NDIS Medium Term Accommodation | Understanding Eligibility

NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) offers a stable, short-to-medium term living solution.

For many participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), secure, suitable housing for people with disabilities is essential to wellbeing and independence.

When a confirmed long-term home isn’t immediately ready, such as when a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property is being completed, or home modifications are underway, Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) provides temporary housing while you wait for your permanent solution to become available.

To receive NDIS Medium Term Accommodation funding through your plan, you must meet specific eligibility requirements that demonstrate transitional housing is a reasonable and necessary support for your individual circumstances.

NDIS Medium Term Accommodation Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) support, the following must generally be true:

Medium Term Accommodation can only be included in plans where the participant has active NDIS funding.

The NDIS expects there to be a clear, confirmed housing outcome, such as a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property, private rental with modifications, or a suitable forever home, that you can move into once it’s available.

Delays beyond your control, such as construction timelines, home modifications, or hospital discharge without a suitable place to live, are typical examples.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will assess whether MTA is the best way to meet your needs during this transitional period. They’ll explore if other options (such as short-term stays with family or through Short Term Accommodation) are reasonable or realistic.

NDIS medium term accommodation - MTA Adelaide participant - NDIS support services

The ‘Reasonable and Necessary’ Test

When the NDIA reviews a request for Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), it must meet the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria. This means the accommodation:

Supports you to work towards your goals, including independence and community participation.
Offers value for money compared with other supports or alternatives.
Is clear in purpose and connection to your disability-related needs.

Providing thorough evidence is crucial. This can include reports from occupational therapists, housing specialists, discharge summaries from hospitals, and a written explanation of why NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is required.

How NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding works

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding is usually provided from your Core Supports under the category of Assistance with Daily Life. This is what that implies in practice:

What Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding covers:

Up to 90 days of accommodation while waiting for a confirmed long-term housing solution like SDA, home modifications, or another permanent option.
Sometimes over 90 days if you provide evidence that your long‑term housing will be ready later, like confirmation from a builder or SDA provider, and the NDIA agrees it’s reasonable and necessary.
Accommodation is part of your broader “home and living” supports in your NDIS plan, including Supported Independent Living (SIL), SDA, or other supports. MTA isn’t funded alone; it must be part of an overall housing pathway.
Accommodation costs only.

What it typically doesn’t cover:

Regular living costs (such as food, transport, and household expenses).
Activities, community participation costs or transport.
Personal care and support. Separate NDIS budget line items (like Core Supports, SIL) should cover support workers, personal care, and daily living during the MTA period.
Rent or mortgage on your primary residence during MTA, or capital costs to buy or build a home.

Because NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) focuses on accommodation, you will still need support workers and personal care funded through the relevant parts of your NDIS plan if required.

Housing for people with disabilities - ndis medium term accommodation

Applying for NDIS Medium Term Accommodation Funding

Practical Steps

Applying for Medium Term Accommodation funding can feel overwhelming, but well-prepared applications make a big difference. Here’s an easy-to-follow process:

Clarify Your Need: Describe why you need transitional housing: Are you waiting for home modifications? Is discharge from the hospital imminent, and you don’t have a suitable place to go?
Gather Supporting Evidence: Include occupational therapy reports, housing plans, hospital discharge summaries, and any professional recommendations that confirm your long-term housing and explain the delay.
Work With Your Support Coordinator or LAC: Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) plays a key role in submitting a clear, compelling request to the NDIA. They can help articulate your needs and submit a plan review request on your behalf.
Submit a Request for Plan Review: Through your NDIA planner or support coordinator, request a review of your plan to include MTA funding, supported with evidence.
NDIA Assessment: The NDIA will assess the evidence against the reasonable and necessary criteria and decide whether to include Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) in your plan.

Tips for a Successful Application

Here are some practical tips that can often assist with the MTA funding process:

Start Early: Begin gathering evidence and discussing your situation with your support coordinator well before your current accommodation becomes unsuitable.
Be Detailed and Clear: A strong application clearly outlines your long-term plan, the reason for delay, and why MTA is needed.
Keep Communication Open: Stay in regular contact with your support coordinator and the NDIA throughout the review process.

Benefits of Housing for People with Disabilities

Securing NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) funding can offer meaningful support and peace of mind. Some practical benefits of housing for people with disabilities include:

A Safe Temporary Place to Stay: A supportive environment while transitional living arrangements are underway can reduce stress and health risks.
Continuity of Support: You are able to maintain important support services and routines while waiting for your long-term home.
Greater Focus on Planning: Without the pressure of urgently needing housing, you and your support team can focus on preparing for your long-term housing goals.

Our Modbury facility offers purpose-built housing for people with disabilities, with fully equipped en-suite rooms that are universally accessible. Amenities include lockable cupboards, Smart TVs, downlights, internet access, a specially designed en-suite, and large windows for natural light.

Example of housing for people with disabilities - ndis medium term accommodation

NDIS Housing for People with Disabilities Made Simpler

If you would like guidance on your eligibility or on navigating the NDIS Medium Term Accommodation application process, our team at Para Ability Community Care is here to help. We take the time to listen, support your goals, and work alongside you to find the right accommodation and support solutions within the NDIS framework.

Let us help you confidently move toward a comfortable, supported living arrangement while your long-term housing is finalised.

Understanding NDIS Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) Eligibility