NDIS Legislative Changes - What You Need to Know
If you’re a NDIS participant, family member or provider – you may already be aware the Australian Government have made some changes to the NDIS legislation. Some of these changes came into effect on Thursday, 3 October 2024, while other changes are being rolled out with timings to be confirmed.
These changes under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1) Bill 2024 passed Parliament in August 2024 and were introduced after a review of the NDIS had been conducted. The changes will enable the government to make important updates which are designed to help make the NDIS clearer, fairer and more effective.
“At JP Trusted Advisor, many of our clients, their families, carers and the providers we work alongside have been asking us about these changes and what it means to them,” says Jodi Perkin, JP Trusted Advisor (JPTA) Director. “We’ve put together the most frequently asked questions that our Support Coordinators and Specialist Support Coordinators have been receiving, hoping it might assist you so you know what’s happening, why it is happening and how it might affect your NDIS journey.”
1. Question: What’s changing in the NDIS?
Answer: “The key changes focus on making it clearer what the NDIS will fund by defining the funded supports, while giving participants more flexibility to access the right supports and streamlining processes for providers. The changes are designed to ensure you receive the assistance you need to achieve your goals while making the NDIS easier to navigate.
“Also, the changes will help strengthen the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, helping to maintain the quality and safety of the supports and services you receive.
“At JPTA we understand change can feel overwhelming, but these updates are designed to make the NDIS clearer, fairer and participant friendly,” explains Jodi.
2. Question: Under these changes, what will the NDIS fund?
Answer: All NDIS participants will only be able to use NDIS funds for items that are listed as NDIS supports. New support lists have been created and this will help provide greater clarity on what the NDIS will and won’t fund. These changes started Thursday, 3 October 2024.
To find out more about what the supports, services, items and equipment that are ‘NDIS supports’ and can be funded by the NDIS visit the link below.
To find out more about supports, services, items and equipment that aren’t considered ‘NDIS supports’ and can’t be funded by the NDIS, visit the link below.
3. Question: As a participant, how will these changes impact me?
Answer: These legislative changes are designed to provide you with clearer guidance on funded supports and allow for more informed choices when you are choosing supports and services.
“These legislative changes will affect all NDIS participants,” says Jodi. “It is important to note, that there is also a replacement rule, which will enable participants, on an individual basis and in specific circumstances, to apply for a replacement support that is not a NDIS funded support so you can claim and use that support if it provides better outcomes or value for money for you,” explains Jodi.
“As the NDIS continues to evolve, JPTA encourages you to stay informed about the changes and also understand how these changes may affect your NDIS plan,” says Jodi. “Engaging with support coordinators and utilising resources provided by the NDIS can help you, your family or carers navigate these changes effectively. Plus, we will also keep you updated with changes and other announcements through our website and on our social media channels.”
4. Question: What is a replacement support and where can I find out more information about the replacement rule and requesting a replacement support?
Answer: “Please be aware, a replacement support replaces an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan, it isn’t an extra service, item or piece of equipment,” says Jodi. “Only some items, services or equipment can be replaced by a replacement support and only if you apply for a replacement support and are approved by the NDIS.
“You can apply for a replacement support by filling in an application form on the NDIS website. The NDIS website has included a list of what can be considered as a replacement support. To find out more information about what a replacement support is, how to apply and to fill in the application form for a replacement support, visit the NDIS website.
5. Question: I am a provider, what do I need to know?
Answer: As a NDIS provider, you’ll have more guidance with regards to what supports, services, items and equipment are covered by the NDIS and how you can support participants to achieve their goals.
“As a provider, these changes will help ensure that a participants NDIS funding is used efficiently and effectively to benefit them and help them live their life the way they choose. Plus, keeping up to date with these changes will help you improve your service offering and advice.”
“JPTA can help support you through these changes with our consultancy services – whether you are seeking guidance or wanting to improve, grow or enhance your service delivery, we offer expert support to meet your unique requirements,” says Jodi.
6. Question: What other changes are coming into effect?
Answer: Most changes have come into effect already with the majority having started Thursday, 3 October 2024. To find out more, visit Summary of Legislation Changes by the NDIS.
At JPTA we understand change can feel overwhelming. If you have any questions about your plan, need support coordination or want to learn more about what’s funded under the new legislation, we are here to help.
If you have any questions, please speak to your JPTA Support Coordinator or JPTA Specialist Coordinator or email us.