Before booking a short stay described as “NDIS respite”, check what is being offered and how it fits your plan. A place to stay, the assistance provided and privately paid expenses need to be explained separately.
The NDIA’s current short-term accommodation page is the starting point. Its July 2026 guidance focuses on time apart from usual caring arrangements.
You may see two names
An earlier NDIA announcement used “short-term respite”. The later guidance uses “short-term accommodation”. Both terms appear in official material. Ask your my NDIS contact which support and rules apply to the proposed arrangement rather than relying on a package name.
Check eligibility for your situation
The fact that you have an NDIS plan does not make every short stay claimable. Talk about your usual support, the reason for the stay and the assistance you need while away.
The NDIA describes funding usually up to 28 days a year, with examples of blocks up to 14 days. Those figures are guidance rather than a guaranteed allowance for everyone.
Keep everyday and holiday costs separate
Current guidance excludes food and meals, holiday packages, airfares and event tickets. An accessible hotel room or a provider’s advertisement does not establish funding eligibility.
Ask for an itemised quote that identifies the accommodation, support, any shared worker arrangements and costs you would pay yourself. Confirm funding and cancellation terms before making a booking.
Check the support as carefully as the room
Ask whether the place meets your access needs and whether the workers are prepared for the assistance involved. Explain communication, personal care, equipment and current clinical instructions where relevant.
Discuss who to contact, how you can raise a concern and what happens if a plan changes. You can ask for a visit or more information before deciding.
Know which housing question you are asking
A short stay is different from SIL support or SDA housing. Choosing one does not automatically fund the others.
For general questions, speak with your my NDIS contact or support coordinator. A provider should confirm its own service and availability without deciding your funding eligibility for you.
