environment.
In some circumstances, such as when a child is at risk of entering residential care, the NDIS may approve more than 28 days. Each participant’s plan is different, so the exact amount funded depends on individual goals and assessed needs.
What Is NDIS Respite Care?
NDIS respite care (Short-Term Respite) is funded support for NDIS participants that also gives their primary carer time to rest, attend to their own health, or manage other responsibilities.
It’s important to understand what respite care is and isn’t:
- It’s a break for the carer — the participant is in a supported setting with qualified support workers
- It can include personal care, meals, social activities, and community access
- It can take place at a supported accommodation facility or in the participant’s own home (in-home respite)
- It’s not a holiday for the participant — travel and leisure costs are not funded through this category
- It doesn’t cover informal carers (family or friends) taking time off with the participant
STR is funded under the Core Supports: Assistance with Daily Living category in the participant’s NDIS plan.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Respite Care?
Most NDIS participants who live with a primary carer are eligible for Short-Term Respite. This includes:
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- People with neurological conditions (such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, or acquired brain injury)
- People with intellectual disabilities or complex support needs
Note: NDIS participants who already live in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements are generally not eligible for STR, as their daily support is already funded through SIL.
How to Access Respite Care Through Your NDIS Plan
If respite care isn’t currently funded in your plan, you can request it at your next plan review by explaining:
- The caring responsibilities of your primary carer
- How respite supports your goals (e.g., social participation, independence, wellbeing)
- The frequency and type of breaks needed
If it’s already in your plan, you can choose any registered NDIS respite provider. You have full choice and control over who provides your support — including the right to change providers at any time.
Why the Quality of Your Respite Provider Matters
Not all respite care looks the same. The best providers go beyond supervision — they offer genuine engagement, personalised activities, and consistent support workers who get to know the participant.
At Easy Community Services, our respite care is built around the individual. We don’t do cookie-cutter support. We take time to understand what each person values — whether that’s a quiet routine at home, getting out in the community, or trying something new — and we build the stay around that.
We also believe carers deserve to rest without worry. That means clear communication, updates when you want them, and the confidence that your family member is genuinely well cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use NDIS respite funding for in-home care?
Yes. Short-Term Respite can be delivered in a supported accommodation facility or in the participant’s own home, depending on what’s been approved in the plan.
What happens if I need more than 28 days?
You can request additional funding at a plan review, particularly if your circumstances involve higher carer need or risk of carer breakdown. The NDIS can approve more than 28 days in specific situations.
Does the NDIS still use the term Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?
As of October 2025, the NDIS updated the terminology. What was previously called Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is now called Short-Term Respite (STR). The support itself is largely the same.
How do I find a respite provider in Brisbane?
You can search the NDIS Provider Finder or ask your Support Coordinator for recommendations. Easy Community Services provides respite care across Greater Brisbane, including Morayfield and Capalaba.
Get in Touch
If you’re exploring respite care options in Brisbane, we’d love to help. Give us a call on 0474 559 083 or email jcurtis@easycommunityservices.com. No pressure — just a conversation.