NDIS and Short-Term Respite Regulations in QLD
If you or a loved one participates in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland and are considering respite care, it’s essential to understand how short‑term respite works under current regulations. This article outlines eligibility, how short‑term respite (STR) is funded and managed, what services it covers, and important legal and regulatory considerations.
What is Short‑Term Respite under the NDIS
Short‑Term Respite (STR) provides temporary relief for NDIS participants and their primary informal supports, such as family or friends. Its focus is on delivering care similar to what the participant normally receives at home, rather than holidays or leisure travel.
STR can be provided in various settings, including a respite home, shared accommodation, motel or cabin, or even the participant’s home depending on circumstances.
Who Is Eligible for Short‑Term Respite
STR is available to NDIS participants who meet certain criteria:
- The participant must live with or receive daily drop-in support from their primary informal supports, typically for more than six hours a day.
- STR generally is not available for participants who already receive extensive paid support, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL), or those living independently with sufficient supports.
- For children, STR may apply if their support needs go beyond what is typical for their age and helps the family continue their caring role.
In short, STR is intended primarily for people whose care relies significantly on informal carers, enabling carers to take a necessary break.
What STR Covers — And What It Doesn’t
STR funding under NDIS covers “reasonable and necessary” disability-related support and accommodation for a short period.
What STR may include:
- Personal care and everyday support similar to what the participant receives at home.
- Standard accommodation during the stay, with necessary accessibility features.
- Support worker assistance if needed for personal care, daily living tasks, and disability-related support.
What STR does not fund:
- Holidays, leisure travel, entertainment, or non-disability-related activities.
- Costs not associated with disability support, such as flights or standard holiday expenses.
- Long-term or permanent housing.
The purpose of STR is to offer a supportive break for carers and participants, not a vacation or lifestyle getaway.
Funding, Duration & How STR Is Included in Your NDIS Plan
- STR support is funded under the Core Supports budget in your NDIS plan.
- Typically, STR allows up to 28 days per year, although this may vary depending on the individual plan.
- Most commonly, these 28 days are taken as blocks of up to 14 days at a time, but shorter stays or flexible use may be possible.
- Payments must align with NDIS pricing and invoicing guidelines, and providers must itemize costs for accommodation and support to justify use of STR funding.
Because STR is part of core funding, using it reduces the amount left for other supports. It’s important to plan carefully with your support coordinator or plan manager.
STR in Queensland: Regulatory Context & Legal Safeguards
Transition from In-Kind Services to Participant-Directed Funding
Many supports under NDIS in Queensland, including short-term accommodation/respite, were historically delivered via “in-kind” services. These arrangements have been phased out, meaning participants now use funding from their NDIS plan to pay for STR directly.
This shift gives participants greater choice and control over their providers and supports but also requires them to manage the funding and ensure it is used appropriately.
Disability Services Regulation & Safeguards
For respite services involving people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities where behaviour support or restrictive practices may be required, strict rules apply under the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld).
- A respite/community-access plan (R/CAP) or equivalent must be prepared, outlining supports, any proposed restrictive practices, justification, and how the person’s rights and dignity will be protected.
- Any restrictive practices during respite require approval from a guardian or authorised decision-maker, depending on the person’s capacity.
- Behaviour support must follow a formal positive behaviour support plan (PBSP), ensuring restrictive practices are only used when necessary and are the least restrictive option available.
These safeguards ensure respite services are safe and respectful, even for individuals with complex behavioural or support needs.
How to Access Short‑Term Respite Services in Queensland
If planning to use STR under NDIS in Queensland, follow these steps:
- Review your NDIS plan – confirm whether Core Supports include STR and request a plan review if your needs have changed.
- Identify a registered provider – choose any provider who meets NDIS requirements and can deliver STR services appropriate to your needs.
- Plan the respite stay carefully – decide location, duration, and support needs, ensuring the plan aligns with NDIS guidelines (disability-related support, not leisure).
- Ensure legal safeguards are in place – for individuals with cognitive or behavioural support needs, ensure a valid R/CAP or PBSP exists, with appropriate consent.
- Use funding responsibly – keep clear records, invoices, and documentation to ensure transparent and justified use of STR funds.
