NDIS respite care gives carers the break they need — and participants the chance to keep thriving. Whether it’s a few hours at home, a weekend stay, or a supported day in the community, respite makes sure care continues while informal carers recharge. It’s not just a break; it’s a support that helps families stay well and participants stay engaged, independent, and safe.

What is NDIS respite care?

NDIS respite care provides short-term breaks for NDIS participants and their carers. It gives carers much-needed rest while ensuring participants continue to receive quality care and support.

Caring for someone with a disability can be physically and emotionally demanding. Without breaks, carers risk burnout, affecting their own health and the quality of care they provide. Respite care tackles this by temporarily shifting the caregiving responsibility to qualified support workers or care providers.

Under the NDIS, respite care isn't just about relief for carers—it's also about enriching experiences for participants. They can enjoy activities, build social connections, and develop new skills in a safe environment.

Offering respite care can strengthen relationships between carers and participants. It creates balance, helps maintain family well-being, and supports everyone involved to thrive in the long run.

Who can receive respite care under the NDIS?

Participants with respite care funding included in their NDIS plans can access this support. Generally, respite care is provided when a participant has a family member or informal carer who regularly supports their daily needs.

NDIS respite care is most beneficial for participants whose carers face significant stress, fatigue, or personal challenges because of their caring responsibilities. It’s designed to maintain carer well-being and help avoid burnout.

Participants eligible for respite care typically:

• Have high support needs that require frequent or intensive assistance.
• Live with carers who provide ongoing unpaid care, such as family members or close friends.
• Need short-term support due to unforeseen events, emergencies, or temporary increases in care requirements.
• NDIS providers should always confirm the participant’s approved support categories to ensure respite care aligns with their plan and funding allowances.

What types of NDIS respite care are available?

NDIS respite care is flexible. Providers can offer different types depending on the participant’s needs, preferences, and situation. Here are the main types you can provide:

Short-term accommodation (STA) and respite care: This involves participants temporarily staying away from home, typically overnight or for several days. Participants can join activities, socialise, and learn skills while carers get a proper break.

In-home respite care: Support workers provide care directly in the participant’s home. It’s perfect for participants who prefer familiar surroundings and routines. Carers can take a break without participants needing to leave their comfort zone.

Centre-based respite care: Participants attend a dedicated facility or centre during the day, often returning home at night. These centres offer structured activities, social opportunities, and specialised care, ensuring participants engage meaningfully throughout the day.

Community-based respite care: Participants engage in activities or outings within the community, supported by a caregiver. This type is ideal for building social skills, participating in group activities, and exploring new interests.

By offering various respite options, providers can meet diverse participant needs and give carers flexible, meaningful breaks.

Which line items cover NDIS respite care?

NDIS respite care is typically funded under the category of Core Supports in a participant’s NDIS plan. The specific line items you’ll use depend on the type of respite care provided. Here are some common examples from the NDIS price guide:

Short-term accommodation (STA) and respite care

• 01_058_0115_1_1 – STA and respite, weekday (24 hours)
• 01_059_0115_1_1 – STA and respite, Saturday (24 hours)
  01_060_0115_1_1 – STA and respite, Sunday (24 hours)
• 01_061_0115_1_1 – STA and respite, public holiday (24 hours)

These line items cover accommodation, food, and activities, along with individual care and support. 

In-home respite care:

• 01_017_0107_1_1 – Assistance with self-care activities (Public holiday)
• 01_011_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Standard - Weekday Daytime
• 01_013_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Standard - Saturday
• 01_014_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Standard - Sunday
• 01_012_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Standard - Public Holiday
• 01_015_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Standard - Weekday Evening
• 01_010_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Night-Time Sleepover
• 01_002_0107_1_1  -  Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Standard - Weekday Night

These line items cover support delivered directly in the participant’s home, giving carers time off while participants stay comfortable.

Centre-based respite care:

• 04_102_0136_6_1  -  Group Activities - Standard - Weekday Daytime
• 04_049_0136_1_1  -  Establishment Fee For Personal Care/Participation
• 04_103_0136_6_1  -  Group Activities - Standard - Weekday Evening
• 04_104_0136_6_1  -  Group Activities - Standard - Saturday
• 04_105_0136_6_1  -  Group Activities - Standard - Sunday
• 04_106_0136_6_1  -  Group Activities - Standard - Public Holiday
• 04_591_0136_6_1  -  Activity Based Transport
• 04_599_0136_6_1  -  Centre Capital Cost
• 04_799_0136_6_1  -  Provider travel - non-labour costs

These items cover structured group activities, allowing participants to socialise and engage in meaningful experiences.

