We have some short but very important updates to share with you today. If you are accessing Short Term Accommodation (STA), Music Therapy, or Art Therapy, please review the details outlined below carefully.

Are You Accessing Short Term Accommodation?

The NDIA has officially updated their FAQs to clarify questions surrounding Short Term Accommodation guidelines. As of 26th November 2024, these guidelines have been provided and implemented.

If your situation or request for STA services does not meet the updated guidelines, the NDIS will not fund your respite. Below are the key points to note:

Guideline 1:

STA is intended to support informal carers by offering a way to give them a break. This means participants who live alone or who access supported independent living services cannot access STA.

Guideline 2:

If STA is provided in a centre or group residence, the daily rate charged may include activities and food. However, if a participant uses STA in an individual setting, costs for activities and food cannot be purchased with STA funding.

Guideline 3:

STA does not need to be explicitly stated in a participant’s plan. However, when it is included, it must be used as outlined. For instance, a plan may specify STA at a 1:3 ratio, meaning that STA funding covers group settings with three people or more. Individual support is only funded if there is evidence that it is necessary.

Guideline 4:

STA does not cover transport costs to the accommodation being accessed.

Are You Receiving Art or Music Therapy? This Is Important for You!

Several sources, including the Australian Music Therapy Association, have reported that as of Monday, December 2nd, both music and art therapies will no longer be funded by the NDIS.

To clarify, this has not yet been officially announced by the NDIA. However, we believe it is crucial to keep you informed.

Key Details:

• • Sources such as Disability Intermediaries Australia, the Australian Music Therapy Association, and ANZACATA have all reported the same information.

• • According to these sources, the NDIA has verbally stated that as of 2nd December 2024, the NDIS will no longer fund Art or Music Therapies under therapy line items.

• • These supports may still be considered as part of community access programmes and could therefore be funded at a lower rate.

It is important to note that the NDIA has not put this information in writing, so we cannot officially confirm this change. We will update you if an official announcement is made.