The Australian Government has introduced the most significant changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since its launch. These updates started rolling out in 2024 and are designed to improve accessibility, streamline processes, and better support participants. Here’s a quick summary of the key updates:
Here’s a closer look at each change and how it might impact you.
Increased Flexibility in Core Supports
One of the key updates is greater flexibility in how you can use your Core Supports funding. This change allows you to allocate funding across various Core Support categories, such as daily living, transport, and consumables, without restrictions. For example, if you need more funding for transport in a particular month, you can reallocate funds from other Core Support areas like consumables to cover the cost. This ensures you can adapt your plan to real-time needs without requiring formal approval.
Plan Reviews Made Easier
The NDIS has introduced new measures to simplify the plan review process. Scheduled plan reviews, enhanced in October 2024, are now more focused on your needs. This includes a streamlined process for submitting documentation, clearer communication about what is required, and shorter wait times for review outcomes. You can now attend virtual review meetings, reducing the need for travel and making the process more convenient. For unscheduled plan reviews, a dedicated support team is available to assist you in navigating changes to your circumstances.
Introduction of Impairment Notices
From December 2024, impairment notices were introduced as a new type of document within the NDIS. For new participants and plan reviews, these notices play a key role in determining your support needs by providing evidence of your disability and its impact on your daily life. Designed for clarity and consistency, impairment notices must follow a standardised format. You will also be provided with clear guidelines on the documentation needed, ensuring a smoother and more transparent process when applying for NDIS support.
New Definitions of Support
The NDIS introduced updated definitions for different types of support. These changes aim to reduce confusion and ensure you understand what is covered under your plan. For example, capacity-building supports now explicitly include skill development for employment and independent living, while assistive technology has a clearer framework for funding. These definitions are designed to align more closely with your goals and ensure your funding is used effectively.
New Framework Plans
A new planning framework is being developed, we’re not yet sure on the timings for the roll-out of new framework plans although at this stage it’s anticipated that it will commence in 2025. The new planning framework will include a flexible budget, informed by a support needs assessment, arranged by the NDIS. New framework plans will also include ‘funding periods’ that define how often you can access a portion of your total budget. This means you may get a longer plan, such as a three-year plan, with three funding periods of one year each. Any unspent funds will rollover between funding periods within the same plan.
Changes to Reasonable and Necessary Support Criteria
The new NDIS changes introduce additional criteria for "reasonable and necessary" supports. Here’s what this looks like.
Existing: Supports purchased by NDIS funds must meet all the following reasonable and necessary criteria:
New: In addition to the criteria above, the support must be necessary to address your needs arising from the impairment that met the disability requirements to enter the NDIS.
More Support for First Nations Participants
The NDIS is expanding efforts to provide culturally appropriate services for First Nations participants. These initiatives, include partnerships with Indigenous-led organisations to ensure services are designed and delivered with cultural sensitivity. The NDIS is also providing training for service providers to better understand and respect cultural practices and traditions. Additionally, community-based engagement hubs are being established in regional and remote areas, allowing First Nations participants to access support closer to home and in a culturally safe environment.
Improved Communication and Accessibility
The NDIS is committed to clearer communication. This includes providing information in plain language and accessible formats such as Easy Read, Auslan and translated materials. The NDIS has also introduced a 1800 helpline and live web chat service, enabling you to get immediate support or answers to your questions. Also, regular updates will be sent via email, text, and through the NDIS participant portal to keep you informed about important changes.
What These Changes Mean for You
These updates are designed to improve the NDIS and ensure the scheme works better for participants. If you are an existing NDIS participant, many of the changes will not come in effect until your next plan period. Here are some practical tips to make the most of the changes:
For more information or assistance, visit the NDIS website, they have a dedicated page covering changes to NDIS legislation.
The Australian Government has introduced the most significant changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since its launch. These updates started rolling out in 2024 and are designed to improve accessibility, streamline processes, and better support participants. We've summarised the changes and what they may mean for you.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recently introduced updates to its impairment notice processes, aimed at enhancing clarity, fairness, and efficiency for participants. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what it means, and how it might affect participants.
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations (UN) day observed internationally on the 3rd December each year. It aims to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
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