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NDIS Respite Care in Sydney: Costs, Eligibility & How to Access It (2026 Guide)
Caring for a loved one with a disability is one of the most meaningful things you can do — but it can also be exhausting. If you’re a family member, carer, or informal support for an NDIS participant in Sydney, you may already know the feeling: the constant juggling, the emotional weight, and the nagging worry that taking a break somehow means you’re letting someone down.
The truth is, taking a break is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. And the NDIS agrees.
NDIS respite care (now officially called Short Term Respite, or STR) gives participants a safe, supported environment while their carers take time to rest and recharge. Whether you need a weekend break, a few days off, or a longer stay, NDIS-funded respite can help — and it may already be available in your plan.
In this complete guide, we break down everything Sydney families need to know about NDIS respite care in 2026: what it covers, who is eligible, how much it costs, the recent changes from STA to STR, and how to access it through your plan.
What Is NDIS Respite Care?
NDIS respite care is a funded support that provides NDIS participants with short-term stays in a safe, supported environment — while giving their primary informal supports (family, friends, or unpaid carers) a break from their caring responsibilities.
Under the NDIS, respite care falls within the Assistance with Daily Life category of your Core Supports budget. It covers the cost of accommodation, personal care, meals (in group settings), and support during the stay.
The key purpose of respite care is twofold:
- For participants: A chance to experience a different environment, receive quality disability support, and enjoy social interaction in a safe setting.
- For carers: A much-needed break to rest, attend to personal needs, manage their own health, and return to their caring role with renewed energy.
As the NDIS website explains, short term respite “gives your primary informal supports a chance for a short break so they can continue in their caring role.”
STA vs STR: What Changed in October 2025?
If you’ve been following the NDIS, you may have heard about the recent name change. In October 2025, the NDIA officially renamed Short Term Accommodation (STA) to Short Term Respite (STR).
But this was more than just a name change. The updated guidelines clarified the purpose and tightened the rules around how this funding can be used.
Key Differences Between STA and STR
| Aspect | Old STA Rules | New STR Rules (From Oct 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Short Term Accommodation | Short Term Respite |
| Primary Purpose | Accommodation-focused; sometimes used for skill-building or “holidays” | Respite-focused; giving carers a break while participants receive support |
| Can It Be Used for Holidays? | Grey area — sometimes allowed | No. STR is not a holiday. Flights, tours, cruises, and travel packages are not covered |
| Funding Limit | Up to 28 days/year | Up to 28 days/year, maximum 14 consecutive days |
| Eligibility | Broadly available | Focused on participants who live with or receive daily support from informal carers |
| Under-18 Participants | Generally accessible | Only in exceptional circumstances |
| Documentation | Standard | Providers must itemise invoices by component (accommodation, support, activities, meals) |
What this means for you: If your current NDIS plan still says “Short Term Accommodation” or “STA,” don’t worry — it has the same meaning as Short Term Respite. The funding hasn’t changed; the rules around how it’s used have simply been made clearer.
For a deeper dive into STA and how it works alongside respite, read our complete guide to NDIS Short Term Accommodation.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Respite Care?
Not every NDIS participant will automatically receive STR funding. The NDIA assesses eligibility based on your individual circumstances. Here’s what they look for:
You Are Likely Eligible If:
- You live with your primary informal supports (family, friends, or unpaid carers)
- You receive daily drop-in support from informal carers
- Your informal supports provide more than 6 hours of disability-related support per day
- A break for your carers is reasonable and necessary to sustain their caring role
You May NOT Be Eligible If:
- You don’t live with family or informal supports
- You already receive extensive paid support such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO)
- You are under 18 (unless exceptional circumstances apply)
Supporting Evidence You May Need
To get STR funding included in your plan, the NDIA will generally look for:
- A formal assessment from an occupational therapist (OT) or other allied health professional outlining your support needs
- A letter from your informal supports explaining their caring role, the hours involved, and why they need a break
- Documentation showing how respite connects to a specific goal in your NDIS plan
If you have a Support Coordinator, they can help you gather this evidence and present it in your planning or plan review meeting. At OneJesus Care, our experienced Support Coordination team helps participants across Sydney navigate this process every day.
How Much Does NDIS Respite Care Cost in 2025–2026?
