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New Changes to NDIS from October 3, 2024: What Can Be Claimed?

As of October 3, 2024, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has introduced significant changes that will impact how participants can utilize their funding. These updates aim to streamline the process and ensure that participants are accessing the supports they need in a more structured way. Here’s a closer look at what these changes mean for NDIS participants, particularly concerning what can be claimed.

Approved Supports Only

Starting from October 3, NDIS participants will be required to use their funds exclusively for items and services that are explicitly listed as approved supports. This means that any supports or services not included on the approved list will not be eligible for funding. This change emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific supports that are available and ensuring that participants make informed choices about how to use their NDIS funding.

Items That Cannot Be Claimed

In addition to the introduction of the approved supports list, the NDIS has also clarified what cannot be funded under the scheme. Participants should be aware of these exclusions to avoid misunderstandings or misuse of their funds. Generally, NDIS funding cannot be used for:

  • General health services, such as visits to a GP or hospital treatments unrelated to a disability.
  • Daily living costs, including rent, utility bills, and grocery expenses.
  • Personal items that are not related to disability support.
  • Experimental treatments that are not backed by evidence-based research.

These exclusions are designed to keep the focus of the NDIS on providing essential support for individuals with disabilities, rather than covering unrelated costs.

Substitution Requests

In some circumstances, participants may have the option to request a substitution from the replacement support list if the specific support they require is not available. This means that if a participant’s approved support is not suitable or available, they can apply for an alternative support that meets their needs. However, these substitution requests must align with the guidelines set forth by the NDIS.

Stay Informed

To help navigate these changes, it’s crucial for participants to stay informed about what can be claimed under their NDIS plans. A simplified list of approved supports and exclusions will be available to guide participants in making appropriate decisions regarding their funding.

If you would like to access the simplified list of what can be claimed under NDIS, please refer to the link below:

Easy Read – Supports that are NDIS supports (PDF 6.2MB).

Easy Read – Supports that are not NDIS supports (PDF 3.8MB).

Easy Read – Replacement supports (PDF 2.7MB)

Comprehensive List of Supports that are NDIS approved (DOCX 298kb)

Conclusion

The changes to the NDIS effective October 3, 2024, mark a significant shift in how participants can utilize their funding. By focusing on approved supports and clarifying exclusions, the NDIS aims to ensure that funds are allocated effectively to support individuals with disabilities. As a participant, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these changes and understand how they may impact your access to necessary services. If you have questions or need assistance navigating your NDIS plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to your support coordinator or service provider. They can provide valuable guidance and support to help you make the most of your NDIS funding.