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News & Updates

NDIS-Funded Music and Art Therapy

by assistability

NDIS-Funded Music and Art Therapy

Please note: The advice regarding art and music therapy has now changed. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the latest guidance.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to ensure participants have access to evidence-based, disability-related supports they require. Recent changes to legislation have introduced updated definitions of NDIS supports, clarifying what participants can and cannot use their funding for.

The Government engaged in community consultation on the legislative changes prior to their passage through Parliament and implementation on 3 October. As part of these changes, the NDIS Agency is updating its guidance to participants. A new Operational Guideline regarding therapy supports will be released on 2 December, outlining the following:

Access to Music and Art Therapy

  • NDIS participants will continue to have access to music and art therapy.
  • From 1 February 2025, how participants access these therapies will change. Participants can access these supports via their community participation budget in two ways:
    1. At a one-to-one rate of £67.56 per hour when delivered by a registered provider.
    2. At a group rate of £193.99 per hour when delivered to a minimum of four participants by a registered provider. This change aims to foster greater inclusion and community participation opportunities.

Participants and providers can maintain their current arrangements until 1 February 2025, when the updated price guide will come into effect.

Participants with art or music therapy explicitly stated in their plan—where it is deemed reasonable, necessary, and based on evidence specific to their circumstances—can continue accessing these supports at the higher rate.

Art and Music Therapy: Classification and Evidence Base

While art and music therapy remain permissible under the NDIS, they do not currently meet the evidentiary standards required to be classified as a ‘therapy’ under the scheme’s definition of supports.

The allowable NDIS supports list includes ‘evidence-based therapy to help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, psychosocial functioning, and community living. This also includes assessments by health professionals for support planning and review, as needed.’

Therapies such as psychology or occupational therapy are funded at higher rates compared to other activities, reflecting their strong evidence base.

The NDIA acknowledges that the evidence base for art and music therapy as disability-related supports is evolving. As such, these therapies are being referred to the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (NDIS EAC) for assessment.

The Role of the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee

The NDIS EAC was established following a key recommendation from the NDIS Review. Its primary role is to provide advice on the evidence base for therapeutic supports accessed through the NDIS. The committee aims to improve participant outcomes and ensure better value for money.

For further updates on NDIS-funded supports, stay informed by consulting official NDIS communications or contacting your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator.

 

News & Updates

Changes to Your Eligibility and Access to Short Term Accommodation, Music, and Art Therapy

by assistability

Changes to Your Eligibility and Access to STA, Music, and Art Therapy

We have some short but very important updates to share with you today. If you are accessing Short Term Accommodation (STA), Music Therapy, or Art Therapy, please review the details outlined below carefully.

Are You Accessing Short Term Accommodation?

The NDIA has officially updated their FAQs to clarify questions surrounding Short Term Accommodation guidelines. As of 26th November 2024, these guidelines have been provided and implemented.

If your situation or request for STA services does not meet the updated guidelines, the NDIS will not fund your respite. Below are the key points to note:

Guideline 1:

STA is intended to support informal carers by offering a way to give them a break. This means participants who live alone or who access supported independent living services cannot access STA.

Guideline 2:

If STA is provided in a centre or group residence, the daily rate charged may include activities and food. However, if a participant uses STA in an individual setting, costs for activities and food cannot be purchased with STA funding.

Guideline 3:

STA does not need to be explicitly stated in a participant’s plan. However, when it is included, it must be used as outlined. For instance, a plan may specify STA at a 1:3 ratio, meaning that STA funding covers group settings with three people or more. Individual support is only funded if there is evidence that it is necessary.

Guideline 4:

STA does not cover transport costs to the accommodation being accessed.

Are You Receiving Art or Music Therapy? This Is Important for You!

Several sources, including the Australian Music Therapy Association, have reported that as of Monday, December 2nd, both music and art therapies will no longer be funded by the NDIS.

To clarify, this has not yet been officially announced by the NDIA. However, we believe it is crucial to keep you informed.

