NDIS Changes | What has happened & what to expect
When it comes to describing 2024, you might choose words like turbulent, unsettled and surprising. You might also use these words to describe the NDIS, with everything from shocking revelations about corrupt, greedy providers to a host of changes – some more expected than others.
With some of the most significant transformations in its history, 2024 proved a pivotal year for the NDIS. Driven by a comprehensive review, legislative amendments, and policy shifts, these changes aim to address systemic challenges, improve participant experiences, and ensure the scheme’s sustainability.
Here, we cover nine key things that shaped the NDIS in 2024 and explore what participants and providers can expect in 2025.
Change 1: The NDIS Review and Recommendations
The NDIS Review has proposed major changes to simplify the system and improve access and long-term sustainability. With 26 recommendations and 139 actions, every participant will be impacted in some way – introducing Navigators, stronger provider oversight, and how supports are delivered. The Australian government is still reviewing the recommendations but some changes are already in motion.
So what does this mean for you? Find out more about the changes and what to expect in the years ahead.
Change 2: The New NDIS Act (effective October 3, 2024)
From October 3, 2024, new NDIS legislation applies to the NDIS, how funding works and what participants can get. Plans will have a total budget amount, so it will be clearer what can and can’t be funded and the NDIA will have more power to review spending and eligibility. Some participants may find their options more restricted, more supports will be ‘stated’, meaning less flexibility.
These changes are rolling out gradually but the impact will grow over time. Here’s what you need to know.
Change 3: The Transitional Support Lists (published October 3, 2024)
As of Oct 3, 2024, the NDIS has released clearer funding rules, outlining what can and can’t be funded. These two key NDIS supports lists help participants know their options, and a new category, Replacement Supports, allows for some flexibility to swap supports under certain conditions.
With these changes, getting funding approved will require a closer fit with NDIS rules. The NDIA will also work with state and territory governments to ensure services align with local needs. Want to know what’s funded and what’s not? Here’s the lowdown.
Change 4: New Claims and Payment Framework
From October 3, 2024, NDIS providers will need to submit claims within two years of delivering a service. Claims made before this date for older services will still be honoured for 12 months, but after that, any late claims will be declined.
Participants must now keep records, ensure supports are eligible, and submit claims on time to not miss out on payments. Need to check if your claim fits the new NDIS rules? Here’s what you need to know.
Change 5: Provider Registration Taskforce and Changes to Registration status
From September 16, 2024, key NDIS providers, including platform providers, support coordinators and SIL providers, will need to be registered to continue operating. This change is driven by increasing concerns about safety and quality and is part of a new 4-tier registration system to regulate risk across different services.
For participants, this means more protection, higher provider standards and better complaint handling, but also a change in who you can choose as a provider. Find out how these changes may impact your choices and supports.
New lists govern what you can and cannot spend NDIS funding on
Change 6: Cessation of ‘Intra-Plan Inflation’
The NDIS is fixing big-budget blowouts. From October 3, 2024, new plans will have fixed budgets, fixed funding periods, and stricter approval for extra funding – all to make the system more sustainable. If you have frequent plan reviews, this might impact how you get support. Here’s what’s changing and how it affects you.
Change 7: Updates to “Reasonable and Necessary Supports”
The definition of “reasonable and necessary supports” is changing and it could impact what gets funded in your NDIS plan. The new criteria is more specific and detailed so you may need to provide more evidence to get funding. Plus, a new NDIS-approved support list will be introduced outlining what services can be funded. Find out how these changes affect you.
Change 8: Changes to Art Therapy and Music Therapy
The NDIS is reclassifying music and art therapy, reducing funding rates and shifting focus to group sessions. This could mean less NDIS funds for individual therapy unless you qualify for an exception. After backlash, the NDIS is now reviewing this, with findings due by March 2025. Will these therapies still be available? Find out how these changes affect your plan.
Change 9: Removal of Disability-Related Health Supports from Core Funding
From 30 June 2025, the NDIS will move Disability-Related Health Supports (DRHS) from Core funding, so all therapies will need to be claimed under Capacity Building instead. This affects services like dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and speech pathologists, but not nursing care or assistive technology. Be prepared – here’s what you need to know for your next plan review.
Change 10: New NDIS First Nations Strategy (2025-2030)
The NDIS has released its First Nations Strategy (2025-2030) to improve access, support, and outcomes for First Nations people with disability. This roadmap was developed with First Nations communities to ensure services are culturally safe, accessible, and responsive. With a focus on fairer access, co-designed services, and stronger collaboration, this strategy aims to break down barriers and create lasting change. Find out how these changes will shape NDIS support for First Nations participants.
2024 saw significant changes to NDIS funding for art and music therapy
What’s in store for 2025?
As 2025 approaches, several developments will build on the changes introduced in 2024.
New early intervention pathway
Impairment notices
All new NDIS participants will receive an impairment notice on January 1, 2025. This notice will include details about whether the participant meets the disability or early intervention pathways. Current NDIS participants will get an impairment notice when they move onto a new plan.
Review of pricing for music and art supports
The NDIA has commissioned an independent review of suitable NDIS pricing for art and music supports, to be completed by July 2025.
The review will look at:
- evidence for the effectiveness of art and music therapy for people with disability
- the qualifications and registration of music and art practitioners
- the pricing of art and music supports.
Approach to market
Assessment and budgeting reforms
The NDIA will work with the disability community to design and implement reforms to assessment and budgeting.
Active Ability – supporting you through the changes
At Active Ability, we have been supporting people with disabilities even before the NDIS got started. And we’ll continue to support participants – regardless of what happens with the NDIS.
We are monitoring the changes and will keep you up to date with how they might affect the services we provide. In the meantime, feel free to contact our friendly team on (02) 8678 7874, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
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