Short Term Accommodation

Short Term Accommodation is an NDIS‑funded support designed to give NDIS participants quality short breaks from their usual care arrangements while ensuring their disability‑related needs continue to be met. It also gives primary informal supports (family, friends, carers) a much‑needed breather so they can keep doing what they do best.

What is Short Term Accommodation?

At Zest Project Co, our Short Term Respite stays focus on comfort, rest, and support. You can choose accommodation that works best for you, whether an AirBnB, Stayz, or a hotel of your choice.

A stay with Zest can:

Give you choice and control, letting you rest and recharge in your preferred setting.
Provide social support, with friendly staff available to help as needed.
Support your home life, giving your informal carers a well-deserved break.
Align with your NDIS goals, with a report from our Developmental Educator to provide evidence of supports delivered.

Short Term Respite with Zest includes:

Dedicated Support Workers to assist you during your stay.
Comfortable accommodation of your choosing.
24/7 Support Line for peace of mind anytime.
NDIS-aligned reporting to track your progress and goals.

Accommodation Options:

+ More

What's changing with the NDIS, and what it means for short term accommodation and respite

On 19 August 2026, new NDIS laws passed as part of the "Securing the NDIS for Future Generations" reforms. They don't change how much Short Term Accommodation costs, but they do change some of the processes around how it's booked, claimed and recorded, and it's worth knowing what to expect.

Claims for supports, including STA, will also need to be submitted within a set window after the support is delivered, with these changes being phased in over the coming months. In practice, this means we'll be processing and claiming your respite stays promptly rather than leaving invoicing until later, so keep an eye on your NDIS portal or plan manager statements soon after a stay.

These reforms are being rolled out gradually, and the NDIA has said current arrangements keep running in the meantime, so there's nothing you need to do right now. We'll keep this page updated as more detail becomes available, and our team is always happy to talk through what any of this means for your specific plan.

How we charge for Short Term Accommodation (STA)

We charge for Short Term Accommodation in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, so the rates you see reflect the maximum prices set by the NDIA, not prices we've set ourselves.

Rather than one flat daily fee, your supports are broken down into the separate components that make up an STA stay:

Support, the cost of the support worker(s) assisting you (or the person you support) during the stay.
Accommodation, the cost of the accommodation p/night.
Non-face-to-face support, the behind-the-scenes work involved in planning and coordinating the stay (for example, liaising with your support coordinator or family, preparing documents, communication with accommodations).

Breaking the cost down this way means you can see exactly what you're paying for, rather than one bundled figure. It also means you're only ever charged for support that's actually delivered, in line with your NDIS plan and the current price limits.

Before a stay is booked, we'll confirm the rates that apply to you (they can vary depending on support ratio and location) in your service agreement. If you have any questions about a charge, get in touch with your coordinator. We're always happy to walk through it with you.

The accommodation itself has a set maximum rate

Separate from support worker costs, the NDIS also sets a maximum rate for the accommodation component of an STA stay, the cost of the room or venue itself. Under the current NDIS Pricing Schedule, this is $162.85 per night. This is the most we're able to charge for accommodation, no matter what the venue actually costs.

If you'd like to stay somewhere that costs more than this, for example a particular hotel or venue that better suits your needs or preferences, you're welcome to choose it. The difference between the NDIS-funded rate and the actual cost will be an out-of-pocket expense, though, as the NDIS doesn't fund accommodation above its set rate.

We know this can sit uncomfortably alongside your right to choice and control over the supports you use, since it can narrow your accommodation options based on cost rather than what actually suits you. This rate is set by the NDIA, not by us, and it isn't something we're able to change. What we can do is talk through your options with you before you book, including exactly what's covered and what any out-of-pocket cost would look like, so you can make an informed choice.

Short Term Accommodation with Zest

Flexible Support Tailored to You

We co-create Short Term Accommodation with participants, tailoring where, how much, and when support is provided, with collaborative planning that prioritises choice, independence, and wellbeing.

Choice and Control

Participants lead their supports, deciding what, when, and how services are delivered, ensuring care aligns with their goals, preferences, and independence.

24/7 Support Line

Our team is available anytime, day or night, to provide guidance, assistance, or answer questions whenever participants or carers need us.

Post STR Report

Zest’s post-STA reports capture a participant’s experience, wellbeing, and achievements, supporting carers and future planning. Staff compile notes into a clear, strengths-based summary with key feedback and recommendations.

I had a great time away at my first Respite since 2012!!! He said he will definitely extend his respite next time as he could definitely see the difference "time out" was having on his wellbeing. Thank you Zest for the organisation, communication throughout the planning process and gave an extra special thanks to the Support Workers who made his STA really great. I don't know how you were able to make such good matches but Ashlie, Mads and Mandy were awesome

I recently took part in one of Zest's STA's, Which supported me to visit Adelaide for the very first time. Zest workerd with me to make sure I had individualised support from Zest's Support Workers. Despite the questionable weather, I absolutely enjoyed the experience and all of Zest's help to ensure my STA and working towards my NDIS goals