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Understanding medium term accommodation

Medium term accommodation (MTA) is an NDIS support designed to help people during a housing transition. It provides a temporary place to live when someone cannot remain in their current home and is waiting for a longer-term housing solution to be put in place.

MTA is not intended to be a permanent housing option. Instead, it acts as a short-term safety net to support stability while more suitable accommodation is arranged.

About MTA

What medium term accommodation means under the NDIS

Under the NDIS, medium term accommodation is funded when a participant has a genuine housing gap and no other reasonable option is available. The funding usually covers the cost of accommodation only, for a limited period, while you organise longer-term housing.

MTA does not replace other housing supports such as Supported Independent Living or Specialist Disability Accommodation. It is used specifically during times of transition.

How MTA supports stability and continuity of care

MTA provides you with a safe and stable place to live during periods of change. When you have secure accommodation during times like these, it can reduce stress and help you maintain daily routines. It also makes it possible for supports to continue without interruption while longer-term arrangements are finalised.

Why does the NDIA fund medium term accommodation?

The NDIA recognises that housing delays and transitions can create serious risks for people. Medium term accommodation exists to make sure you have suitable housing when circumstances change unexpectedly.

MTA is funded only when it meets the NDIS criteria of being reasonable and necessary.

The purpose of MTA as a bridging support

MTA is designed as a bridging support. That means it is meant to cover a temporary gap, not to act as an ongoing solution. The NDIA expects:

  • a clear reason why the participant needs MTA and 
  • a clear plan for what housing will come next.

When medium term accommodation is typically used

MTA is commonly used when a participant is leaving hospital, transitioning from another care setting, waiting for home modifications to be completed, or experiencing delays in accessing long-term housing. If you are applying for medium term accommodations in these kinds of circumstances, you must be unable to safely remain where they are.

Who is medium term accommodation for?

Medium term accommodation is not automatically available to all NDIS participants. It is considered only when specific housing-related needs and circumstances apply.

Each request for MTA is assessed individually by the NDIA.

NDIS participants who may be eligible for MTA

Participants may be eligible for MTA if they cannot live in their current accommodation due to safety, accessibility, or support issues, and if no other suitable housing option is available at that time.

The NDIA must be satisfied that MTA is required and that it aligns with the participant’s overall plan and goals.

Common situations where MTA is appropriate

MTA may be appropriate when informal supports break down, when housing becomes inaccessible, or when a participant is waiting for a permanent placement such as social housing, supported independent living (SIL), or specialist disability accommodation (SDA). It is used only when no other reasonable alternatives are available.

What does medium term accommodation funding cover?

MTA funding is for accommodation costs only, not broader living or support expenses.

You would usually use other parts of your plan to cover supports during your stay in medium term accommodation.

What is included in MTA funding

MTA funding generally covers costs such as rent or a daily accommodation charge for the approved period. The length and amount of funding depend on your circumstances and the decision made by the NDIA.

What is not included in MTA funding

MTA does not cover groceries, utilities, personal expenses, or daily living costs. It also does not include personal care, community access, or other supports unless these are funded separately in your plan.

How long can you stay in medium term accommodation?

MTA is designed to be temporary so it is funded for a limited time only. The NDIA expects you to be actively planning toward long-term housing during this period.

Timeframes are reviewed regularly to ensure MTA remains appropriate.

Typical timeframes for MTA

Medium term accommodation is usually funded for up to 90 days at a time. This timeframe assumes that you’re actively transitioning into a longer term housing solution.  

What happens if housing delays continue

If delays occur, the NDIA may consider extending MTA funding. It’s important to remember that extensions are not guaranteed. You’ll need to provide evidence that MTA is still necessary and that you’re taking reasonable steps to find long-term housing.

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Medium term accommodation compared to other NDIS housing options

MTA is one of several housing supports available through the NDIS. Understanding how it is different from other options can help you and your family make informed decisions.

Each housing support serves a different purpose.

Medium term accommodation compared to short term accommodation

Short term accommodation (STA), now known as Short term respite (STR) is typically used for respite, skill building, or short breaks. STR is usually limited to a few days or weeks. By comparison, MTA is used when you cannot live at home and you need accommodation while waiting for a longer-term solution.

Medium term accommodation or supported independent living?

Supported independent living (SIL) is an ongoing support arrangement designed to help people live independently, often in shared housing. MTA is temporary and does not provide a permanent living arrangement or long-term support structure.

