Finding suitable NDIS respite accommodation can be a game-changer for families and individuals living with disability in Victoria. As someone who’s helped coordinate care for my younger brother through the NDIS, I’ve seen first hand how the right accommodation can provide stability, safety, and breathing space for everyone involved. But sorting through the different providers, funding options, and eligibility criteria? That can feel like a full-time job in itself.

In this blog, we’re breaking down how NDIS-funded respite works in Victoria — what it is, who qualifies, how to access it, and what to look for in a quality provider. Whether you’re new to the system or looking to make a change, this guide aims to make the process a bit more human, a bit more practical.

Understanding the purpose of NDIS respite

NDIS respite (also known as Short Term Accommodation or STA) gives participants and their carers time to rest and reset. It’s not just about taking a break — it’s about preserving long-term wellbeing.

What respite care offers:

Temporary relief for family or informal carers
New social experiences for participants
A chance to try different support environments
Skill-building opportunities in supported settings

The NDIS typically funds STA under the Core Supports budget, allowing for up to 28 days per year (consecutively or spread out). The setting might be a group home, specialist facility, or one-on-one support in a private setting.

Who is eligible for NDIS respite in Victoria?

Not every NDIS plan will automatically include STA or respite. To be eligible, the support must be considered “reasonable and necessary” in line with your goals and existing informal supports.

Eligibility indicators include:

You have a carer at risk of burnout
You’re building capacity for independent living
You require temporary care due to illness or emergencies
You’ve identified short-term breaks as part of your NDIS goals

Your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) plays a role in identifying the need for STA. Once approved, your plan will include funding under Assistance with Daily Life.

This is where knowing the supports funded by the NDIS becomes crucial. Not all support types fall under the same category — and STA can’t be used as a long-term housing solution.

Choosing the right respite provider

Finding a provider is about more than vacancy lists. It’s about trust, compatibility, and personalisation. I once trialled a respite home that looked perfect on paper — only to find the environment too rigid for my brother’s sensory needs.

Here’s what to look for:

Trained staff familiar with your specific disability
Flexibility around routines, communication, and activities
Safe and accessible facilities
Cultural or language-specific support (if relevant)

Victoria offers a mix of metro and regional options. If you're living outside Melbourne, be sure to ask providers about transport options or in-home STA alternatives. Many providers now tailor their services to suit individual routines and communication styles — especially important for participants with autism or psychosocial disabilities.

Real-world flexibility: using STA to build independence

NDIS respite isn't only for carer relief — it's also a stepping stone toward more independent living. During our experience with STA, we worked with a support coordinator to develop a routine where my brother could try cooking meals, managing bedtime independently, and attending social outings without a parent present.

Benefits beyond the break:

Trialling new support workers in a low-pressure setting
Testing daily living skills in a supported environment
Reducing transition anxiety for future SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)

Some participants even use respite as a soft launch for longer-term goals like supported independent living or employment readiness.

A great example of this flexibility can be found in blogs like NDIS short term accommodation, which shows how different families structure their STA usage to align with their care goals.

Costing and funding: how STA is paid for

NDIS respite is generally charged as a daily rate, covering accommodation, meals, activities, and personal care. These rates are benchmarked annually in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits guide.

Costs typically include:

24-hour support from qualified staff
Shared or private room options
Community access activities
All meals and basic household costs

You don’t need to pay out of pocket if your NDIS plan covers STA under Core Supports. However, you’ll need to check whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed — as this determines how bookings are processed.

Some families prefer to “bank” days for school holidays or carer recovery periods. You can take up to 14 days in a row, or scatter short breaks across the year.

Regional support and localised options in Victoria

Victoria’s NDIS delivery model offers both large-scale providers and community-based services. While choice is strongest in metro areas, many regions have dedicated respite programs that offer culturally appropriate, flexible, and trauma-informed care.

Tips for regional participants:

Contact your local LAC or Early Childhood Partner for up-to-date availability
Ask about overnight vs. day respite formats
Look for services with community ties and local networks

If you're navigating options, the curated collection on NDIS Respite Accommodation in Victoria can be a helpful way to compare support styles and real-world experiences from other families across the state.

Planning your next steps

Respite is more than a support category — it’s a safeguard for wellbeing. Whether you’re a carer in need of rest, or a participant ready to stretch your wings, quality respite care makes all the difference.

Start by checking what your current NDIS plan includes. If STA isn’t listed, talk to your planner about including it in your next review. Having honest conversations about fatigue, goals, or emerging needs is the first step to unlocking the right supports.

If you’re already funded, take the time to find a provider who doesn’t just meet the standard — but understands your specific goals, values, and rhythms. Respite should feel like relief, not disruption.

Because when done right, a short break can lead to long-term breakthroughs.

How to Access Quality NDIS Respite in Victoria