Important NDIS Changes

Important NDIS Updates: What You Need to Know

The NDIA recently announced some important changes as part of their legislative update, which came into effect on Thursday, October 3, 2024. These changes may affect how you can use your NDIS supports, so we want to make sure you’re fully informed.

Some changes are happening right away, while others will take a little longer to roll out.
Below is a quick summary of what changed on October 3.

Changes to NDIS Plans

  • New plans will now show your total budget, the amounts for each funding component, and the funding periods.

  • Starting October 3, all new plans will be valid for up to 12 months. You won’t be able to spend more than what’s allocated in your plan, and you’ll need to use your funds within the set period. We’ll share more updates as we receive them.

New Definition of NDIS Supports

The NDIA has created new lists that outline what can and can’t be funded by the NDIS. Starting October 3, 2024, you can only use your NDIS funding on things that are defined as "NDIS supports."

Here are some examples of items that won’t be funded under your NDIS plan:

  • Cruises, holiday packages, holiday accommodation, airfares (including interstate and overseas travel), passports, visas, and travel-related activities and meals

  • Mobile phones, accessories, tablets, and SIM cards

  • Fast food, takeaway, and food delivery services

  • Memberships to recreational clubs and standard gym equipment

  • Alternative therapies like crystal therapy, tarot reading, and cuddle therapy

  • Sexual services

This is not the full list. To see the complete lists of what can and can’t be funded, please visit the link below.

The full NDIA support lists are available here. 

Next Steps for participants

As of October 3, we are now required by the NDIA to not pay claims for items that are no longer eligible by NDIA. If this applies to any of your claims, we’ll be in touch to guide you through what to do next.

What You Can Do Now

  • If you’re not using any of the supports that are no longer eligible, you don’t need to do anything!

  • If you are using any of those supports, here are a few next steps:

    • Submit any claims for services dated before October 3, 2024, as you usually would to CCPC (Plan management participants only)

    • Review the full NDIA support lists to see what is now eligible and what isn’t (you can find the link below).

    • Check your current supports to see if they are still eligible for funding. If you’re unsure, check your NDIS plan, talk to your provider, or ask you CoS.

    • Reach out to your providers if you think their services are no longer covered. Your "My NDIS contact" is also a great resource to help you navigate these changes. They can assist you if any services are no longer eligible, but you feel they should be included in your plan. This process is called applying for "Replacement Supports."


Resources

 We’re Here to Help

We understand these changes can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as we work through these changes together.