On Tuesday 1 October 2024, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) released the NDIS support lists that define what supports the NDIS can pay for.
These NDIS support lists are not final. They will be used until all governments agree on the final rules for what supports the NDIS can pay for.
Many other changes, alongside these NDIS support lists, will start on Thursday 3 October 2024. This blog post focuses on the NDIS support lists and what we currently know about them.
Key points
- New support lists begin on 3 October: The new lists define what supports the NDIS will pay for, which might impact access and planning decisions from 3 October. The new lists are temporary until the Australian, state and territory governments agree on the final rules.
- The new support lists do not show everything: The new lists do not include all supports. If you don't see a support on the allowed list it doesn't mean you can't get it. In some cases, you can still get a not allowed support by asking for a replacement support.
- Changes will affect everyone differently: These lists will affect each participant in different ways. The support lists will usually apply to new or reviewed plans, but it's a good idea to check with the NDIA before trying to use NDIS money for a support that is not allowed.
- Reasonable and necessary supports before 3 October 2024: You can keep using supports that are now not allowed if they were approved as reasonable and necessary before 3 October 2024. This also includes supports that the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) said should be funded by the NDIS for you.
- You may owe money for using NDIS funds for supports not allowed: For 12 months, if you use a support that's not allowed and costs less than $1500, you will get two warnings before you might have to pay money back. If you use a support that's not allowed and costs more than $1500, you will likely need to pay that money back unless it's an honest mistake. If you want to use a not allowed support, it's best to ask for a replacement support first to avoid owing money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are NDIS support lists? Where can I find the new lists?
The new NDIS support lists tell you what supports the NDIS will pay for in your NDIS plan. There are three lists
- A list of supports that the NDIS supports (allowed list)
- A list that are not NDIS supports (not allowed list)
- A list of supports that can replace the ones on the not allowed list (replacement supports)
You can find these support lists on the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) website. Here is the link.
- Will there be more accessible versions of the lists?
We know the current lists are not easy to read for everyone. We are disappointed that the lists were not accessible from the beginning. We have told the NDIA about this problem, and they said that more accessible versions of the lists will be ready soon.
In the meantime, our friends at Inclusion Australia have more accessible information about some of the changes. You can access that information here.
- Why are the lists being introduced?
The Australian Government said they are making these lists to make clear what disability supports they will pay for through the NDIS. The Government also thinks some other supports should be paid for by state and territory governments.
The Government is making these lists because they want to spend less money on the NDIS.
PWDA and the disability community do not agree with the lists. There was very little consultation with people about these changes.
- How were the lists developed?
The lists were made because the law changed when the NDIS Act was updated. The new law created the lists. The Australian Government shared a draft of the lists and asked for feedback for a short time. PWDA and other groups gave feedback. The Government used this feedback to help make the final lists.
The feedback, including PWDA's, was shared on 2 October. You can find it here.
- How will the lists affect me?
Every NDIS participant has different needs. The changes starting on 3 October will not be the same for everyone.
It is important to know that the supports and services you use in your current NDIS plan should not change. The lists apply to new NDIS plans and if your current plan is reviewed.
The NDIA has told us they have added more people to the National Contact Centre who can help you understand how the changes affect your plan. You can call the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 to find out how you will be affected. Press 1 for the special hotline. There will be also more information on the NDIA's website here.
If you need more help, PWDA has advocates who can help you. Call PWDA on 1800 422 015 if you would like to speak to an advocate.
- How do I use the lists to understand if the NDIS will pay for a support?
It's important to know that the lists do not show everything. This means if you don't see a support on the allowed list, it doesn't mean you can't get it.
The allowed list has different categories with descriptions that explain what each category is for. For example, one category is called "Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports." This category includes help for managing changes in life. The list also gives examples of supports.
If the examples on the allowed list don't match the support you want, you should next check the not allowed list. If your support is not included on the not allowed list, there is a good chance you can still get it.
- What happens to supports that used to be allowed but are no longer allowed in the lists?
You can keep using supports and services that are now not allowed if they were already approved as reasonable and necessary before 3 October 2024. This includes supports that the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) decided should be funded for an individual.
This rule does not include sexual services, alcohol or drugs. PWDA believes that sexual supports should be included.
- What if I want to use a support or service that is not on the lists?
