Starting on 3 October 2024, the NDIS will introduce important changes to its supports definition. These updates provide clearer guidelines on what can and cannot be funded. If you are a participant, it’s essential to understand how these NDIS support changes in 2024 will impact your funding and plan.
This article will guide you through the updates, explaining what the new rules mean and how they might affect your NDIS funding.
What Has Changed?
The most significant NDIS support changes are the introduction of a clearer definition of what NDIS supports cover. Previously, some participants used their funding for items or services not directly related to their disability. Now, the NDIS has set clearer rules to ensure that funding is only used for services directly tied to a participant’s disability, care, or independence.
From 3 October 2024, only services and items that meet the new NDIS supports definition will be eligible for funding. These categories include:
- Daily personal activities
- Transport for community access
- Therapeutic supports (such as physiotherapy or speech therapy)
- Support workers for community engagement
Suppose you mistakenly use your funding for an ineligible service. In that case, the NDIS support changes provide clearer guidelines on how to fix the issue and better understand the rules.
What Can You Use Your NDIS Funding For?
Under the NDIS support changes, funding will be limited to services and products directly supporting your disability needs. These are the key areas where your NDIS funding can be used:
- Personal care and daily living supports: Assistance with day-to-day activities like dressing, eating, or managing personal hygiene.
- Therapeutic supports: This includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help improve functional skills.
- Mobility equipment: Items like wheelchairs, walking frames, or other equipment to help you move around independently.
- Transport: Covered if it’s necessary for you to access community, social, or work-related activities.
- Assistive technology: Devices or systems that support communication, mobility, and safety for people with disabilities.
For more details on what services qualify under the NDIS support changes, visit the NDIS website.
What Can’t You Use Your NDIS Funding For?
The NDIS support changes also introduce restrictions on what is no longer eligible for funding. Here are some examples of items that will no longer be covered:
- Gym memberships and fitness programs: Previously, general gym memberships or fitness programs were covered if they supported health and well-being. Under the new rules, only exercise programs that address specific disability-related physical needs will be eligible for funding.
- Recreational activities: In the past, some participants could use their NDIS funding for recreational activities like movie tickets, concerts, or other social outings. The NDIS support changes now limit this funding to recreational activities directly related to a participant’s disability support needs.
- Household items: General household items like new furniture or appliances will no longer be eligible for funding. Only items directly related to a participant’s disability, such as specialised equipment or assistive technology, will be covered.
- General travel: NDIS funding was sometimes used for taxis or rideshares for general travel purposes. The NDIS support changes limit funding to travel related explicitly to accessing disability supports or services, such as medical appointments.
- Meal preparation and food costs: While the cost of groceries, meal delivery, or pre-made meals will no longer be covered, participants can still receive support for meal preparation if it helps with their disability-related needs.
- Self-improvement programs: Previously, participants could use NDIS funding for self-improvement programs or life coaching, even if they weren’t directly related to their disability. Under the NDIS support changes, only self-improvement programs focusing on managing or improving disability-related outcomes will be eligible. General life coaching or personal development programs will no longer be funded unless they specifically address disability needs.
- Pets and animal care: In the past, some participants used their NDIS funding for pet care or to support companion animals. The NDIS support changes limit this funding to assistance animals that are trained and certified for disability support. While emotionally beneficial, regular pets or companion animals will no longer be eligible for NDIS funding.
- Health services not related to disability: Previously, NDIS funding could be used for health services like dental care or medical treatments, even if they weren’t directly related to a participant’s disability. The NDIS support changes now limit funding to health services directly related to managing a participant’s disability. Routine medical services, such as dental check-ups or treatments not linked to disability, will no longer be covered.
- Home modifications not related to disability: Previously, NDIS could cover home modifications that made living spaces more comfortable, even if they weren’t essential for disability access. Under the NDIS support changes, only modifications necessary for accessibility, safety, or mobility (such as ramps or widened doorways) will be funded. General home renovations will no longer be covered.
How These Changes Affect Your NDIS Plan
The NDIS support changes will also affect how your funding appears in your NDIS plan. From 3 October 2024, participants will see a total budget amount representing the full funding available for all supports. While this clarifies how much funding is available, you cannot exceed the amount allocated for each support category.
These changes ensure that participants use their funding within the limits set for eligible services. For more information on how your NDIS plan will change, visit the NDIS website’s plan management section.
Staying Informed About NDIS Changes
Understanding the NDIS support changes is crucial for managing your funding effectively. Suppose you’re unsure whether something is still covered under the new rules. In that case, consulting with your NDIS planner or support coordinator for guidance is always a good idea.
The NDIS regularly updates its website with important information about changes to the scheme. Be sure to check the official NDIS resources often to stay informed about the NDIS support changes and ensure you’re using your funding correctly.
The key changes include a clearer definition of what services and items can be funded under the NDIS. Starting from 3 October 2024, funding will be limited to services that are directly related to a participant’s disability. Items like gym memberships, recreational activities, and general household items will no longer be covered unless they are specifically related to disability support.
You can use your NDIS funding for services and products directly tied to your disability, such as personal care, therapeutic supports, mobility equipment, transport for community access, and assistive technology.
Items no longer covered include general gym memberships, recreational activities not related to your disability, household items (unless disability-specific), general travel costs, and pet care for non-assistance animals. Self-improvement programs and health services not related to your disability will also no longer be eligible for funding.
Yes, your NDIS plan will now display a total budget amount for all supports, and funding for each support category cannot exceed the allocated amount. You’ll need to ensure your funding is used for eligible supports only.
If you are unsure about what is covered under the new rules, it’s best to consult with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. The NDIS also regularly updates its website with the latest information, so be sure to check there for official guidance.
