Thank you for attending our latest webinar on the Recent Changes to the NDIS, featuring our CEO, Tom Blinksell, and NDIS Compliance Lead, Sally Hansen. We've pulled together this FAQ to break down the key changes and highlight some key areas. You can watch the webinar here.
Q: When will these changes kick in?
A: From 3rd October 2024, the support lists (funded and not funded lists) became applicable to all plans regardless of when the plan started.
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Q: What is a transition period?
A: To allow people time to learn and understand the lists and new updates, the NDIS has allowed for a transition period to allow for this as well as scenarios where you may accidentally purchase something that is not deemed a NDIS support.
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Q: How long does the transition period last for?
A: Participants have a 12 month grace period to be compliant with all the newly defined supports/services on the support lists, available here.
For providers claiming for a support on participant’s behalf, the transition period is 30 days (1st November, 2024).
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Q: I’m a provider so how does the transition period impact me?
A: From 2nd November, 2024 once the transition period ends, if incorrect claims are repeated or fraudulent the NDIS may take further action, including raising a debt against the provider.
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Q: As a Support Coordinator, how can I support my participants right now with these changes?
A: Our advice to everyone providing supports to participants, particularly Support Coordinators, is to familiarise yourself with both lists. While there is a 12 month grace period for transitioning, it's crucial to start discussions with your participants, especially for the ‘not funded’ list and discuss next steps.
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Q: What happens if a participant purchases a support on the not funded list?
A: For the 1st or 2nd time ‘mistake’ (as the NDIS put it) and if the value is less than $1,500, the NDIS will not raise a debt. The NDIA will contact the participant to explain why the support or service is not an NDIS support.
Note: transitional rules DO NOT apply in the following situations:
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Q: What’s included on the ‘not funded’ list?
A: There are 15 categories, over 16 pages, where a majority of supports on this list previously recognised by the NDIA as supports they would not fund. Some examples includes:
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Q: What should I know about animal therapy and how it differs from animal-assisted therapy?
A: Animal therapy focuses on providing positive experiences with animals, such as horseback riding. It’s different from animal-assisted therapy, where animals are used to help participants stay calm or focused during a therapeutic session. Animal therapy is clearly stated as an ‘Alternative Therapy’ that is not funded by the NDIS.
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Q: What are important considerations for short-term accommodation under NDIS?
A: Guidelines with STA have remained the same - see the STA operational guidelines. However, it’s important to note that on the ‘not funded’ list, it clearly states that STA is not intended to be a holiday as well as the following not being funded: flights, holiday packages, cruises, crisis housing and health retreats.
STA can be costly, so be sure to get approval to avoid being out of pocket.
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Q: How do hairdressing and beauty treatments fit within NDIS funding?
A: Services like hair treatments, cutting, dyeing, and styling cannot be funded. However this not funded list does not state or mention ‘hair washing’.
For beauty treatments, manicures and pedicures are also not funded.
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Q: What should I keep in mind about meal delivery services under NDIS?
A: NDIS does not cover the cost of ‘fast food services, takeaway food and food delivery platforms’. However, if these services have a clear identifiable separation between the cost of preparing the meal and delivering it, this portion can be funded by the NDIS. Note: the cost of food and ingredients have always been considered an ‘everyday cost’ that the NDIS will not fund.
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Q: Is pool cleaning covered by NDIS?
A: No, NDIS does not fund pool cleaning services with costs relating to ‘pools, pool heating and maintenance etc’ deemed a household related cost.
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Q: What do the updated NDIS guidelines say about funding for diagnostic tests?
A: NDIS typically does not cover the costs of medical diagnostic tests. These tests are considered part of standard healthcare services, which are usually covered by the healthcare system or other funding sources, not NDIS.
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Q: What is a replacement support?
A: Replacement support refers to services, items, or equipment that a participant wishes to use instead of the NDIS supports listed in the plan. The agency may fund for a support on the not funded list in certain circumstances. You can find further on this here.
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Q: What happens if my participant spends on something that is on the ‘not funded list’?
A: In specific circumstances, the NDIA may fund supports that are not classified as NDIS supports. Replacement support refers to services, items, or equipment that a participant wishes to use instead of the NDIS supports listed in the plan.
Note: A replacement support is not an additional support or funding; it simply replaces an existing NDIS support in the plan and can be shown to deliver the same or better outcomes and cost the same or less.
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Q: How can my participant apply for the replacement support?
A: Certain supports may qualify for replacement and the participant must complete the application for replacement form and obtain written approval from the NDIA to purchase them. The ‘Application for Replacement Support Form’ must be completed - found here. A quote can also be provided in this application process. You can find more details on the process under ‘Applying for a replacement support’ on the NDIS website.