Medium term accommodation or specialist disability accommodation?

Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing for people with very high support needs. You may be able to use MTA while waiting for SDA to become available, but MTA does not replace SDA.

How do you access medium term accommodation?

Accessing MTA requires planning, evidence, and approval through an NDIS plan. You cannot access MTA without an NDIS plan, agreed by the NDIA. Support coordinators and planners play an important role in the process of getting approval for medium term accommodation.

Getting MTA approved in an NDIS plan

To have MTA approved, you’ll need to show that you can’t stay in your current accommodation, that no suitable alternatives are available, and that you have a clear plan for longer-term housing. This information is assessed against the NDIS reasonable and necessary supports criteria.

The role of support coordinators and planners

Support coordinators and planners can help identify housing needs, gather supporting evidence, and ensure MTA requests are clearly linked to long-term goals. Their role is to support good planning and timely decision-making.

What happens after medium term accommodation?

Because MTA is time-limited, planning for what comes next is essential. Early planning helps reduce stress and helps you avoid last-minute and rushed housing decisions.

The goal is always a stable, longer-term housing outcome.

Planning early for your transition out of MTA

Begin planning for the transition out of MTA as soon as possible. This may include exploring housing options, arranging supports, and addressing any barriers that could delay a move into permanent accommodation.

Transition pathways after medium term accommodation

After MTA, participants may move into private rentals, social housing, supported independent living, specialist disability accommodation, or other suitable arrangements. The pathway depends on your specific needs, preferences, and available options.

How Kanda supports people in medium term accommodation

At Kanda we support your need for MTA by focusing on stability, continuity, and person-centred planning during housing transitions.

Our aim is to ensure you feel supported while longer-term housing is being arranged.

Person centred support during housing transitions

Kanda works with you, your family and support coordinator to understand your goals and preferences. We ensure supports are tailored to you and adjusted as your housing situation evolves.

Continuity of care while longer term housing is arranged

During a stay in MTA, the Kanda team prioritises consistent support and clear communication. This helps ensure that when longer-term housing becomes available, the transition is planned, calm, and well supported.

Contact the team at Kanda to discuss your eligibility for medium term accommodation, and understand your housing options.

Frequently asked questions

Medium term accommodation (MTA) is an NDIS-funded support that provides temporary housing when a participant cannot stay in their current home and is waiting for a longer-term housing solution. It is designed as a short-term measure, not permanent housing.

An NDIS participant may be eligible for MTA if they cannot safely remain in their current accommodation, have no other suitable housing options, and have a clear plan for long-term housing. Each request is assessed individually by the NDIA.

The NDIA funds MTA to reduce risk and instability when housing arrangements break down or are delayed. It ensures participants have a safe place to live while longer-term housing solutions are being organised, provided the support is reasonable and necessary.

Medium term accommodation is usually funded for up to 90 days at a time. The NDIA expects participants to be actively working toward a longer-term housing outcome during this period.

Yes, MTA funding may be extended if housing delays continue, but extensions are not guaranteed. You must provide evidence that MTA is still necessary and that reasonable steps are being taken to secure long-term accommodation.

MTA funding covers accommodation costs only, such as rent or a daily accommodation charge. It does not cover living expenses or support services.

MTA funding does not include groceries, utilities, personal expenses, or daily living costs. Personal care, community access, and other supports must be funded separately through other parts of your NDIS plan.

MTA is commonly used when someone is leaving hospital, transitioning from another care setting, waiting for home modifications, or experiencing delays in accessing long-term housing and cannot safely remain where they are.

No. Short term accommodation (STA), now known as short term respite (STR) is usually used for respite or short breaks, often lasting days or weeks. Medium term accommodation is used when a participant cannot live at home and needs temporary housing while waiting for a longer-term solution.

Supported independent living (SIL) is an ongoing support arrangement for long-term housing. Medium term accommodation is temporary and does not provide a permanent living arrangement or long-term support structure.

Yes, medium term accommodation can be used while waiting for specialist disability accommodation (SDA) to become available. However, MTA does not replace SDA and is only intended as a temporary solution.

To access MTA, you must show that you cannot remain in your current accommodation, that no suitable alternatives are available, and that you have a clear plan for long-term housing. Support coordinators and planners can help prepare and submit the required evidence to the NDIA.