Respite care is a short-term break for caregivers and a supportive experience for NDIS participants. But one of the biggest questions is: how much does it cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of support, location, and the day of the week.

This guide breaks down NDIS respite care costs for 2025 to help you plan and budget effectively.

NDIS Respite Care Costs at a Glance (2025)

Here’s a quick overview of the average respite care costs per day under the NDIS price guide for 2025. These are the maximum rates and can be negotiated with your provider.

Support Ratio	Weekday Cost	Saturday Cost	Sunday Cost
1:1 Support	$2,098.80	$2,682.32	$3,396.56
1:2 Support	$1,156.24	$1,544.80	$1,933.36
1:3 Support	$842.05	$1,036.56	$1,274.64
1:4 Support	$684.96	$879.44	$1,073.92

Note: These rates are for national areas and do not include the higher costs for remote locations or public holidays.

What is NDIS Respite Care (Short Term Accommodation)?

Under the NDIS, respite care is officially known as Short Term Accommodation (STA). It’s a support service where an NDIS participant lives away from their usual home for a short period. STA is designed to give both caregivers and participants a break from their daily routines.

Key features of STA include:

Duration: Typically funded for up to 14 days at a time, with a total of 28 days per year.
Inclusions: The cost covers all expenses for a 24-hour period, including accommodation, personal care, food, and activities agreed upon by the participant and the provider.
Purpose: It helps caregivers rest, reduces the risk of burnout, and allows participants to try new things, make new friends, and develop new skills.

If you need help getting respite care added to your plan, our guide on how to request NDIS plan reviews can walk you through the process.

How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day?

The daily cost of respite care is determined by the staff-to-participant ratio, the day of the week, and your location.

1. Staff-to-Participant Ratio

The more individual support a participant needs, the higher the cost.

1:1 (One-to-One): This is for participants who require constant, individual support.
1:2, 1:3, 1:4 (Group Support): This is more common and cost-effective, where one support worker assists multiple participants.

2. Day of the Week

Costs are higher on weekends and public holidays to account for increased staffing expenses.

Weekdays: Standard rates apply.
Saturdays & Sundays: Higher rates.
Public Holidays: The highest rates apply.

3. Location

The NDIS has different price limits for different regions.

National: Covers most of Australia.
Remote & Very Remote: These areas have higher price limits (40-50% higher) to cover the increased costs of providing services.

For a complete breakdown of NDIS pricing, see our NDIS Price Guide.

How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Week?

A week of respite care includes five weekdays and two weekend days, which affects the total cost. Here’s an estimate of the weekly costs based on the support ratio:

1:1 Support: Approximately $15,900 per week
1:2 Support: Approximately $8,700 per week
1:3 Support: Approximately $6,300 per week
1:4 Support: Approximately $5,100 per week

These are estimates and can vary based on your specific provider and plan.

In-Home Respite Care vs. Facility-Based Care

Respite care isn’t limited to specialised facilities. It can also be provided in your own home.

In-Home Respite Care: A support worker comes to your home. This is often preferred for comfort and convenience. The cost is based on an hourly rate, which is typically around $60-$80 per hour, but it can be higher for high-intensity or overnight care.
Facility-Based Respite Care: This takes place at a location like a group home or aged care facility. The daily rate is all-inclusive, covering accommodation, food, and activities.

When considering 24-hour care at home, the cost is generally higher than facility-based respite due to the dedicated one-on-one support required.

High-Intensity NDIS Respite Care

For participants with complex needs, High-Intensity Respite Care is available. This involves support from workers with specialised skills and training.

The cost for high-intensity care is higher, usually at a 1:1 support ratio, and can range from $2,100 to $2,500 per day.

How to Get Respite Care in Your NDIS Plan

To access funding for respite care, it must be deemed “reasonable and necessary” and included in your NDIS plan. Here’s what you need to do:

Gather Evidence: Collect reports from doctors, therapists, and other specialists that explain why respite care is needed.
Talk to Your LAC or Support Coordinator: Discuss your need for respite care and how it aligns with your goals.
Plan Review: If respite care isn’t in your current plan, you can request a plan review to have it added.

FAQ: Answering Your Top Questions

How much does respite care cost per day?

The cost varies from around $685 per day for group support on a weekday to over $3,300 per day for 1:1 support on a Sunday.

How much is respite care per week?

A week of respite care can cost between $5,100 and $15,900, depending on the level of support.

What are NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA) rates?

STA rates are the official NDIS prices for respite care. They are updated annually and vary by support ratio, day, and location. For the latest rates, always refer to the official NDIS Price Guide.

What’s the difference between STA and MTA?

Short Term Accommodation (STA) is for up to 14 days, while Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is for up to 90 days. MTA is for participants waiting for a permanent home to become available.

Does the NDIS cover all respite care costs?

The daily rate covers accommodation, food, personal care, and activities. However, some providers may charge extra for special activities or travel, so it’s important to clarify this beforehand.

Need Help with Respite Care?

Navigating NDIS respite care costs can be confusing. At MD Home Care, we provide clear, transparent pricing and can help you find the right respite solution for your needs.

Key Resources: NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025

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How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day? (NDIS Guide 2025)

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