As we approach some significant changes in the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), it's vital for both participants and service providers to stay informed. From 3 October, new rules and legislative changes will begin rolling out, which will gradually impact access, planning, and funding within the NDIS. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, how it might affect you, and why staying up to date is so important.
What’s Happening?
For now, it's business as usual. Until 3 October, all NDIS access, planning processes, and decisions will follow the current NDIS Operational Guidelines. However, beyond this date, new NDIS Rules will be implemented in stages. These new rules are being developed in close partnership with the disability community, but the full timeline for their rollout is yet to be announced.
Key Changes to Expect
1. NDIS Supports
The government is working on new Legislative Rules to define "NDIS Supports." While the details haven’t been finalised, the aim is to provide clearer definitions and guidelines on what qualifies as NDIS Support. This will directly affect how access and planning are conducted moving forward. A draft version of the new List of NDIS Supports is already available, offering a glimpse into the upcoming changes.
2. Changes to Accessing the NDIS
Eligibility criteria for accessing the NDIS are also set to change. Moving forward, once a participant meets the access criteria, they will receive a "Notice of Impairment(s)," which will clarify whether access was granted through Early Intervention or disability requirements. The notice will also categorise impairments into intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial impairments.
Once these new rules are implemented, the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will have the authority to request additional information or even conduct assessments to test a participant’s ongoing eligibility. Failure to comply with these requests could result in a participant’s access to the NDIS being revoked.
3. Changes to NDIS Plans
Participant plans are set to become more detailed. Soon, each plan will specify the following:
- Total flexible budget
- Total stated budget
- Plan period (with a default of 12 months)
- Total plan length
- Plan management style
- Qualifying impairments
Additionally, new criteria for requesting extra funding will be added within a plan period. Only participants who meet one of the following conditions will be eligible for changes:
- Crisis or emergency funding due to a significant change in support needs
- Financial exploitation or fraud
- Threats to the participant’s life, health, or safety
The NDIA will also introduce new compliance tools. If a participant doesn’t spend in line with their plan, the NDIA can:
- Vary their plan management style
- Adjust their funding amount
- Impose shorter plan periods (e.g., releasing funds every three months)
- Raise a debt
Importantly, the NDIA’s decision to vary a participant’s Statement of Support will be subject to review, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Why Staying Informed is Critical
With so many changes on the horizon, it's essential to remain up to date. While the details of these new NDIS laws are still being finalised, these updates will likely impact how participants access and manage their NDIS plans. At Holistic Recovery, we’re committed to continuing to provide the best support possible in line with current guidelines, and we encourage participants to do the same.
For now, it’s important to reassure participants that they can continue using their NDIS plans as usual. We’ll closely monitor all future NDIS updates and ensure we remain compliant with any changes as they are rolled out.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
For more info about our stepping stone program, please contact us at admin@holisticrecovery.com.au