What is Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)?
Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is an NDIS-funded home and living support that provides a temporary place to live when you can’t move into your long-term home because your disability supports aren’t ready.
It is not a standalone support. Instead, it’s added to your NDIS plan as part of your broader home and living needs.
MTA is usually funded for up to 90 days, but can be extended in special circumstances if your housing delays are longer.
👉 Example: You might need MTA while waiting for home modifications or assistive technology to be completed in your long-term home.
What Does MTA Cover?
MTA only covers the cost of accommodation for the period you need it.
It does not cover:
Day-to-day living costs (food, electricity, internet, etc.)
Personal care supports
Other NDIS supports you may need
These are funded separately under other parts of your plan.
What MTA is Not
It’s important to understand that MTA is not:
❌ Short Term Accommodation (STA), such as respite or holidays
❌ Emergency housing
❌ Long-term rent or mortgage assistance
👉 For general housing needs, there are mainstream and community supports available in each state and territory.
Eligibility for MTA
To qualify for Medium Term Accommodation, you must meet all three criteria:
✅ You have a long-term home confirmed to move into after MTA.
✅ You can’t move in yet because your disability supports (e.g., modifications, technology) are not ready.
✅ You can’t stay in your current accommodation while you wait.
If you don’t meet these conditions, you may still be eligible for other NDIS housing supports or mainstream housing services.
How to Confirm Your Long-Term Home
You’ll need to provide evidence that your long-term home is secured, such as:
A tenancy agreement or mortgage
A service provider’s letter confirming housing and support
Proof that home modifications are underway (e.g., tradesperson report)
The NDIA will also want a confirmed move-in date, generally within 90 days.
When MTA is Needed
MTA may apply when:
Your home modifications (ramps, hoists, accessible bathrooms) are not yet complete
You’re waiting for a vacancy in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO)
You’re being discharged from hospital or justice settings, and your permanent home isn’t ready
👉 Learn more about Supported Independent Living (SIL)
👉 Learn more about Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Examples
Lee’s Story: Lee is leaving aged care and has secured a Specialist Disability Accommodation home, but it won’t be ready for two months. He can’t stay in his current housing. He’s eligible for MTA.
Nhung’s Story: Nhung will move into her SDA home in two months, but she can stay with family until then. She isn’t eligible for MTA.
Funding Rules
Duration: Typically up to 90 days (extensions possible if supported by evidence).
Costs covered: Only the rental cost of accommodation.
Costs not covered: Living expenses, utilities, or personal care.
Limits: Claims must fit within the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
What If You’re Not Eligible?
If you don’t qualify for MTA, the NDIA may consider:
Other home and living supports under the NDIS
Mainstream housing services, such as community housing providers
Support from your family or carers where reasonable
👉 Learn more about NDIS Home and Living Supports
Key Takeaways
MTA is temporary accommodation support under the NDIS.
It’s only funded if you have a confirmed long-term home that isn’t ready.
Funding is usually limited to 90 days and covers only the accommodation cost.
You’ll need to provide evidence (such as tenancy agreements or modification reports).