Questions and Answers
inhomerespitecare.com.au is a free, independent service that connects families on the NDIS with registered providers of in-home respite. Here are the questions people ask most, about respite itself and about how we work. Our guides go into each topic in more depth.
About In-Home Respite
What is in-home respite?
A support worker comes to the home of a person with disability and takes over their care for a set time, so the family or carer gets a break.
Does the NDIS pay for in-home respite?
It can, usually from the flexible Core supports budget in the participant's plan, if it meets the NDIS funding criteria.
What does in-home respite cost?
Providers charge at or below the NDIS maximum prices for NDIA-managed and plan-managed funding. For 2026-27 the national maximum for standard weekday daytime support is $73.58 an hour, and $311.79 for a sleepover.
What's the difference between a sleepover and an active overnight shift?
On a sleepover the worker can sleep and gets up if needed, with up to two hours of active support included. On an active overnight shift the worker stays awake all night.
Is this the same as short-term accommodation?
No. Short-term accommodation, now also called short term respite, is a stay of at least one night, usually away from home, and is funded separately.
Using This Service
What does this service do?
We connect NDIS participants, families, carers and support coordinators with registered NDIS providers who deliver respite in the home. You answer a few questions, we pass your details to one suitable provider, and they contact you.
Does it cost anything?
No. It's free for you. Providers pay us for introductions, which is how we keep it free.
Are you part of the NDIS?
No. We're an independent service. We're not part of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and we don't employ support workers.
How soon will someone contact me?
It depends on the provider. We follow up to check you were contacted. If you haven't heard back, email us and we'll chase it.
Do you cover my area?
We take enquiries from every state and territory. Put the postcode of the home in the form.
Can I use this for aged care respite?
No. This service is for people with disability. For an older person, see My Aged Care. Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) can help any carer in an emergency.
Your Details
Who sees my details?
Only the registered provider we match you with. If they can't help, we pass your details to another registered provider, one at a time, up to 3 in total. Nobody else gets them for their own marketing.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. Email hello@inhomerespitecare.com.au and we'll stop passing your details on and let any provider we've introduced you to know.
Why do you ask about care needs?
So the provider can send a worker with the right training, and you don't have to explain everything twice. We ask for your consent first because this is sensitive information.
For Support Coordinators and Providers
Can I refer a participant?
Yes. Use the referral form. Please check the participant, or their nominee, agrees to the referral first. We'll let you know who's picking it up.
I'm a respite provider. Can I join?
If you're registered with the NDIS Commission and have workers to send into homes, register your interest on the providers page and we'll be in touch.
New to respite? Start with what respite care is or all our guides.
Ready for a Break?