Change 3: The transitional support lists
Starting October 3, 2024, as part of the rollout of the new Act, the NDIS introduced clearer guidelines on how funding can be used. These guidelines include two essential lists:
These lists aim to provide greater clarity and transparency, ensuring participants understand what is covered under the scheme and what isn’t.
What IS an NDIS support?
NDIS supports refers to the services, items, and equipment that are eligible for NDIS funding. This list highlights the supports you can use your funding for, which must directly relate to the impairments that qualify you for the scheme under the new legislation. Most typical NDIS expenses are covered within this list. For example, assistive products, equipment, transport services, support workers, and community activities.
Click here for more information.
What is NOT an NDIS support?
Under NDIS legislation, certain services, items, and equipment cannot be funded if they are not classified as NDIS supports. Similarly, you cannot use your funding for anything outside these approved supports. However, in specific situations, the NDIS may fund non-NDIS supports, known as replacement supports. For instance, daily living costs including school fees, or other day-to-day expenses. A support can be funded if it is NOT an NDIS support, but only if it is approved as a ‘Replacement Support’. However, accessing replacement supports is complicated and may take an extended amount of time to gain approval.
Click here for more information.
Replacement Supports
You may qualify for a replacement support if the NDIS approves. It must:
- Replace an existing support in your plan.
- Cost the same or less than the original support.
- Offer the same or better benefits.
Click here for more information.
What does this mean for NDIS participants?
If you’re a NDIS participant, understanding the funding criteria is key to making the most of your plan. Before submitting a funding request, it’s important to ensure your support aligns with the NDIS guidelines.
Here’s what the NDIS looks for when approving funding:
- Relates to your impairments
- Aligns with your personal goals
- Boosts social and/or economic participation
- Offers value for money (cost is comparable to or cheaper than other options)
- Is effective for you
- Supports your informal network
- Is an eligible NDIS Support
Meeting these requirements increases the chances of your funding request being approved. Besides, as per the latest government update, participants can still access stated supports in their current plans, as well as supports found to be reasonable and necessary by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, even if these are now listed as excluded.
The government is collaborating with states and territories to finalise a detailed list of NDIS supports. Stay tuned for more updates!
REFERENCES:
(a) – What does NDIS fund? / NDIS government (2024, December 5). https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund#what-is-ndis-support
(b) – NDIS Changes 2024: What’s Changing And When | Leap in! (2025, January 10). Leap In! https://www.leapin.com.au/ndis-changes/
