NDIS Approved Supports List

Recent changes to the NDIS, has lead to an approved supports list and a not funded support list. These lists outline the supports the NDIS will fund, starting from October 3, 2024. These lists are not final as yet and further negotiations between state, and territory governments is to be had regarding provision of components of supports returning to State/Territory responsibility.

This blog post explains what the NDIS support lists are, key changes to expect, and how they might affect you as an NDIS participant.

Key Points About the New NDIS Support Lists

1. New Support Lists Begin October 3, 2024:
   A new definition of NDIS supports that outlines what you can and can’t spend your funds on. How you use your funding can potentially influencing access and planning decisions going forward.
2. The Lists Aren’t Comprehensive:
   Not all supports are included. If a support isn’t listed, you may still access it through alternative processes, like requesting replacement supports.
3. New Framework:
   From October 3rd 2024, all participants will (very) gradually move to new framework plans. This will involve the NDIS providing a letter confirming a participants approved disabilities in which they can access supports for. Furthermore in 2025 the NDIS will develop plans under the new framework rather than the old structure. 
   
   • Needs assessments will come into play to identify your disability support needs.
   • New pathways will decide how support is received based on disability, early intervention, or both.
4. Impact Varies by Individual:
   Each participant may be affected differently. The lists mainly apply to new or reviewed plans. Confirm with the NDIA before using funds for unlisted supports.
5. Grandfathering of Existing Supports:
   Supports approved as “reasonable and necessary” before October 3, 2024, can continue, including those approved by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
6. The NDIA will have greater powers to ensure you spend your funds appropriately.
7. Stronger evidence will be required for a change in circumstance, review to be requested.
8. Potential Repayment for Non-Allowed Supports:
   If you use funds for a non-allowed support costing over $1,500, you may need to repay unless it was an honest mistake. For supports under $1,500, you’ll receive two warnings before any repayment.  

Understanding the NDIS Support Lists

What Are the NDIS Support Lists?

Under the new definitions of supports the formation of three lists has been made. The lists categorise supports into:

• Allowed supports: Eligible for NDIS funding.
• Not allowed supports: Excluded from funding.
• Replacement supports: Alternatives to not allowed supports.

Find the support lists on the NDIA website, including Easy Read versions:

• Supports that are NDIS supports
• Supports that are not NDIS supports
• Replacement supports

New Framework and changes to NDIS plans

1. From October 3rd 2024, all participants will (very) gradually move to new framework plans. This will involve the NDIS providing a letter confirming a participants approved disabilities in which they can access supports for. If a participant no longer meets the eligibility criteria for the NDIS they will be requested to provide further details to the NDIS to remain as a participant. Furthermore in 2025 the NDIS will develop plans under the new framework rather than the old structure. 
   
   • Needs assessments will come into play to identify your disability support needs. This assessment will replace the medical diagnosis for the supports you will require.
   • New pathways will decide how support is received based on disability, early intervention, or both. This pathway will guide the supports you will receive based on how you qualify for the NDIS
   • Plans will last up to 12 months and will only be issued blocks of funding to further assist participants with managing their plan budgets and preventing over spending.

Increased powers of the NDIA

Under the changes made the NDIA will have greater powers to monitor and modify plans to ensure you are spending your funds appropriately.

How does these Powers effect you and your plan

The NDIA may consider

• changing a funding amount,
• making your plan period shorter,
• raising a debt,
• changing how your plan is managed if they believe you, your nominee, plan manager, or a child representative isn’t spending your funds in line with your plan.  

This applies to participants who self-manage or use a registered plan manager.    

The NDIA may request information or ask you to take an assessment when considering withdrawing you from the NDIS. If you don’t provide the information within the set time (although extra time can be requested), your access to the NDIS may be cancelled.  

Stronger Evidence for Change of Circumstance reviews

From October 3rd 2024 you will need to provide stronger evidence to request a change of circumstance review – Such as:

If you request extra funding during your plan period, you’ll only get a reassessment if you meet the criteria, such as:  

• A crisis or emergency has caused a significant change in your support needs  
• You’ve experienced fraud or financial exploitation  
• There is a threat to your life, health, or safety  

Where Can I Access Information and Help?

• The NDIA’s National Contact Centre: 1800 800 110
• PWDA Advocates: 1800 422 015
• Inclusion Australia provides accessible resources.

Final Thoughts

These changes are significant and will impact participants differently. It’s essential to understand the new rules, how they apply to your plan, and what steps to take for non-listed supports.

PWDA will continue advocating for the disability community to ensure fair access to quality supports inside and outside the NDIS.

For more updates, check the NDIA website or reach out for assistance.