Respite care plays a crucial role in supporting both NDIS participants and the people who care for them. It offers individuals a chance to experience a change of scenery, build independence, and connect with support workers—while giving carers the time they need to rest and recharge. However, one of the most common questions families have is: What is the easiest way to fund respite without getting caught up in complicated processes?
The solution lies in a frequently under utilised area of the NDIS plan — Core Supports. This category is vague, general and intended to help participants with typical support needs. What many people don’t realise is that Short-Term Accommodation (including respite) can be funded directly from Core Supports, without extra paperwork or lengthy approval processes.
In this blog, we break down how to use Core Supports effectively so you can fund respite the smart way and enjoy a stress-free experience.
Why Respite Funding Matters
Respite is about more than taking a break—it’s about creating sustainable care. Participants get the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy structured support in a safe environment. Meanwhile, carers can step back, focus on their own wellbeing, and return refreshed.
But how to pay for respite is as critical as the help itself. When financing is complicated, families will use respite less often and there are too many tales of needless stress and burnout. Clear, flexible funding options like Core Supports help remove that barrier.
Understanding Core Supports for Respite
Core Support is the most adaptable part of an NDIS plan. It covers day-to-day support needs such as personal care, social participation, and community access. Under NDIS guidelines, Short-Term Accommodation can also be funded through Core Supports because it falls under the same category of disability-related daily support.
This means participants can access respite without:
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Requesting a plan review
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Adding new funding categories
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Providing detailed reports or justifications
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Waiting for approval from the NDIA
As long as the respite is reasonable and necessary, Core Supports can cover it.
Why Funding Respite Through Core Supports Is Smart
1. Flexibility to Choose What Works for You
Core Supports funding can be used for different types of respite, including:
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Overnight Short-Term Accommodation
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In-home respite
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One-on-one support
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Community-based respite
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Skill-building activities
Because this budget is flexible, you can tailor the respite to suit the participant—not the other way around.
2. No Extra Paperwork
One of the biggest advantages is the simplicity. You don’t need to apply for anything new. You simply use your existing budget to cover respite costs.
3. Fits Real Life Situations
Unexpected events crop up: work emergencies, health problems, travel or just the need to take a breather. Core supports also gives families the flexibility to use respite quickly without waiting periods.
4. Encourages Personalised Respite Experiences
Using Core Supports lets you select providers who can deliver individualised respite care, ensuring that the environment, activities, and support workers suit the participant’s needs and comfort.
What Core Supports Can Cover in a Respite Stay
When funding respite through Core Supports, you can generally cover:
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Accommodation for overnight stays
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Support worker hours
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Personal care assistance
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Meals provided during the stay
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Community access and activities
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Transport associated with support
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Skill-building sessions
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Assistance with routines and daily living
As always, these supports must relate to the participant’s disability needs and be consistent with NDIS guidelines.
Using Core Supports Respite Free of Hassle
1.Manage Your Budget Wisely
The Core Supports is flexible, but there’s still a budget. As always, verify how much you have in your funding to make sure respite ostomy care is within the range of your plan.
2. Plan Ahead — When Possible
It makes it easier to budget, and also guarantees that there is availability, especially during high seasons such as holidays.
3. Select Recipients Who Get Basic Funding
Some support workers already know how to provide Core-funded respite, making invoicing and planning easier.
4. Ensure it is linked to your NDIS goals
Each funded support needs to link back to the person’s goals. If respite helps build independence, social skills, or emotional wellbeing, it can clearly be justified as “reasonable and necessary.”
5. Use Support Coordination If You Have It
A Support Coordinator can help you interpret your plan, organise respite stays, and ensure your budget is allocated efficiently.
Why Smart Respite Funding Makes a Difference
Core Supports are designed in such a way that once families know how to use them effectively, respite can be accessed easily and without any hassle. Carers can take a respite with no guilt or confusion. People have tailored rewarding experiences relating to their interests and strengths. And most importantly, the overall care relationship becomes more sustainable and balanced.
Respite should never feel like a burden to organise—Core Supports makes sure it isn’t.
Final Thoughts
Funding respite the smart way means using your Core Supports to their fullest potential. This flexible budget allows participants to access Short-Term Accommodation and personalised respite options without extra hurdles, paperwork, or delays.
With a little planning and the right support, families can achieve a positive respite experience that will enhance wellbeing for all parties.
