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Differences between STA and MTA (Short-Term Accommodation and Medium-Term Accommodation)

14 July 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes
person with disability lying on the ground beside a dog and a carer

Are you an NDIS participant that needs a place to stay temporarily? If yes, then you may be wondering what kind of accommodation options are available to you.

Depending on both your situation and goals, you may be eligible for short-term accommodation (STA) or medium-term accommodation (MTA) funding in your NDIS plan. Read on as we explain the differences between these two types of accommodation and how they can help.

Table of Contents

What is Short-Term Accommodation (STA)?

STA (also known as respite care) is a type of accommodation that provides you with a temporary place to stay for a few days or weeks, usually in a residential house, unit, apartment, or a hotel. During your stay, you can expect support staff, assistance with meals, personal care, and engaging social activities, depending on your needs and preferences. STA aims to rejuvenate both you and your carers, granting you all a well-deserved break.

Why would you need STA?

For several reasons, a few of which include:

  • Your carers or family are on leave or unwell and cannot support you at home
  • You are recovering from an illness or injury and need extra support
  • You are facing a crisis or an unexpected change in your circumstances
  • You want to have a change of scenery and experience new things

How can STA help you?

STA is extremely beneficial & is a crucial part of the NDIS support system.

  1. Gives you a safe and comfortable place to stay
  2. Provides you with personalised support and care
  3. Helps in enhancing your independence and life skills
  4. Increases your social and community participation

How can you access STA?

To access STA, you will need to have funding for it in your NDIS plan. You can request STA funding during your planning meeting or review. The amount of funding you receive will depend on your unique needs and goals.

You can use your STA funding to book an accommodation with any provider of your choice. If you reside in and around Melbourne and are looking for a reputable, experienced and NDIS registered service provider, we are here to help.

What is Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)?

MTA offers a longer-term solution, providing a temporary home for up to 90 days. MTA typically takes place in specially designed or modified houses or apartments. Just like STA, MTA includes support staff, meal assistance, personal care, and access to additional services when applicable.

Why would you need MTA?

There are many reasons why you may need MTA, such as:

  • You have been approved for specialist disability accommodation (or SDA), but your designated home is not ready yet
  • You are waiting for your SDA funding to be finalised or reviewed
  • You are living with family, but it is no longer either suitable or sustainable- or both
  • You are currently in an aged care facility or a hospital but want to move out

How is MTA useful?

MTA can help you by:

  1. Giving you a suitable and accessible place to stay
  2. Providing you with specialised support and care
  3. Preparing you for your permanent housing option
  4. Connecting you with other services and supports

MTA empowers you to make informed choices about your future.

How do you access MTA?

To access MTA, you will need to have funding for it in your NDIS plan. You can request MTA funding during your planning meeting or review. The amount of funding you receive will depend on your needs and goals.

Take a look at some of our MTA-ready homes.

What are the differences between STA and MTA?

The primary difference between STA and MTA is the length of stay and the purpose of the accommodation. STA is for short periods of time (up to 14 days at a time) and is mainly for respite or recreation purposes. MTA is for longer periods of time (up to 90 days at a time) and is mainly for transitional purposes.

There are some similarities as well.

Both options will provide you with assistance with personal daily activities, accommodation, food personal care, and other types of support. Both accommodation options are also designed to help you achieve your goals and improve the quality of your life.

How do you choose between STA and MTA?

The choice between STA and MTA depends on your situation and goals. You may need both types of accommodation at different times – and for different reasons.

Besides, you might prefer one type of accommodation over the other based on your needs.

To help you choose between STA and MTA, you can:

  1. Talk to your NDIS planner or coordinator of supports
  2. Consult your carers or family
  3. Talk to potential providers of STA or MTA
  4. Visit or inspect the accommodation options
  5. Compare the benefits and costs of each option

Feel free to contact us anytime for more information.

Summary

To sum it up, whether you’re an NDIS participant seeking temporary housing, short-term accommodation (STA) and medium-term accommodation (MTA) offer distinct options to meet your needs. STA provides a valuable respite, allowing you to take a break from your routine and indulge in recreation for a few days or weeks. On the other hand, MTA serves as a transitional solution, offering a longer-term stay of up to 90 days to prepare you for permanent housing.

Both accommodations prioritise your well-being, providing essential support, personalised care, and ample opportunities for personal growth and social interaction. When deciding between STA and MTA, it’s crucial to consider your unique circumstances, funding availability, and specific goals. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and enhances your overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot use your SDA funding for STA or MTA. They are very different types of accommodation.

SDA funding is for long-term housing solutions that are specially designed or modified for people with extreme functional impairment and/or very high support needs.

Of course! You can share your STA or MTA with other NDIS participants – if they have the same level of support requirements and compatible goals as you. Sharing your accommodation can actually help you reduce the cost and increase the social benefits of your stay.

However, you need to make sure that the accommodation provider can cater to the needs and preferences of all the participants at every step.

It depends on the accommodation provider and their policies. Some providers may allow you to bring your pets or personal belongings. Some others may not.

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