NDIS changes: support lists, budget amounts & funding periods
3 October, 2024
On 3 October 2024 the NDIS will be making changes to how the NDIS works.
For most people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability with chromosomal variations, these changes should not impact your support from the NDIS.
For some people, your support might change. This is what we know about the changes from the NDIS, that can help you to feel prepared:
About the changes:
Not all changes will start at once.
The first changes will start on 3 October 2024. The changes are:
- A new definition of NDIS Supports
- New budget amounts and funding periods.
We have more information about these these in this article. Other changes will start later.
A new definition of NDIS supports:
What we know:
- From 3 October 2024, there will be a new definition of NDIS supports. This definition makes it clear what NDIS funding can and can’t be spent on.
- You can only spend your NDIS funding on things that are NDIS supports.
- This change will affect all participants.
- The NDIS has listened to some of the feedback on the draft definition of NDIS Supports and made some changes.
- You can find the lists on the NDIS website here – What does NDIS fund? An Easy Read is also available.
- For something to be considered an NDIS support, it must fit within the overarching description provided in the list. An item does not have to be specifically listed in the ‘support list’ to be considered, however if an item is included in the ‘non NDIS supports list’ it will not be considered.
- Claims for supports received from 3 October will be rejected if they are for a non-NDIS support.
- If you make a mistake and buy supports that are not NDIS supports, the NDIS will work with you to help you understand the new rules and access supports that are NDIS supports
- Stated supports and AAT decisions will be allowable for the remainder of the current plan regardless of if they are on the non-NDIS support lists.
- In some limited circumstances you might be able to ask to use your funding for a support that is not an NDIS support. This will be called “Applying for a replacement support”.
- This process for “Applying for a replacement support” will run through a dedicated line on the national contact centre and dedicated email address. They will ask questions about the replacement support you want. Someone from the NDIS will then make a decision and inform you. The process is outlined here, including the form to be used: What does NDIS fund?
- Only certain items will be open for replacement – see NDIS List
- You can only apply once per 12mth period for a specific item
- The decision is made by a dedicated team in the Agency
- Retrospective replacement claims can be made if a claim is rejected.
What we don’t know:
- How some of the detail in the lists will work in practice, eg Specific Independent Living Option arrangements whereby rent is paid in lieu of support costs
- How long it takes to get a replacement support application approved
Budget amounts and funding periods
What we know:
- If your plan is reviewed after 3 October 2024 (not rolled over), your new plan will have a total amount for all supports in your plan. Current plans show line by line supports.
- The new plan will be clear on 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.
- All new plans created after 3 October 2024 will be 12 months and no longer. This is due to a system limitation. In the future, plans will go for longer than this.
What we don’t know:
- What supports will be put in place to enable people to manage their budget.
- What the consequences will be of overspending on plans.
- When plans will be able to go longer than 12 months.
If you have questions:
If you have questions about how your plan will be impacted it is best to contact the NDIS, such as your local area coordinator, to help with your specific questions.