The Australian Government has made some important changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These changes are designed to help the NDIS return to its original purpose, make sure it can continue into the future, and improve the way it supports people with disability.
While not all the details are clear yet, this guide explains the key updates and what they mean for people who are already in the NDIS or thinking about joining.
Why has the government made changes?
The NDIS has grown very quickly and is costing more than expected. To make sure the scheme can continue to support people who need it most, the government has introduced a new law called the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill 2024. This law started on 3 October 2024.
The goal is to make sure NDIS funding is used properly and to offer other support options for people with less severe disabilities. This means the NDIS won’t be the only place people can go for help and will lessen the burden on NDIS support services. Some changes will happen straight away, while others will be introduced over time.
What are the main changes?
1. How eligibility is checked
People will now be assessed based on what support they need, not just their diagnosis. This means the NDIS will look at your situation more closely to decide if you qualify. These new rules will apply to people applying for the first time and to current participants who are being reassessed.
It’s important to know that you might have to pay for this assessment yourself, although the government hasn’t shared full details yet.
2. What NDIS funding can be used for
The law now clearly explains what counts as an NDIS support. There are two types:
- Supports you can use your NDIS funding for
- Supports you cannot use your NDIS funding for
You still can’t use NDIS money for things like gambling, alcohol, or everyday living costs. But there are concerns that more items might be added to the “no funding” list. If that happens, it could make things harder for participants, especially if they want to challenge a decision or ask for something to be added back to the “yes” list.
3. Early support for children
The government is working with the disability community to create a new pathway for children who need early support. Children will need to go through a needs assessment to find out what help they require. When they turn nine, they may need another assessment to check if they still qualify for the NDIS.
4. Other important updates
There are a few other changes that families should know about:
- Participants can now make some changes to their plans without needing to create a whole new plan.
- If a participant doesn’t follow NDIS rules or doesn’t provide important information in time, their access to the NDIS may be removed by their NDIS service provider.
- New and updated plans will clearly show the total budget, what the money is for, and how long the funding lasts.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re already in the NDIS, you won’t see everything change right away. Changes will happen when your plan is reviewed or replaced. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll be told clearly how your eligibility was decided.
Special Care Australia can help you understand these changes and what they mean for your plan or application.
How Special Care Australia can help
We understand that these changes might feel confusing or overwhelming. At Special Care Australia, our goal is to help people with disability live independent, fulfilling lives. We’re here to guide you through these updates and make sure you have the support you need.
If you have questions or want to talk about how these changes affect you or your family, please reach out to us. We’re here to help.