Community-based respite care

• 04_799_0125_6_1  -  Provider travel - non-labour costs
• 04_590_0125_6_1  -  Activity Based Transport
• 04_106_0125_6_1  -  Access Community Social and Rec Activ - Standard - Sunday
• 04_105_0125_6_1  -  Access Community Social and Rec Activ - Standard - Saturday
• 04_104_0125_6_1  -  Access Community Social and Rec Activ - Standard - Weekday Daytime
• 04_103_0125_6_1  -  Access Community Social and Rec Activ - Standard - Weekday Evening
• 04_102_0125_6_1  -  Access Community Social and Rec Activ - Standard - Public Holiday
• 04_049_0125_1_1  -  Establishment Fee For Personal Care/Participation

These line items support participation in community outings and events, helping participants enjoy activities outside their usual environments.

Providers must use the correct line items to ensure smooth invoicing and compliance with NDIS funding requirements. Always check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits guide to stay updated.

When is NDIS respite care delivered?

NDIS respite care can happen in two distinct scenarios: planned or emergency respite. Each type serves a different purpose, has different conditions, and follows specific guidelines.

1. Planned respite care (scheduled STA)

Planned respite is scheduled in advance. It gives carers regular, predictable breaks to recharge, reducing stress and preventing burnout. Under the NDIS, this usually takes the form of Short Term Accommodation (STA). Key features of planned respite include:

Duration & frequency: Planned STA is typically short—up to 14 days per stay, usually capped at around 28 days per year. Participants might use respite monthly (like one weekend per month) or for a continuous block, based on their plan.

Purpose: Planned respite supports the sustainability of informal care arrangements. It allows family members or informal carers to rest and recharge. Meanwhile, participants can engage in new activities, practice independence, and develop social skills.

Eligibility & plan inclusion: Planned respite funding must be documented and justified in a participant’s NDIS plan. Participants or their nominees should request STA during planning meetings or reviews, explaining clearly why the respite is "reasonable and necessary." Typically, participants with significant informal care are eligible, as respite helps sustain these arrangements.

2. Emergency respite care (unplanned)

Emergency respite provides immediate care during unexpected situations or crises. For example, if the primary carer suddenly falls ill, has an accident, or experiences an urgent family emergency, emergency respite ensures the participant remains supported.

Key points about emergency respite include:

• When it’s used: Emergency respite covers urgent, unforeseen circumstances. It's a short-term safety net, typically lasting a few days up to two weeks, until the crisis passes or alternative arrangements are made.
• NDIS funding in emergencies: The NDIS may fund emergency respite if it's considered reasonable and necessary. If the participant already has STA funding, it can be used flexibly for emergency respite. Otherwise, immediate needs are often met through Carer Gateway or external support services initially. An urgent plan review might be needed to include emergency respite funding longer term.
• Duration & limits: Emergency respite lasts only as long as necessary to resolve the immediate crisis. Extended use typically prompts an NDIS review to find sustainable long-term solutions. Emergency respite ensures continuous care, then transitions participants back home or to alternative supports, as needed.

Where is respite care delivered?

NDIS respite care can be delivered in different settings, depending on the participant’s preferences, support needs, and funding. Below are the common delivery models, each offering unique benefits and suited to specific situations.

1. In-home respite

In-home respite is provided in the participant’s own home. A support worker visits to provide care, allowing the regular carer to step out and take a break. The participant stays in familiar surroundings, maintaining their daily routine with minimal disruption.

When it’s used: In-home respite is often used for short breaks, measured in hours or a day at a time. It’s ideal when the goal is to minimize disruption for the participant – they keep their routine at home – and just give the carer time away.

2. Centre-based day respite

Centre-based respite, also known as day programs, takes place in dedicated community facilities. Participants visit for part or all of the day, engaging in social activities, skill-building programs, and structured care, while carers get a break at home.

When it’s used: Centre-based respite is typically scheduled on a regular basis – e.g. certain days of the week – or can be occasional (such as enrolling in a holiday program for a week). It’s often used by families who want their loved one to have social interaction and a change of scenery in addition to giving the carer a break. Many centres operate weekdays, with some offering weekend or evening sessions. This model is ideal for day-time care needs; overnight stays are not provided in a day program (if overnight respite is needed, STA accommodation is the option – see below).

One limitation is that transportation to the centre may need to be arranged. NDIS may fund transport assistance separately, or families use the mobility allowance or their own means to get the participant to and from the venue. It’s important to coordinate scheduling and ensure the centre can accommodate the individual’s needs (including any personal care or medical requirements during the day).

