NDIS funding changes: What new rules mean for Aussies

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has introduced several new key reforms. Here’s how they will affect participants and the families of those with disabilities.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is undergoing a raft of changes, with the introduction of funding periods and other reforms.

Here’s what it means for participants in the scheme and the families of those with disabilities.

HOW LONG DOES NDIS FUNDING LAST?

In the biggest shake-up of the scheme, different funding periods have been introduced to new and reassessed plans.

In a move that will have a huge impact on how participants budget their money, funding periods will now be set at three months rather than 12 months.

The NDIS said the change, which was implemented last month, will help participants avoid overspending or running out of funds.

Funding periods are being overhauled by the NDIS. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Unused funds won’t roll over into a new plan, so it’s important to manage your budget carefully, the NDIS said.

Funding periods will not change the total amount of funding to be used for therapies or goods in a participant’s plan, only when the money becomes available, the NDIS said.

The change is currently being rolled out gradually and participants will not be affected until they receive a new or reassessed plan.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER NDIS CHANGES?

New people accessing the NDIS will receive an impairment notice from the NDIA, which will list their impairment in relation to which they met the disability and/or early intervention requirements.

In another recent change, all NDIS claims needs to be made within two years of providing the support by the participant or the person managing their plans.

Key changes are being made to the definition of NDIS supports as well as plan management.

WHAT ABOUT PLAN MANAGEMENT?

Under new rules, NDIS participants can ask a plan management request, which means their plan will be managed by a particular person or in a particular way. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) must accept a participant’s plan management request unless the NDIS Act or rules give them a reason not to.

A series of changes will affect those who participate in the scheme.

WHAT ABOUT CHANGES TO NDIS SUPPORTS?

Another key change is the new definition of NDIS supports, which applies to all participants and makes it clear what NDIS funding can and cannot cover.

From now on, participants can only use their NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports.

There will also be a list of items that NDIS funding cannot cover, the agency said.

WHAT HAS THE REACTION BEEN?

Former NDIS minister Bill Shorten said last August the changes were designed to guarantee the scheme’s long-term future.

The president of People with Disability Australia, Marayke Jonkers, has previously said the changes would limit access to necessary support.

WHAT IS THE $15,000 NDIS HOLIDAY?

The term “$15,000 holiday” is a misunderstanding of how the agency works, the NDIS said. Participants can apply for short-term accommodation or respite care while travelling, but will need to cover the costs of flights, accommodation and other expenses from their  own funds.

Is ASD being removed from NDIS?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not being removed from the NDIS. An autistic person must be diagnosed as Level 2 (requiring substantial support) or Level 3 (requiring very substantial support) to receive funding from the NDIS.

AT WHAT AGE DOES NDIS FUNDING STOP?

Funding and support generally stop when a participant turns 65. 

Originally published as NDIS funding changes: What new rules mean for Aussies