Industry Update – Improved clarity and flexibility for NDIS participants

Recent changes to the NDIS (effective from October 3, 2024) aim to improve clarity and flexibility for participants. Key updates include:

1. Definition of NDIS Supports: A clear definition has been introduced to help participants understand what they can and cannot use their funding for. This provides better guidance on allowable expenditures, helping families make informed decisions. There is a one-year transition period for participants to get used to these rules without penalties for minor mistakes under $1,500.
   • Update your Case Manage Document Templates to advise participants what they can and cannot use their funding for
2. Plan Management Changes: The NDIA now has the authority to adjust how a plan is managed if funds aren’t being used according to the plan. For example, if funds are misused, management can shift from Self-Managed or Plan-Managed to NDIA Managed
   • Use Case Manager Estimates to ensure funds are used according to the plan
3. New Claims Framework: Claims for support must now be made within two years of providing the service. There is a 12-month grace period where older claims will still be honoured
   • Check your Case Manager Date of Last Invoice column to see who hasn’t had claims submitted   
4. Flexible Budgets & Planning: Future NDIS plans will have flexible budgets to better accommodate individual participant needs. While this change is not yet fully rolled out, it promises to allow more personalised budgeting
   • Update your Case Manager Estimates to reflect new budgets
5. Impairment Notices: Starting in January 2025, new participants will receive impairment notices confirming their disability. This will help clarify eligibility for support
   • Save communications in Case Manager Documentation tab to easily access and review important information
   • Update Case Manager Condition list to reflect your client’s disability

These changes aim to enhance the NDIS’s responsiveness and support to participants while ensuring better compliance and management of funds.

READ MORE HERE: Care to Change