When exploring NDIS housing and accommodation supports, two terms often cause confusion: Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) and Short-Term Respite (STR).
While they may both involve staying somewhere other than your usual home, they’re designed for completely different purposes. Understanding the difference can help participants, families and Support Coordinators identify the right support at the right time.
The Easy Explanation
The easiest way to think about it is:
- STR is a short break from your usual living arrangement.
- MTA is temporary housing while you’re waiting to move into a long-term home.
One is focused on respite and support. The other is focused on providing a temporary place to live during a housing transition.
What is Short-Term Respite (STR)?
Short-Term Respite, often referred to by the NDIS as Short-Term Accommodation (STA), provides participants with a temporary stay away from their usual home while continuing to receive the supports they need.
STR is commonly used when:
- A participant would benefit from a change of environment.
- Family members or carers need a break from their caring responsibilities.
- A participant wants to build confidence and independence.
- Someone wants to experience different living arrangements or social opportunities.
STR is generally flexible and may be used for:
- Weekend stays
- School holiday programs
- Regular monthly respite
- Short planned breaks throughout the year
What STR Usually Includes
Unlike many other housing supports, STR typically bundles several services together, including:
- Accommodation
- Support staff
- Personal care supports
- Meals
- Activities and community participation opportunities
The goal is to create a positive and supportive short-term experience while helping families maintain sustainable caring arrangements.
Real-World Example: STR
Tom lives with his parents and receives daily support from them.
His family uses STR one weekend each month, allowing Tom to enjoy activities, social connections and a change of scenery while his parents take time to rest and recharge.
The family’s long-term living arrangement remains unchanged.
What is Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)?
Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) is a temporary housing solution designed for participants who have a confirmed long-term housing option but cannot move in yet.
Think of MTA as a bridge between where you are now and where you’ll be living permanently.
MTA may be appropriate when:
- You’re ready to leave hospital but your future home isn’t available yet.
- Home modifications are being completed.
- A confirmed SDA property is not ready for occupancy.
- A supported accommodation vacancy has been secured but won’t be available for some time.
- Your current living arrangement has ended before your long-term housing is ready.
Unlike STR, MTA is not designed as a break or respite service.
It exists to ensure participants have a safe and stable place to live during a temporary housing gap.
What Does MTA Usually Include?
MTA primarily funds the accommodation itself.
A common misconception is that MTA pays for all supports while you’re living there. In reality, support services are generally funded separately through other areas of an NDIS plan.
MTA May Cover
- Temporary accommodation
- Housing costs during the transition period
- A suitable place to live while waiting for a permanent option
MTA Does Not Typically Cover
- Personal care support
- Assistance with daily living
- Meals and groceries
- Utilities
- Community access supports
These supports are generally funded separately or paid through personal income and other supports.
Real-World Example: MTA
Sarah has been approved for a new accessible home but construction has been delayed.
She can no longer remain in her current accommodation, so MTA funding helps provide temporary housing until her long-term home is ready.
Once she moves into the permanent accommodation, the MTA support ends.
Which Option Might Be Right for You?
Although MTA and STR both involve accommodation, they’re designed for very different situations.
Understanding the difference can make it easier to navigate NDIS housing supports and ensure you’re pursuing the option that best aligns with your goals and circumstances.
If you’re unsure whether STR or MTA may be appropriate for your situation, speaking with an experienced Support Coordinator or NDIS provider can help you understand the pathways available and the evidence that may be required.
