Understanding NDIS Medium Term Accommodation Funding

When life throws a curveball—like a hospital stay, a move out of the family home, or delays in long-term disability housing—having a safe, supportive place to stay can make all the difference. That’s exactly where Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) steps in.

Funded by the NDIS, MTA is designed to bridge housing gaps for participants waiting for longer-term solutions, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). It ensures participants aren’t left without a roof over their heads during these transitions, offering peace of mind to families and care teams alike.

Let’s unpack what MTA means, who it’s for, and how to navigate the funding process with confidence.

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1. What Is Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)?

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is a temporary housing solution funded by the NDIS, designed to support participants during a transitional period.

It’s not a permanent home, but it offers a safe, fully supported environment for up to 90 days, giving participants and their teams time to organise more permanent housing, such as an approved SIL or SDA arrangement.

MTA is most commonly used when:

• A participant is discharged from hospital but their home isn’t yet ready
  
• A person is transitioning out of aged care or crisis accommodation
  
• Home modifications are underway and the property is temporarily uninhabitable
  
• There’s a delay in SDA/SIL approval or provider availability
  

The main goal of MTA is to prevent housing instability and support continuity of care while long-term plans are finalised.

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2. Who Is Eligible for MTA Funding?

MTA funding isn’t for everyone. To be eligible, the NDIS requires a clear and time-bound reason why the participant needs short-term accommodation before moving to a longer-term home.

Participants may be eligible if they:

• Are waiting for their permanent home to become available or suitable
  
• Have a long-term housing goal documented in their plan (e.g. SIL or SDA)
  
• Need a safe place to stay during hospital discharge or home modifications
  
• Are transitioning from family or aged care settings
  

Additional eligibility points:

• MTA must be linked to a longer-term solution that is actively in progress
  
• Support coordinators or LACs are generally required to help with the application
  
• Participants must have separate NDIS funding for daily supports, as MTA only covers the accommodation
  
• Documentation such as discharge summaries, home modification timelines, or housing goal evidence strengthens the case for MTA approval
  

It’s also helpful if the participant has a clear support network in place and a timeline for the next housing step. The more detail provided, the easier it is for the NDIA to approve the request.

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3. What Does MTA Funding Cover?

One of the biggest misconceptions about MTA is what it actually pays for.

Here’s what’s included:
✅ Accommodation costs only—covering rent or room fees for up to 90 days
✅ Registered NDIS providers can offer the service
✅ Typically funded under the Core Supports budget

And here’s what’s not covered:
🚫 Daily supports (e.g. personal care, medication assistance)
🚫 Meals and food costs
🚫 Community access or transport

These additional supports need to come from other sections of the participant’s NDIS plan, such as Assistance with Daily Life or Community Participation.

It’s also important to note that while the standard duration is 90 days, extensions can be requested if there is a justifiable delay in the permanent housing pathway—such as delays in SIL approvals, home modifications, or SDA property readiness. Clear documentation and communication with the NDIA are key to ensuring approval.

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4. How to Apply for MTA

Navigating the MTA funding process can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and documentation, your participant’s application can move forward smoothly and efficiently.

Here’s how the process works:

• Discuss the housing transition with the participant’s Support Coordinator or LAC
  
• Submit a change of circumstances or planning request to the NDIA
  
• Include relevant documents, such as:
  
  • Hospital discharge notes
    
  • Home modification timelines
    
  • Proof of SIL or SDA approval in progress
    
  • Letters of support from health professionals
    
• Confirm daily supports are already funded in the plan (or request these as well)
  
• Choose a registered MTA provider (like Reaching Abilities)
  
• Once approved, coordinate move-in and service delivery
  

It’s also helpful to include a brief summary of the participant’s goals and how MTA will support their broader plan. The more clearly the need and purpose are explained, the smoother the approval process tends to be.

At Reaching Abilities, we support every step of this journey. From gathering documentation to liaising with planners and arranging move-in, we’re here to make the transition as seamless and stress-free as possible—for participants, families, and support teams alike.

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5. Why Choose Our MTA Services in WA

At Reaching Abilities, we know how stressful housing transitions can be. That’s why we’ve built our MTA services around comfort, dignity, and individual support.

Why families and coordinators trust us:

• 🏠 Purpose-built homes tailored for comfort, safety, and accessibility
  
• 🤝 Qualified staff who specialise in dementia, complex behaviours, and high care needs
  
• 📞 Ongoing communication with families and teams throughout the stay
  
• 📝 Custom routines and support plans to match the participant’s lifestyle and goals
  
• 💬 Experience guiding NDIS participants from application to move-in and beyond
  

We take care of the little details—because those are the ones that make someone feel at home, even if just for a short time.

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Real-Life Example: A Safe Place After Surgery

One of our recent MTA residents, Anna*, needed temporary accommodation after spinal surgery. Her SDA property was still under construction, and she wasn’t ready to return to her family home due to mobility limitations.

Working closely with her hospital discharge planner and support coordinator, our team organised:

• MTA approval within 10 business days
  
• Daily support workers through her Core Supports budget
  
• A home set up with mobility aids and accessible bathroom facilities
  

Anna settled in comfortably and transitioned smoothly to her new SDA home eight weeks later. Without MTA, she would’ve been stuck in hospital or sent to unsuitable temporary accommodation.

*Name changed for privacy

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Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is MTA the same as respite?

No. Respite (Short-Term Accommodation) is usually about giving carers a break or providing short holidays. MTA is about transitional housing—bridging the gap while permanent solutions are arranged.

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❓ Can participants stay longer than 90 days?

Yes, but only if there is clear justification—like unexpected delays in housing or health issues. Your provider must liaise with the NDIA for extensions.

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❓ Do I need to use an NDIS-registered provider?

Yes. MTA must be delivered by a registered provider approved by the NDIS to deliver this specific support.

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❓ Can MTA be used multiple times?

Potentially, yes—if each request meets the NDIA’s eligibility and justification standards. It’s not a one-time-only option, but repeat use requires solid reasoning.

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Conclusion: Short-Term, High-Impact Support

Medium Term Accommodation NDIS funding might be temporary—but its impact is anything but. It gives participants a soft place to land, breathing room for families, and a structured plan to move forward with confidence.

If you or your client are waiting for SIL, SDA, or a more permanent housing solution, MTA could be the bridge you’ve been looking for.

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✅ Need support arranging Medium Term Accommodation for an NDIS participant?

We’re here to help—from application to move-in and every step in between.

Contact Reaching Abilities today to speak with our experienced team about your options.