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Assist Ability Australia

What does the NDIS fund, and what does it not cover?

What does the NDIS fund, and what does it not cover?

Approved List of NDIS Supports

As of 3 October 2024, participants can only use their NDIS funds for items that are on the approved supports list. There is also a specific list of exclusions for NDIS funding. In certain situations, participants may request a substitution from the replacement support list.

This change has come about due to recent legislation. As your support services provider, we will stay updated on what can be claimed and guide you accordingly.

Understanding what the NDIS supports can be frustrating. We offer a flexible, personalised approach to answering your questions about claims.

What Does the NDIS Fund?

The NDIS typically funds a support if it:

  • Relates to your disability needs; AND
  • Meets ALL of the following criteria:
    • Helps achieve your individual goals
    • Aids in your social or economic participation
    • Offers value for money, meaning:
      • The cost is similar to or less than alternatives providing the same outcome; and/or
      • Purchasing it may reduce long-term funding costs for other supports.
    • Is effective and beneficial for you
    • Maintains your informal supports
    • Is the responsibility of the NDIS to fund

What Doesn’t the NDIS Fund?

The NDIS usually does not fund a support if it:

  • Could cause harm to you or others
  • Is unrelated to your disability
  • Provides the same benefit as another support in your plan
  • Relates to everyday living costs (e.g., rent, groceries, utilities) not linked to your disability needs
  • Is intended as income replacement

How Do You Seek Approval for Exceptions?

In certain cases, the NDIS can fund supports that are not generally covered, referred to as replacement supports, though these should actually be termed Approval for Exceptions.

Replacement supports are services, items, or equipment you wish to use instead of existing NDIS supports in your plan. Only specific supports can be replaced, and you need written approval from the NDIS. A replacement support does not provide additional funding; it substitutes an existing one.

To find out what can qualify as a replacement support, download:

Summary of Legislation Changes

Refer to the table highlighting legislative changes effective from 3 October 2024. The NDIS will continue to provide updates.

Summary of Legislation Changes

Recent NDIS Changes: Key Information Effective 3 October

Recent NDIS Changes: Key Information Effective 3 October

On 3 October 2024, important changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) took effect, aimed at enhancing clarity, fairness, and consistency for participants. These adjustments stemmed from extensive discussions with the disability community and marked a significant advancement toward a more sustainable and participant-centered NDIS.

What’s Changed:

Revised Definition of Supports:
The NDIS will implement a clearer definition of allowable funding uses. This change seeks to help participants better navigate their budgets and minimize confusion about available supports.

Budgeting and Planning Adjustments:
Starting from 3 October 2024, budgets will be presented as total sums instead of detailed itemized lists. This will provide participants with a clearer understanding of their available funding and its duration.

Access and Eligibility Modifications:
The process for accessing the NDIS and assessing eligibility may be updated based on new reassessment criteria. Participants may notice changes in the supports available to them, depending on their specific impairments.

Enhanced Oversight and Transparency:
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will gain increased authority to ensure service compliance, ensuring participants receive safe and high-quality support.

Implications for Participants:

While most participants won’t see immediate changes on 3 October, the new planning and budgeting guidelines will be applied when plans are renewed or reviewed. Participants should continue using their existing plans and operational guidelines while staying alert for updates from the NDIA regarding the new regulations.

How Assist Ability Australia is Supporting the Community:

Assist Ability Australia remained committed to keeping individuals informed about how these changes will impact them. We will continue to provide ongoing support and resources to help participants navigate the new regulations and ensure that their needs are met throughout the transition.

For additional details, participants could read the full message from the NDIS CEO and explore further resources on the NDIS website: