On 1 October 2024, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) introduced new Support lists, outlining what the NDIS can cover for participants. These lists will serve as a temporary guideline until final agreements are reached between the Australian, state, and territory governments.
While these new support lists provide clarity on the types of supports the NDIS will fund, they are not yet final or permanent. It’s important for participants to understand how these temporary changes might impact their plans and funding decisions. This article will help to explain what’s included in the new lists and answer your questions about the changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are NDIS Support lists? Where can I find the new lists?
The new NDIS support lists tell you what supports the NDIS will pay for in your NDIS plan.
- Supports that are NDIS supports (Easy Read pdf)
- Supports that are not NDIS supports (Easy read pdf)
- Replacement Supports (Easy read pdf)
2. Why are the new lists being introduced?
The Australian Government want to make clear what disability supports they will pay for through the NDIS. Negotiation is continuing over what supports should be paid for by state and territory governments.
3. How do I use the new lists to understand if the NDIS will pay for a support I want?
It’s important to know that the lists do not show every kind of support. This means if you don’t see a support on the allowed list, it doesn’t mean you can’t get it.
The allowed list has different categories with descriptions that explain what each category is for. For example, one category is called “Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports.” The list then gives examples of supports which help in managing changes in life, such going to appointments, moving home or finding a job.
4. What if I want to use a support or service that is not on the allowed list?
If the supports on the allowed list don’t match the support you want, you should next check the not allowed list. If your support is not included on the not allowed list, there is a good chance you can still get it.
5. What happens to supports that used to be allowed but are no longer allowed in the new lists?
You can keep using supports and services that are now not allowed if they were already approved as “reasonable and necessary” before 3 October 2024. This includes supports that the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) decided should be funded for an individual.
6. Can I use NDIS money for a support that is not allowed in the NDIS support lists?
In some cases, you can use NDIS money for a support that is not allowed in the NDIS support lists.
After significant advocacy, some supports that the Australian Government were thinking about not allowing can still be funded by the NDIS. These supports include:
- Standard commercially available household items
- Smart watches
- Tablets
- Smart phones
- Apps for accessibility and communication purposes
To use NDIS money for a support that is not normally allowed, you need to go through the new Replacement support process. To get a replacement support approved, the NDIA needs to agree the replacement support gives the same or better outcomes and costs the same or less than another support in your plan.
You should apply for a replacement support before using the not allowed support. You will be able to apply for a replacement support per category once a year through the NDIS website or by email or phone.
7. What happens if I use a support that is not allowed? Will I owe money?
If you want to use NDIS money for a support that is not allowed, you should go through the Replacement support process.
To give participants time to understand the changes, the new rules state that you won’t owe money (have a debt) for supports and services that are not allowed if they cost less than $1,500. This rule will apply for 12 months from 3 October 2024 and apply to every participant. NDIS providers have 30 days to follow the rule. The NDIA has said they will help participants understand the changes. They will contact you twice to explain what can be paid for by the NDIS before they ask you to pay back money for supports and services costing less than $1,500.
However, you may owe money if you access supports and/or services that are not allowed and costs more than $1500. If you are thinking of accessing a supports and services not allowed in the lists that costs more than $1500, it is important you try and go through the replacement support process first or you could owe the NDIA money (have a debt).
If you make an honest mistake and use NDIS money for a support or service that costs more than $1500 and is not allowed, the NDIA will see if there are ‘special circumstances’ before deciding if you have to pay the money back. Your disability will be considered when deciding if ‘special circumstances’ apply.
8. What if I bought a support that is not allowed, or made plans to access a support that is not allowed before 3 October?
Any supports that are not allowed from 3 October 2024 but were bought and provided before 3 October should not be affected.
9. If I lose some supports, where can I access them?
Some supports are now considered Foundational supports. These supports will be available to all people with disability not just people on the NDIS. Some supports you used to get from the NDIS are likely be funded through state and territory government services, like the education system.
The Australian Government and state and territory governments will work together to decide what foundational supports are. They have agreed to co-fund and provide these supports.
10. How will the new lists affect me?
It is important to know that the supports and services you use in your current NDIS plan should not change. The lists apply to new NDIS plans and if your current plan is reviewed.
You can call the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 to find out how you will be affected.
You can also find more information on the NDIS website.
Do you have more questions?
The NDIA will start contacting NDIS participants about the changes starting October 2. If you have more questions please:
- Read about the changes on the NDIS website.
- Call the NDIS National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110. Press 1 for a dedicated hotline.
- Contact the Y Inclusion Services by email at info@yinclusion.org.au or call us on 1300 699 622.