NDIS UPDATED

The Australian government is rolling out NDIS reforms starting from Thursday, 3 October 2024. These changes will affect various aspects of the NDIS, including:

· Eligibility assessment

· Funded supports

· Plan management

· Funding allocation

· Information gathering for reassessment

While most participants may not notice changes immediately, a new planning framework will be introduced in 2025. The government assures that the purpose of the NDIS remains unchanged – to fund disability-related supports (Source from https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation#ndis-support-lists-available viewed 13/01/2025).

The NDIS now has a list that outlines: What you can spend your funding on (eligible supports) What you can’t spend your funding on (ineligible supports)NDIS funding will only cover supports related to the impairment that led to your acceptance into the NDIS. You can only use your funds on supports related to this impairment. The NDIS is working with states and territories to finalise this list. The changes won’t significantly impact most participants. There will be a transition period for the first year, to allow participants to adjust.(Source from https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation#ndis-support-lists-available view 16/01/2025)

From 3 October 2024, all new plans will have a total budget amount, replacing individual line items. This means a total amount will be provided for all supports, making it easier to manage your budget. You can’t spend more than what’s allocated in your plan. All new plans will be for 12 months but longer plans will return in the future (https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation#ndis-support-lists-available viewed 13/12/2024)

From 3 October 2024, the NDIS introduces new criteria for reasonable and necessary supports:

· Supports must be linked directly to your impairment that qualifies you for the NDIS.

· Supports must meet the existing criteria (e.g., value for money, help you reach your goals).

· The wording will change from "most appropriately funded through the NDIS" to "the support is a NDIS support for the participant."

(Source from https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation#ndis-support-lists-available viewed 14/11/2024)

Navigating this journey can be stressful and confusing

but NSC is here to support you every step of the way.