What are the new NDIS changes in 2024?

Our easy read guide to what’s changing with the NDIS and what it means to you

The Australian Government has made some changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These NDIS changes were announced in September 2024. The changes started on 3rd October 2024.

We explain what is changing and what it means for you.

What is changing?

The government is making changes to NDIS supports. Supports are the services, products or funding that helps you achieve your goals. The government is making changes because they want to make it easier for you to understand what you can spend your NDIS funding on. The changes to the NDIS mean you can only use your funding for supports that are approved. There is also a list of things NDIS funding can’t be used for.

What are the supports the NDIS will pay for?

The NDIS has a new list of approved supports. These are supports the NDIS will pay for. There are different categories of NDIS supports. They are services, items and equipment the NDIS will pay for.

The NDIS will usually pay for a support if it meets all these points:

• It’s about your disability - The support is related to your disability or early intervention needs.

• It helps you reach your goals - It supports your personal goals and dreams.

• It helps you join in - It helps you take part in your community, social life, or work.

• It has good value for money - The cost is reasonable and similar to other options that achieve the same result. It may save money in the long run by reducing the need for other supports.

• It works well for you - It is helpful and makes a positive difference in your life.

• It supports your informal helpers - It helps the people in your life (like family or friends) who support you.

• It fits the NDIS rules - It is something the NDIS can pay for under its guidelines.

This makes sure NDIS funding is fair and helps you live your best life. You can read the Easy Read full list of approved supports on the NDIS website.

What are not NDIS approved supports?

There is now a list of 15 areas that aren’t approved as NDIS supports. You can not use your funding for things on this list.

These include:

• Living costs like groceries, rent and clothes.

• Pet costs other than assistance animals funded by the NDIS.

• Alternative therapies like crystal therapy, cuddle therapy, gaming therapy.

• Treatment for a health problem that’s not related to your disability.

• Supports related to mental health and child protection.

• Supports related to school and education.

You can read the Easy Read list of what is not approved on the NDIS website.

What if I need something in the ‘not approved’ list?

There might be something in the ‘not NDIS approved’ list that you use for your disability. You might be able to apply for this support as a replacement support. A replacement support is a service, item, or equipment you want to use instead of an NDIS support already in your plan. It is not an extra support; it replaces a support in your plan. You can apply to the NDIS for this replacement support. The replacement support must help you with disability needs or help you be independent.

Changes to NDIS funding

There are also changes to the way you can see your funding. If your plan was approved before 3rd October 2024, you won’t see many changes yet. Your funding will stay the same until you renew your plan. If you get a plan after 3rd October 2024, it will show the total amount of NDIS funding you have.

It makes it easier for you to know:

• How much NDIS funding you have in total

• How long your NDIS funding needs to last.

Plans after 3rd October 2024 will last for 12 months.

Other NDIS changes

There will be some more NDIS changes coming and we will let you know when they have been confirmed.

If you’re looking for personalised support, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out today to explore how we can support you on your journey.