Short Term Respite (STR) has recently undergone some long-awaited rule changes, and it’s important that participants and families understand what these updates mean in practice. This article breaks down what has changed, what hasn’t, and how STR funding can be used within your NDIS plan.
There have been lots of changes to the Rules with different NDIS supports over the last few months but one of the most long-awaited have been those relating to Short Term Respite (STR). Short Term Respite used to be known as Short Term Accommodation but it is not only the name that has changed.
But before we dive into that, let us remind you that the rules have not changed in relation to using your STR for a cruise, tour or holiday. This is still a definite NO!
STR provides the opportunity for you to be supported by someone else, while giving your family or friends a short break from their usual caring responsibilities. It lets you try something else and helps you pursue your goals like increasing your independence or building your skills.
The NDIS generally funds up to 28 days of STR per 12-month plan period, for up to 14 days at a time, but we are seeing the NDIS are more often than not now including in participant Plans specific conditions in relation to how many days of STR they will fund you and the level of support you can use while in your STR stay.
How are they working this out you ask? Well, their decision is based on:
- Does the STR meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria
- The level of support you usually need and they look at evidence about your disability support needs that describe when and how often you need support. Funding is then based on that level of support.
If you are under 18 years of age and would like to use short term respite then you must meet at least one of the exceptional circumstances criteria set down by the NDIA before you can begin the process of applying for STR support.
When STR is included in your plan it is flexible funding in your Core budget. This means you’ll need to spend your funding in line with your plan. If you choose to use your STR funding for more support than you need, you may spend your funding faster than expected.
Your STR funding can be used to stay in a range of non-moving accommodation settings such as a respite facility, hotel, motel, short stay rental, cabin, cottage, homestay or your own home.
It is important that you negotiate your daily STR support rate with your provider. Make sure you know what is included in that daily rate. If your STR is going to take place in a centre or group setting the provider can charge for the accommodation, support provided to you for personal care and in social activities in the community, meals and some transport costs. If your STR is to take place in any other setting, your provider is limited on what they can include and their quoted daily rate should reflect this in their pricing.
You are expected to use STR in the State or Territory in Australia in which you live. If the NDIA has decided that you live in a rural or remote area, or a border town, you may be funded to use your closest STR, even if it is in the State or Territory next door.
Remember, if you need short term respite or if your needs have changed and the respite you are funded for is not meeting those needs, talk to your myNDIS contact or bring this up at your next NDIS meeting.
For more information, check out the guide to Short Term Respite – Participants.