NDIS Legislation Changes: Your Essential Update
The Australian Parliament has recently passed legislation that will bring changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which started on the 3rd of October 2024. These updates aim to make the system clearer, more transparent, and sustainable, while maintaining the core purpose of supporting people with disabilities. Although these changes have been widely discussed across the community, for most participants, the way they experience the NDIS won’t change significantly right away.
What’s Changing:
Definition of Supports: A new, clearer definition of NDIS supports will come into effect, specifying what funding can and cannot be used for. This will help participants better understand their budgets and avoid confusion.
In certain cases, participants may request to use their funding for supports not explicitly covered by the NDIS, provided it offers better outcomes. More details on this will be shared in the coming weeks.
Budgeting and Funding Periods: Plans created after the 3rd of October will display the total budget instead of listing individual supports. This change makes clear the total funding available in your plan and how long the funds need to last. You can’t spend more funding than what’s available in your plan.
Access and Eligibility Adjustments: Eligibility criteria and processes for accessing the NDIS may shift, with an increased focus on reassessments to ensure participants receive appropriate supports. Participants will also notice changes based on their impairment.
Stronger Oversight: The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will receive new powers to ensure service providers comply with standards, ensuring that participants receive high-quality, safe supports.
When the Changes Will Occur:
The first changes were introduced on the 3rd October 2024, but most practical changes, such as the new planning framework, will roll out gradually through 2025. Participants will not experience significant shifts immediately, but it's essential to stay informed and prepared for upcoming updates.
How You Can Prepare:
Until the 3rd of October, providers would have continued to follow the current operational guidelines. Participants are advised to manage their spending according to their existing plans. After this date, new plans will be capped at 12 months, with longer-term plans expected in the future.
To learn more about these updates visit the NDIS website https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation
For a list of definitions that the NDIS has defined as Support visit
https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10434-changes-ndis-legislation-start-today