NDIS respite care is funded through your plan, so you generally won’t pay out of pocket. However, it helps to understand the NDIS price limits — these are the maximum daily rates that providers can charge.
Standard Support Daily Rates (2025–26)
| Day | Standard Support | High Physical Support |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Mon–Fri) | $346.51/day | $412.15/day |
| Saturday | $384.92/day | $457.68/day |
| Sunday | $423.32/day | $503.20/day |
| Public Holiday | $461.72/day | $548.72/day |
These rates are NDIS price limits for a 24-hour period. Actual provider rates may vary. Rates are based on a standard 1:3 support ratio (one support worker for three participants). If you require 1:2 or 1:1 support due to higher needs, the daily rate will be higher.
What’s Included in the Daily Rate?
In a group-based respite setting, the daily rate typically covers:
- Accommodation (clean, comfortable, accessible)
- Personal care and daily living support
- Meals
- Social and community activities during the stay
- Overnight support if needed
What’s NOT Included?
- Flights, tours, cruises, or holiday packages
- Meals in individual (non-group) settings such as hotels
- Entertainment tickets or activity entry fees
- Transport (unless separately funded in your plan)
Example: A typical 7-night stay (5 weekdays + Saturday + Sunday) at the standard support rate would cost approximately $2,540 — all covered by your NDIS plan.
At OneJesus Care, our community nursing centre in Green Valley is certified to SDA High Physical Need Support standards with LHA Platinum level facilities — meaning you receive premium-quality care at NDIS-funded rates.
How to Access NDIS Respite Care: Step-by-Step
Getting respite care funded through your NDIS plan involves a few key steps. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Check Your Current Plan
Review your NDIS plan to see if you already have STR (or STA) funding under your Core Supports budget. If it’s listed as a stated support, it means the NDIA has specifically approved it for your circumstances.
Step 2: Talk to Your Support Coordinator
If respite isn’t in your plan yet, speak with your Support Coordinator about adding it at your next plan review. They can help you:
- Understand whether you’re eligible
- Gather the right supporting evidence
- Present your case to the NDIA planner
Don’t have a Support Coordinator? Contact OneJesus Care — we offer expert Support Coordination services across Sydney to help you navigate the NDIS.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence
Prepare documentation including:
- An OT or allied health assessment of your support needs
- A letter from your carer or family member explaining their role and need for a break
- Information about how respite connects to your NDIS goals
Step 4: Request STR at Your Planning Meeting
During your plan review or planning meeting, clearly explain:
- Your caring arrangements and why respite is needed
- How many hours of informal support you receive daily
- How respite will help sustain your caring relationship
- Your preferred respite arrangement (group-based, individual, etc.)
Step 5: Choose a Registered Provider
Once your plan includes STR funding, choose a registered NDIS provider that meets your needs. You can search using the NDIS Provider Finder, or contact a local provider like OneJesus Care directly.
Step 6: Book and Enjoy Your Respite
Work with your chosen provider to schedule your respite stay. Remember, you can use your 28 days flexibly — one weekend a month, a week-long stay, or however it works best for your family.
Respite Care Options in Sydney & Western Sydney
Sydney and Western Sydney offer a range of NDIS respite care options to suit different needs and preferences:
Types of Respite Care Available
- Centre-based respite: Stay in a purpose-built, NDIS-registered facility with 24/7 support. These centres offer accessible accommodation, social activities, and professional care in a group setting.
- In-home respite: A support worker comes to the participant’s home, allowing them to stay in a familiar environment while the carer takes time away.
- Community-based respite: Stay in a community setting such as an accessible cottage, short-stay rental, or hostel — with support provided.
- Host family respite: Stay with an approved host family who provides support in their home.
What to Look for in a Respite Provider
When choosing a respite provider in Sydney, consider:
- NDIS registration: Ensure they are a registered NDIS provider
- Facility quality: Look for SDA certification and high-standard accommodation
- Support level: Can they meet your specific care needs (personal care, medical, behavioural)?
- Location: Is it accessible and convenient for your family?
- Values and culture: Do they put participants first?
- Flexibility: Can they accommodate your preferred dates and duration?
Benefits of Respite Care for Carers and Participants
Taking a break isn’t just good for carers — it benefits everyone involved. If you’re feeling the weight of carer burnout, respite can be a lifeline.
