Respite Care Cost Per Day NDIS | Kera’s Plan Management

The cost of NDIS respite care per day ranges from $708.75 for group support on a weekday to over $4,270.25 for 1:1 support on a public holiday. These prices are the maximum limits set by the NDIS for 2025-2026. Your actual cost depends on how many staff you need, the day you stay, and your location.

TL;DR: Respite Costs At A Glance

Respite care is officially called Short Term Accommodation (STA) by the NDIS. It is a bundled service that pays for 24 hours of care away from home. The price you pay covers your room, all your meals, and the staff who support you. Most people use this to give their regular carers a break or to try living more independently.

The NDIS Price Guide lists different rates based on the "support ratio." If you share a worker with others, the cost is lower. If you need a worker all to yourself, the cost is much higher. Weekend stays are always more expensive than weekday stays. We help you track these costs so you do not run out of funding before your plan ends.

What Is Included In The Daily Respite Rate?

The daily rate for Short Term Accommodation is an all-inclusive price for a 24-hour period. You should not have to pay extra for basic needs during your stay. The NDIS expects providers to cover everything you need to be safe and comfortable.

Accommodation in a suitable house or facility.
Nutritious meals and drinks throughout the day.
Personal care like help with showering or dressing.
Basic community activities and social outings.
24-hour supervision from qualified staff.

NDIS Respite Care Rates Per Day for 2026

The NDIS updates its prices every year. The following rates are the "National" limits for standard needs. If you live in a remote area, these prices can be higher. We use these figures to help our clients build their annual budgets.

Standard Weekday Rates (Monday to Friday)

1:1 Support (One staff for you): $2,178.57 per day.
1:2 Support (One staff for two people): $1,198.69 per day.
1:3 Support (One staff for three people): $872.06 per day.
1:4 Support (One staff for four people): $708.75 per day.

Saturday Respite Rates

1:1 Support: $2,785.13 per day.
1:2 Support: $1,501.97 per day.
1:3 Support: $1,074.25 per day.
1:4 Support: $860.39 per day.

Sunday Respite Rates

1:1 Support: $3,527.69 per day.
1:2 Support: $1,873.25 per day.
1:3 Support: $1,321.77 per day.
1:4 Support: $1,046.03 per day.

How Staff Ratios Change Your Total Cost

The staff-to-participant ratio is the biggest factor in your bill. The NDIS usually funds respite at a 1:3 ratio for most people. This means you share a support worker with two other people. This is a great way to make friends and save money in your plan.

If you have very high needs, you might get funding for 1:1 support. This is only for people who need constant help for safety or health reasons. You can check the NDIS Pricing Arrangements to see all the different support levels.

Beware Of Hidden Fees and Extra Charges

Some providers might try to charge you for things that should be included. This is a common trap that can drain your budget. When you look for a respite house, always ask for a clear quote in writing.

Activity Fees: Basic outings should be free, but big events like concerts might cost extra.
Transport: Some providers charge a per-kilometre fee to pick you up or take you home.
Special Food: You might have to pay more if you want very expensive or specific brands of food.
Therapy: Most respite stays do not include your regular Allied Health sessions.

How To Budget For A Full Week Of Respite

A full week of respite includes five weekdays and two weekend days. This mix of rates makes the total quite high. For a 1:3 ratio in a standard area, a 7-day stay costs about $6,750. If you need 1:1 support, that same week could cost over $17,000.

We recommend checking your "Core" budget before you book a long stay. If you do not have enough money, you might need to use a shorter stay. You can use the NDIS Support Catalogue to look up specific codes for your plan.

Regional and Remote Pricing In Victoria

Prices are higher in areas where it is hard to find staff. The NDIS adds a "loading" to the price in these zones. In Victoria, most areas like Pakenham or Wonthaggi use the National rates. However, some parts of East Gippsland may fall under different rules.

If you live in a remote area, your daily rate could be 40% higher. This is to cover the travel and labour costs for the provider. You should talk to your Local Area Coordinator to see which rate applies to your home address.

Managing Your Respite Invoices With Kera

Tracking respite bills can be very confusing. Providers often send large invoices after your stay. If you are self-managed, you have to pay these yourself and wait for a refund. This can be hard if you do not have thousands of dollars sitting in the bank.

As your Plan Manager, we handle all of this for you. We receive the bill from the provider and check it against the NDIS price limits. We make sure you are not being overcharged. You can see our Plan Management features to learn how we protect your funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days of respite can I get per year?

Most NDIS plans include 14 to 28 days of Short Term Accommodation per year. You can usually stay for up to 14 days at one time. If you need more, you must show the NDIS that it is "reasonable and necessary" for your goals.

Does the NDIS pay for respite in a hotel?

Yes, you can sometimes use your funding for a hotel stay if it includes support. However, it must be cheaper or the same price as standard respite. You must also have a support worker with you. You can check the Short Term Accommodation guidelines for the rules.

Can I use my Core budget for in-home respite?

Yes, you can use your Core budget to have a support worker come to your own home. This is often called "In-Home Respite." It is usually charged at an hourly rate instead of a flat daily fee. This is a good choice if you prefer to stay in your own bed.

What happens if I run out of respite money?

If your respite budget is empty, you cannot book more stays using NDIS funds. You would have to pay the full price with your own money. It is very important to track your spending. Contact Kera’s Plan Management if you need help checking your balance.

Is food always included in the price?

Yes, the daily rate for Short Term Accommodation must include all meals. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Providers cannot ask you to bring your own food to save them money.