As of 3 October 2024, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has introduced significant changes to how participants can use their funding. These updates include new NDIS support lists, laws and registration levels for providers, and funding plan limits. The aim is to improve transparency, ensure NDIS funding is used effectively, and help participants achieve their disability-related goals. This blog will break down the key changes, provide practical comparisons of supports that can no longer be funded, and explain how they may impact you.
Key Changes to NDIS Support Lists
The new NDIS support lists provide clear guidelines on what participants can and cannot use their funding for, with more specific rules to ensure funds are spent on supports directly related to a participant’s disability needs.
Supports No Longer Covered by NDIS Funding
Several services that were previously covered are now excluded from NDIS funding. Below are some key examples of services that can no longer be funded:
- Gym Memberships:
Before: Participants could use their NDIS funding to cover gym memberships to maintain general health and wellbeing.
Now: Gym memberships are no longer funded unless they form part of a structured and necessary exercise program directly related to your disability, such as a tailored program recommended by a physiotherapist. - Holiday Expenses:
Before: NDIS funding could be used for some holiday-related expenses, including flights or accommodation.
Now: Only disability-related costs during travel are eligible, such as accessible transport or a support worker. General holiday expenses, such as flights and accommodation, must now be paid for privately. - Household Cleaning Services:
Before: NDIS funds could be used for general cleaning services.
Now: Cleaning services will only be funded if they are necessary for maintaining a safe and hygienic living environment due to your disability. Routine cleaning not linked to your disability will no longer be covered. - Food Services:
Before: Some participants could use NDIS funding for meal delivery services.
Now: Meal delivery services will only be covered if specifically required because of your disability, for example, if you are physically unable to prepare meals. General food services, including those for convenience, are no longer eligible for funding.
New Provider Registration Levels
The NDIS has introduced a new registration system for providers, helping participants select services based on the qualifications and capacity of their provider. Providers are now registered under three levels:- Level 1 Providers: These providers offer basic services such as assistance with daily personal activities or household tasks. Level 1 providers may suit participants with lower support needs.
- Level 2 Providers: These providers offer intermediate services, including therapies like occupational therapy or physiotherapy. If you need regular therapy or specialised services, you will need to use a Level 2 provider.
- Level 3 Providers: These providers are certified to offer high-level supports, such as complex healthcare services or behaviour support. Participants with significant or complex support needs should ensure they are using a Level 3 provider.
Funding Plan Limits: What You Need to Know
A major change is the introduction of funding plan limits, which place caps on certain support categories. These limits ensure that funding is allocated fairly and effectively across all your needs.What Are Funding Plan Limits?
- Before: Participants had flexibility in allocating funds across different support categories.
- Now: Specific limits are set on how much you can spend in certain areas, such as therapies, transport, or equipment. This ensures funds are not overspent in one category at the expense of others.
Example: Transport Services
If you previously allocated a large portion of your budget to transport services, you may now need to reassess this, as there may be a cap on how much funding you can allocate to transport. Speak to your NDIS planner to ensure that your transport needs are met within the new limits.New Definitions of NDIS Supports
The NDIS has also updated its definition of “reasonable and necessary” supports. This means participants can only use their funding for supports that directly contribute to their disability goals. General expenses, such as food and holiday costs, are now considered personal expenses and cannot be funded by the NDIS.Changes to Plan Management Types
If you are self-managing your NDIS funds and find it difficult to manage payments or budgeting, the NDIA can now adjust your plan management type. This change allows participants who struggle with self-management to switch to agency-managed or plan-managed funding to ensure effective use of their funds.Revised Funding Periods and Budgets
To give participants better control over their funding, new and reviewed plans will now provide clearer details of total budget amounts, funding components, and funding periods. This transparency will help participants manage their funding more effectively and stay within the new plan limits.Practical Steps for Participants: What You Can Do Now
- Review Your Current Plan:
Review your current NDIS plan and identify any supports that are no longer covered. If you’ve been using funding for gym memberships, food services, or holiday-related costs, you will need to adjust your plan to comply with the new guidelines. Contact us if you want to discuss these options with us! - Explore Substitutes:
In some cases, you may be able to request a substitute support. For example, if meal delivery is no longer funded, you may be able to seek assistance with meal preparation if it’s necessary due to your disability. - Work with Your Planner:
If you are unsure how these changes will affect your plan, contact your NDIS planner. They can help you reallocate funding and find alternative supports that align with the new rules. - Check Provider Registration Levels:
Ensure your current providers are registered at the appropriate level for your support needs. If your provider is no longer eligible to offer a service you need, you may need to transition to a different provider.
Find Out More: Useful Resources
For more detailed information on the new NDIS changes, you can explore the following resources:
- New NDIS Support Lists 2024
- NDIS Support Lists in Easy Read
- NDIS Participant Plan Management Types
- NDIS Plan Management Guide
- Applying to the NDIS
- Leaving the NDIS Guide
- Reasonable and Necessary Supports
We’re Here to Help
At Avas Support, we understand that these changes can be challenging. Our team is here to support you through the transition and help you make the most out of your NDIS plan. If you have any questions or need assistance in adjusting your plan, feel free to contact us.
Contact Us Today:
If you need personalised advice about how these changes affect your specific circumstances, reach out to us. Together, we can ensure your NDIS plan continues to meet your needs while staying compliant with the updated guidelines