For Carers
- Prevents burnout: Regular breaks reduce stress and exhaustion, helping you sustain your caring role long-term
- Improves physical health: Time to attend medical appointments, exercise, and rest
- Supports mental wellbeing: Space to decompress, socialise, and focus on your own needs
- Strengthens relationships: Time apart can lead to better communication, renewed patience, and appreciation on both sides
- Maintains employment: A chance to manage work commitments without guilt
For Participants
- Social interaction: Meeting new people and building connections outside the usual support network
- New experiences: Trying new activities and environments in a safe, supported setting
- Independence and confidence: Spending time away from primary carers can build self-reliance
- Quality support: Receiving professional disability support from trained staff
- Routine variation: A change of scenery that can be refreshing and energising
How OneJesus Care Can Help
At OneJesus Care, we understand that navigating NDIS respite care can feel overwhelming — especially with the recent changes from STA to STR. That’s why we’re here to make it simple.
As a 100% non-profit NDIS-registered provider in Sydney, every dollar we receive goes directly back into participant care. We’re not driven by profit margins — we’re driven by our mission to provide compassionate, professional support to every person who walks through our doors.
What We Offer
- 24/7 care at our NDIS-registered centre at 256 Green Valley Road, Green Valley
- Rooms certified to SDA High Physical Need Support standards
- LHA Platinum level facilities for premium comfort and accessibility
- Expert Support Coordination to help you access respite funding in your plan
- Home-based care options including SIL, SDA, and ILO support
- Flexible scheduling to suit your family’s needs
- A warm, inclusive environment that welcomes all people from all backgrounds and beliefs
Whether you need help understanding your STR eligibility, gathering supporting evidence for your plan review, or finding the right respite arrangement, our experienced team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Respite Care
How many days of respite can I get per year?
Most eligible participants can receive funding for up to 28 days per year, with a maximum of 14 consecutive days at a time. You can use these days flexibly — for example, one weekend per month or a longer block.
Is NDIS respite care free?
Respite care is funded through your NDIS plan, so there is generally no out-of-pocket cost for eligible participants. The NDIS covers accommodation, support, and meals (in group settings) up to the price limits.
Can I use respite care for a holiday?
No. Under the updated STR guidelines (from October 2025), respite is not a holiday. The NDIS will not fund flights, tours, cruises, or holiday packages. STR is specifically for giving carers a break while participants receive disability-related support.
What if I already have SIL or ILO funding?
If you already receive extensive paid support through Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO), you are unlikely to be eligible for additional STR funding, as your carers already receive support.
My plan still says “STA” — do I need to change it?
No. If your plan uses the term Short Term Accommodation (STA), it has the same meaning as Short Term Respite (STR). Your funding hasn’t changed — the name has simply been updated.
Can children under 18 access respite care?
STR for participants under 18 is now only available in exceptional circumstances. Speak with your Support Coordinator or planner about your specific situation.
How do I find a respite provider near me?
You can use the NDIS Provider Finder to search for registered providers in your area, or contact a local provider like OneJesus Care directly.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended as a general guide only and should not be taken as formal advice. NDIS pricing, eligibility criteria, funding rules, and guidelines are subject to change. The rates quoted in this article are based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 and represent maximum price limits — actual provider rates may vary. Individual circumstances differ, and your specific NDIS funding will depend on your plan, goals, and assessed needs. We recommend speaking with your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or the NDIA directly for advice tailored to your situation. OneJesus Care does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party information referenced in this article. For the most up-to-date NDIS information, please visit the official NDIS website.
Take the First Step Today
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re a carer who needs a break, a participant looking for quality respite care, or a family trying to understand the new STR rules — OneJesus Care is here to help.
Our expert team will help you understand your options, access the right funding, and find the perfect respite arrangement for your family.
Call us today at 1800 04 CARE (1800 04 2273) for a FREE consultation, or email us at info@onejesuscare.com.au.
Visit us at our NDIS centre: 256 Green Valley Road, Green Valley 2168
Or contact us online to book an appointment.
At OneJesus Care, our focus is all on our participants. As a 100% non-profit organisation, every dollar is an investment in your independence and wellbeing. Your choice. Your control. Your life.