Important to note: Participants must follow this process before purchasing the replacement support and should not complete it after purchasing a non-NDIS support.
Providers should not provide a replacement support or item without evidence that this has been approved.
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Q: What information is available regarding access to clinical psychology sessions and how they may affect psychology supports for participants?
A: The guidelines to psychology services and mental health supports have not changed however, it does seem the NDIS is in the process of updating and clarifying their position. So keep an eye out for more information.
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Q: What information is available regarding access to parent programs?
A: As for parental supports, the ‘not funded’ list specifies the following parents supports no longer being funded from NDIS plans, including:
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Q: Can psychology services still be funded under NDIS, and under which category do they fall?
A: Yes, psychology services can still be funded under the NDIS from the Improved Daily Living Skills budget or Core.
Psychology can be claimed through the following codes:
Category Name: Core
Line Item Number: 01_701_0128_1_3
Support Item Name: Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training Supports - Psychologist
Category Name: Core
Line Item Number: 01_700_0118_1_3
Support Item Name: Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - EC - Psychologist
Category Name: Improved Daily Living Skills
Line Item Number: 15_001_0118_1_3
Support Item Name: Early Childhood Supports - Psychologist
Category Name: Improved Daily Living Skills
Line Item Number: 15_054_0128_1_3
Support Item Name: Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Psychologist
Q: Has there been changes to how I use Core funds for therapeutic supports?
A: Yes there has been. Based on the Pricing Arrangement released on 1st July 2024, a new provision has been added into the section relating to Disability Related Health Supports in Core.
This provision states that utilising Core Supports for Disability-Related Health Supports can continue until 30th June 2025. This is the first time since these temporary measures were introduced that a clearly stated end date has been provided by the NDIS.
This means that after 30th June 2025, participants can no longer use their Core funds to pay for therapies.
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Q: Is it true that NDIS participants can no longer use funding to purchase sensory items?
A: Sensory items have been a great example of supports that participants experienced push back from the NDIS to get funded. That said, under the new not funded list, sensory items are not explicitly stated but the NDIS’ official page on this topic is expected to be updated soon so keep an eye out for it!
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Q: Is meal preparation by a support worker or meal delivery services like frozen meals still funded? Under what conditions?
A: Yes, meal preparation by a support worker or meal delivery services can still be funded under the NDIS, provided certain conditions are met.
Funding can be used for meal preparation when a support worker helps you prepare meals or shop for groceries. Participant can also use a meal delivery service however, certain conditions must be met in order to do so.
There must be a clear cost breakdown between the preparation and delivery of meals and the cost of food or ingredients. Under the new not funded list, it specifies that "fast food services, takeaway food, and food delivery platforms" are not covered. Previously, the NDIA clarified that groceries alone wouldn’t be funded.
Now, it's more explicit that meal deliveries from local takeaway shops can’t have their delivery costs claimed. There must be a clear distinction between the cost of delivering and preparing meals versus the cost of the food or ingredients themselves. Meal preparation and delivery can still be funded if a clear cost breakdown is provided.
You can find more information on meal preparation here.
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Q: What has changed with STA guidelines?
A: The NDIA are working on new guidelines that are to be released ‘soon’. In the meantime, it is important to highlight the items that are explicitly no longer funded, including:
These items are to complement the guidelines already in place for STA.
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Q: Can I get 1:1 support during Short Term Accommodation (STA)?
A: Funding is typically provided at a group rate unless there’s evidence that, due to your disability, you need individual support (1:1). This means you may share services with others unless your disability requires one-on-one support. This is a clear NDIS position.
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Q: Is a co-payment required from participants for STA?
A: No, co-payments are not required for Short Term Accommodation (STA) under the NDIS. The funding is intended to cover all reasonable and necessary costs associated with STA, including accommodation, support, food, and activities. However, participants may need to pay for any additional personal expenses not covered by the plan, such as personal care items or optional activities.
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Q: Are participants' meals still covered under STA, or has this policy changed?
A: The cost of meals is inclusive of a participant’s STA service. For instance, if a participant is receiving 1:3 supports on a Saturday at the rate of $1,036.56/day, the participant’s meal costs would be included in this cost.
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Q: Can participants request to change their listed primary impairment if they feel it does not reflect their main condition?
A: Yes, participants can request a change to their listed primary impairment if they feel it doesn’t accurately reflect their main condition. They can seek a variation to add or remove impairments anytime after gaining access. If they disagree with a decision regarding their impairment(s), they have the option to request an independent review.
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Q: Who can I contact for more information or support regarding the recent NDIS changes?
A: For more information and to get personalised support, visit our website and select the option that best fits you:
Keep an eye out on our website for updates on future webinars and resources.
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