One of the most common questions we receive at This Way Support isn’t just “What is STA?” but rather, “How do I actually get the NDIS to fund it?”
Because Short Term Accommodation (STA) is a higher-intensity support, the NDIS requires clear evidence that it is both “reasonable and necessary.” You can’t just ask for a holiday; you have to prove that the stay helps you achieve your goals and keeps your support system sustainable.
If you are heading into a planning meeting or a plan reassessment, here is how to advocate for STA the right way.
1. Connect it to your “Capacity Building” Goals
The NDIS is much more likely to fund STA if it isn’t just seen as a “break,” but as a way to learn new things. When talking to your Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), use language that reflects your goals:
- Independence: “I need STA to practice living away from my parents so I can eventually move into SIL.”
- Social Skills: “I need STA to practice interacting with peers and community members in a supported setting.”
- Daily Living: “I need STA to work on my meal prep and personal care routine in a new environment.”
2. The “Sustainability of Care” Argument
This is the most powerful tool for carers. The NDIS has a responsibility to ensure your current living arrangement is sustainable.
- The Pitch: “To ensure my primary carer can continue to support me in the long term, we need regular, scheduled STA to prevent burnout.”
- The Evidence: If your carer has their own health issues or if the support needs have increased, make sure this is documented. The NDIS would rather fund 14 days of STA per year than a total breakdown of the home environment.
3. Gather Your “Evidence Pack”
Don’t go into your meeting empty-handed. To get STA approved for a premium provider like This Way Support, you should ideally have:
- An Occupational Therapist (OT) Report: An OT can recommend STA as a way to build functional skills.
- A Carer Statement: A written letter from your family explaining why respite is vital for the household.
- A Quote from a Provider: Having a quote from us shows the NDIS exactly what the support will look like (e.g., 24/7 active support).
Success Stories: Getting the “Yes”
“We were knocked back twice until we changed our approach.” “We originally just asked for ‘respite’ and were told no,” says Jasmine. “Then we spoke to This Way Support. They told us to focus on my goal of ‘improving community confidence.’ We went back to the NDIS and explained how 24/7 support in a Melbourne CBD property would help me learn to use public transport. It was approved in the next plan because it was linked to a specific skill.”
“The OT report made all the difference.” “Our LAC wasn’t sure if STA was necessary for our son,” explains Robert. “But we used the checklist from This Way Support and had our OT write a letter specifically mentioning the need for ‘Active Night Support’ to manage his nighttime anxiety. Once the NDIS saw the clinical need for 24/7 care, it was added to his Core budget immediately.”
How This Way Support Helps with Your Plan
We don’t just provide the accommodation; we help you gather the evidence you need to secure it.
- Tailored Quotes: We provide detailed quotes that break down the 24/7 support, making it easy for Planners to see the value.
- Goal Alignment: we work with you to define exactly which NDIS goals your stay will address.
- Premium Advocacy: We know what “reasonable and necessary” looks like in the Melbourne market.
Need Help Preparing for Your Meeting?
If you have an NDIS planning meeting coming up and want to ensure STA is included, don’t leave it to chance.
Book a Pre-Planning Chat with Our Team: We can discuss your goals and provide you with the information you need to advocate for a premium STA experience. Visit thiswaysupport.com.au to get started.