3. Community-based respite (outings and activities)

Community-based respite happens when a support worker takes a participant into the community for outings or social activities. Participants engage in recreational or skill-building activities while carers get downtime. For example, shopping, attending a community event, or visiting the park.

When it’s used: Community access respite is often flexible – it could be a regular weekly outing or occasional trips arranged when needed. It works well for individuals who prefer being out and about (rather than in a center or unfamiliar house) and who can benefit from community participation. It’s commonly used for children and younger adults, e.g. a teenager might go out with a disability support group for the day, which also gives the family respite.

4. Short Term Accommodation Facilities (Overnight Stays)

Short Term Accommodation (STA) is traditional overnight respite care provided in a specialised respite house or facility. Participants stay overnight or longer, typically from a weekend to up to two weeks, with 24/7 care.

When it’s used: Overnight respite is chosen when the carer needs an extended break or when it’s beneficial for the participant to spend a few days in a different setting. It’s commonly planned in advance – many families book regular stays (like one weekend every couple of months) or on occasions like school holidays. It can also be used in emergencies or interim situations (e.g. while waiting for a longer-term housing solution, one might use STA as a stop-gap). The maximum length for a single respite stay funded by NDIS is generally 14 days in a row​, but shorter stays (1-7 days) are more typical for routine respite. After each stay, the participant returns home and normal care arrangements resume.

Tools and systems to streamline respite care management

Managing respite care effectively can be challenging without the right tools. Providers can simplify and improve the process by adopting digital systems and technology that streamline scheduling, coordination, communication, and billing. Here are some useful tools and systems:

NDIS rostering and scheduling software

• Purpose: Makes it easy to schedule respite care sessions, assign support workers, and manage NDIS staff availability.
• Benefits: Reduces scheduling conflicts, ensures clear communication, and saves administration time.

NDIS client management software

• Purpose: Provides a centralised place for storing participant information, preferences, care needs, and emergency contacts.
• Benefits: Improves service quality by ensuring care teams have quick access to critical participant details.

Mobile apps for care workers

• Purpose: Allow support workers to access care plans, participant's progress notes, and task lists on the go.
• Benefits: Helps workers provide consistent, personalised care during respite, whether in-home or community-based.

Communication platforms

• Purpose: Facilitate smooth communication between providers, carers, and participants.
• Benefits: Enables quick updates, easy coordination of changes, and supports ongoing engagement with carers and families.

NDIS billing and invoicing systems

• Purpose: Automates invoicing and claims processing directly through the NDIS portal.
• Benefits: Ensures accurate billing, reduces errors, and accelerates payment processing.

Reporting and compliance tools

• Purpose: Ensures compliance with NDIS standards, regulations, and quality safeguards.
• Benefits: Simplifies audits, improves reporting accuracy, and supports ongoing improvement of respite services.

FAQ

What is the meaning of respite in NDIS?

In the NDIS, respite means giving short-term breaks to both participants and their carers. It allows carers to rest while ensuring the participant continues receiving the comprehensive support they need. Respite can happen at home, in a care facility, or out in the community. It’s all about maintaining carer wellbeing and participant independence.

What is the minimum NDIS respite care stay?

There’s no strict minimum for respite care under the NDIS — it can range from just a few hours in-home to a full 24-hour stay. For Short-Term Accommodation (STA), one night is typically the shortest stay funded. In-home or community-based respite may be even shorter, depending on the arrangement. The key is that it aligns with the NDIS participant’s needs and approved plan funding.

What is the purpose of NDIS respite?

The main goal of NDIS respite is to support carers by giving them a break, while ensuring the participant continues receiving appropriate care. It also gives participants a chance to try new activities, meet people, and develop independence. Respite can reduce carer stress and prevent burnout. Overall, it helps sustain long-term care relationships and improves quality of life for everyone involved.

Who is NDIS respite care best suited for?

NDIS respite care is best for participants who have informal carers providing ongoing, unpaid support. It’s especially helpful when the carer is feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or needs time off due to personal or emergency reasons. It’s also suited for participants with high individual support needs who can benefit from social engagement or skill-building. Respite ensures both the participant and carer are well-supported and safe.

Is medium term accommodation a part of NDIS respite care?

No, Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is not considered part of NDIS respite care. While Short Term Accommodation (STA) is used for respite—providing short breaks for carers and participants—MTA has a different purpose. It’s designed as a temporary housing solution for participants who are waiting for their permanent home to be ready. For example, if a participant is approved for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) but it’s not available yet, MTA can fund a safe place to stay in the meantime.