NDIS Amendment Bill 2024: What It Means for You
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has recently announced some significant changes that could affect your access to supports and how you navigate the NDIS. These updates are part of the new 2024 NDIS Amendment Bill, which is designed to provide greater clarity on how your funds can be used and what supports you are entitled to.
Some of these changes will come into effect immediately, while others will roll out over time. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect starting from October 3, 2024, and beyond.
Key Updates at a Glance
New definition of NDIS supports outlining what your funds can and cannot be used for.
Transition to new framework plans will begin gradually for all participants.
Needs assessments will be introduced to identify your specific support needs.
New pathways will decide the type of support you receive based on disability, early intervention, or both.
The NDIA will have greater oversight to ensure your funds are used correctly.
Stronger evidence requirements will be in place for requests to change your plan.
A New Definition of NDIS Supports
The NDIA has redefined NDIS supports to make it clearer what you can and cannot spend your funding on. These changes come into effect on October 3, 2024, and any item on the “not approved” list will be rejected if included in your plan.
What does this mean for you?
Once these rules take effect, you’ll only be able to use your funding for approved NDIS supports. However, in certain circumstances, you may still request to use your funding for non-NDIS supports, referred to as “replacement supports.”
Changes to NDIS Plans
NDIS plans are getting a refresh, though details are still emerging. Starting from October 3, 2024, new plans will be capped at 12 months, and you’ll need to manage your funding within the set period.
What does this mean for you?
You might not notice any changes right away. The transition to the new framework plans will take several years, with most participants moving over in the next five years. You’ll be notified when it’s time for your transition.
Introduction of Needs Assessments
Under the new framework, funding allocations will be based on a needs assessment rather than a medical diagnosis. This will help ensure that your NDIS supports are aligned with your disability support needs.
What does this mean for you?
There won’t be any immediate impact until the new needs assessment process is developed and you’ve transitioned to a new framework plan. This change aims to simplify the process of providing evidence for your disability and to offer more flexibility in how your funds are allocated.
Early Intervention Pathway
The NDIS will now assess participants based on two pathways—disability, early intervention, or a combination of both.
What does this mean for you?
Once the new pathways are implemented, you’ll be guided to the appropriate supports depending on how you qualify for the NDIS.
Stricter Compliance Measures
The NDIA will now have more authority to oversee how your funds are spent. This could include changes to your plan’s funding amount, plan period, or management if your funds are not being used appropriately.
What does this mean for you?
If the NDIA suspects that your funds are not being managed correctly, they may make adjustments to your plan or request additional assessments. This applies to both self-managed participants and those using a plan manager. Failure to comply with these requests could result in your NDIS access being revoked.
Stronger Evidence for Change of Circumstance
Starting in October, you’ll need to provide stronger evidence when requesting a change in your plan due to a change in circumstances.
What does this mean for you?
To request a reassessment, you’ll need to meet specific criteria, such as experiencing a crisis or emergency that significantly alters your support needs, being a victim of fraud, or facing threats to your health or safety.
What’s Next?
Now that the NDIS Amendment Bill has passed, the Australian Government will work closely with the disability community to ensure that the NDIS Rules reflect these changes while keeping participants at the forefront. The NDIA is currently reviewing feedback from recent consultations and will soon release the final list of approved NDIS supports.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to provide insights into how these changes will impact you and your supports.