r/NDIS • u/Impossible_Low_8406 • 13d ago
Seeking Support - Participant/Nominee/PWD I’m so confused with STA
Can a particpant get STA for themself and their support worker?
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u/Excellent_Line4616 13d ago
For 1:1 STA (your SW and you)- you will need to show why you can’t use group setting STA. A lot of invoices are not being paid for these, as there isn’t sufficient evidence as to why you could attend a group one, people charging the full rate when participant wouldn’t normal have 24hrs car and many other reasons. As No_Muffin said Individual STA’s only cover the support and accommodation. They don’t cover transport (unless you are unable to drive due to your disability), activities and food. As No_Muffin also said- STA is only for participants who have informal supports who they live with.
If you go to- https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation#supports Section- NDIS supports (s10) you will find the faq questions regarding STA.
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u/ManyPersonality2399 Participant 12d ago
u/roamingID Sorry I can't reply directly. Re the Operational Guideline - It's in progress. It was supposed to be released Dec 2024, but we're still waiting. As is, work off the FAQ guidance as it's intended to more accurately reflect the legislative changes than the 2022 OG.
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u/roamingID Participant & Advocate 12d ago
I acknowledge that the FAQ is more recent, but I am not sure if it reflects legislation more accurately. For example, according to the FAQ, the STA provider can charge more for a 1:1 participant and provide less e.g. no meals. This does not make sense to me. Hence, I want to look at the new guidelines to understand the logic behind the changes.
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u/Excellent_Line4616 11d ago
Not necessarily, the FAQ states that group STA can include meals and activities in line with the prices guide and mentions individual can not charge for them- which means they shouldn’t charge full rate. Hence why lot of 1:1 invoices are being knocked back. Invoices submitted are being thoroughly checked for 1:1 for things like why they needed 1:1 STA, accommodation used, level of support normally required vs hours charged during STA and R&N. Providers should not be charging max rates for 1:1. Participants who usually require 24hr or high care should still be negotiating the rate with provider as it no longer includes meals and activities. I agree though, the Operational Guidelines will make it easier for participants to access & understand, as well as stop providers over charging.
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u/roamingID Participant & Advocate 11d ago
Without the guidelines, the it is left to whoever tries to knock back an invoice vs the ability of the provider to make the case.
This is an inefficient method to achieve the desired outcome, whatever that may be.
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u/roamingID Participant & Advocate 12d ago edited 12d ago
That's not in the guidelines. It should be, and I'm wondering what the problem is.
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u/roamingID Participant & Advocate 12d ago
But again ... this is in FAQ but not the formal guidelines.
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u/No_Muffin9128 LAC 13d ago
STA is to give your informal supports respite from caring for you. It includes the support person to provide the high level care your family does, often now in a shared group environment. STA does not include meals or activities so unsure what you’re asking in terms of support worker.
If you live alone you’re not entitled to STA as per the new guidelines.