Key Details:

    • Sources such as Disability Intermediaries Australia, the Australian Music Therapy Association, and ANZACATA have all reported the same information.
    • According to these sources, the NDIA has verbally stated that as of 2nd December 2024, the NDIS will no longer fund Art or Music Therapies under therapy line items.
    • These supports may still be considered as part of community access programmes and could therefore be funded at a lower rate.

It is important to note that the NDIA has not put this information in writing, so we cannot officially confirm this change. We will update you if an official announcement is made.

News & Updates

How to Avoid Delays to Short Term Accommodation Payments

by assistability

How to Avoid Delays to Short Term Accommodation Payments

If you have recently submitted a Short Term Accommodation (STA) claim, you may have noticed that some claims or reimbursements are being rejected by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This increased scrutiny is due to the NDIA’s heightened focus on what participants are claiming as Short Term Accommodation and Respite, as well as the documentation required for approval.

We understand that this may be causing confusion for participants and service providers who depend on timely payments. To assist, we have compiled key information to help you understand the NDIA’s approach and how it may affect you.

Delays to Short Term Accommodation Payments

The NDIA has intensified its efforts to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure compliance with updated review processes. All claims are now subject to a revised review process before funds are released.

While the NDIA aims to process valid claims within 2 to 3 business days, many claims are currently taking longer, sometimes several business days or even weeks. In some instances, claims are being held, reviewed, and occasionally denied after extended periods. A notable increase in rejected STA claims has occurred, particularly those perceived as “holiday” expenses.

If you are our customer, our team will ensure that all necessary information and documentation are submitted alongside your STA claim to the NDIA.

Increased Requests for Additional Information

There has been a rise in the number of STA claims requiring additional documentation for approval. The NDIA may request the following:

  • A signed Service Agreement between the service provider and the participant covering the dates of the Short Term Accommodation.
  • Confirmation of the participant’s accommodation, including booking confirmations or paid receipts.
  • Details about the support worker(s) who attended the Short Term Accommodation, including their name, business name, ABN, and roster of hours during the stay.
  • A description of the supports provided by the support worker.
  • An outline of the activities the participant engaged in during their STA, including dates and descriptions.
  • Any evidence that clarifies your circumstances and justifies your need for respite care.

To gather this information, we may ask questions such as:

  • Is Short Term Accommodation included in your current plan?
  • What is the purpose of the Short Term Accommodation, and how does it support your goals?
  • If you are using 1:1 supports, what is the reason?
  • If you do not require a support worker, can you explain why?
  • Does the Short Term Accommodation represent value for money (e.g., reasonable accommodation versus luxury hotels)?
  • If you created your own Short Term Accommodation arrangement rather than using a provider, why was this necessary?

Note: We recommend working with a Short Term Accommodation provider to ensure your stay complies with NDIA guidelines.

Tips for Managing STA Spending and Claims

  1. Remember, STA Is Not for Holidays The NDIS operational guidelines clearly state that STA funding is not intended for holidays. It is meant for reasonable and necessary supports related to your disability, such as respite or skill-building.
  2. Seek Advice Before using your funding for holidays, hotels, or vacation-like experiences, or if you require a support worker while travelling, consult your NDIA Planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Support Coordinator.
  3. Get an Invoice; Avoid Out-of-Pocket Payments Whenever possible, avoid paying deposits or making out-of-pocket payments. A reliable STA provider should be willing to submit an invoice on your behalf, ensuring any issues are addressed before payments are made.
  4. Anticipate Longer Processing Times Be prepared for delays by staying organised with your invoicing and fund management.
  5. Report Issues If you experience delays or other concerns with payments, report them to the NDIA. Your feedback can help identify and resolve system issues.

And Finally…

If you are our customer, our team is here to work with you and your providers to minimise the impact of extended processing times for STA payments. If you are unsure whether your plan includes funding for Short Term Accommodation, check under your core funding or contact one of our friendly team members before making arrangements.

Remember, we are committed to keeping you informed about important NDIS updates and changes as they happen.

 

News & Updates

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

by assistability

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

News & Updates

Recent NDIS Changes: Key Information Effective 3 October

by assistability

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: