Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)

Understanding NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation

Medium-term accommodation, often referred to as MTA, is a transitional disability housing support with a time limit. It serves the purpose of addressing a participant’s housing needs related to their disability while they await the implementation of other disability-related supports that will enable them to move into a long-term housing solution.

Key Characteristics of Medium-Term Accommodation

1. Accommodation Component: MTA funding primarily covers the accommodation aspect.

2. Concurrent with Other Supports: MTA runs concurrently with an individual’s informal support network and NDIS-funded supports, which may include assistive technology, assistance with daily life, and community access supports.

3. Contingent on a Long-Term Housing Solution: MTA is only funded when there is confirmation of a long-term housing solution. This confirmation might stem from offers for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) tenancy, pending availability, or awaiting home modifications for a privately owned or rented property.

Eligibility for Medium-Term Accommodation

The NDIS typically funds medium-term accommodation for participants who are in the following situations:

1. Transitioning from Institutional Settings: Individuals who are leaving hospital, rehabilitation, aged care, or custodial settings and require transitional accommodation support before moving into a confirmed long-term housing solution.

2. Unsustainable Living Arrangements: Participants residing in accommodation arrangements that are no longer sustainable due to the impact of their disability and who have confirmation of a long-term housing solution.

Instances Where Medium-Term Accommodation Support Is Not Funded

MTA support is generally not funded in the following cases:

1. Social or Community Housing Waiting Lists: Participants waiting for social or community housing but lacking confirmation of a tenancy offer. However, exceptions apply if there is a confirmed offer from a community housing provider or a state government office of housing, pending other disability-related supports.

2. Short-Term Accommodation (STA) Needs: Participants who require Short-Term Accommodation, including respite, rather than medium-term accommodation.

3. Crisis or Rapid Changes: MTA is not funded as a response to crisis situations or rapid changes in circumstances, unless the participant is waiting for disability-specific supports and has confirmation of a long-term housing solution.

4. No Need for Disability-Related Supports: MTA is not provided when a participant doesn’t require disability-related supports linked to their long-term housing solution.

Long-Term Housing Solutions

Long-term housing solutions can encompass:

1. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): This may include scenarios where a participant has been offered an SDA tenancy but it’s not yet available.

2. Home Modifications: Participants awaiting the completion of home modifications for their existing accommodation, which can be their own home or private rental.

Funding and Duration

MTA is generally funded for a period of up to 90 days. If there is concrete evidence that the long-term housing solution will be available within a specified timeframe, funding for MTA may be extended accordingly. This evidence could pertain to the availability of a vacancy, a new build, or the completion of home modifications.

Clear Description in Participant Supports Statement

To ensure the provision of MTA support as intended, it is vital to describe funding for medium-term accommodation supports explicitly in the participant’s statement of participant supports. This will guarantee that the support is purchased and provided as specified to meet the participant’s housing support needs.