Supports that provide evidence-based therapy to help participants... | FOI document library

Supports that provide evidence-based therapy to help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community living are included as NDIS supports. Evidence based therapeutic supports can only be delivered by an allied health professional.

Evidence based therapists may use a variety of tools to play a role in a goal-directed, structured intervention which will assist the therapist and the participant to engage in therapy. This may include board games, online games, Lego or an animal. The therapy is delivered to the participant by the allied health professional and the tool is used to support participation.

What about if my activity is delivered through a disability-specific group or centre-based program?

If your activity is being delivered through a group and centre-based program and the costs of the activity and the support you need are fully covered by the hourly rate charged by the provider in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements, you can purchase your group and centre-based program using your NDIS funds.

If your group and centre-based program does not cover the costs of an activity within the hourly rate they charge to support you in that activity then you will need to pay for the cost of the activity yourself.

For example, if your group and centre-based program goes bowling and the cost of bowling is not covered by the approved hourly rate then you need to pay for these costs yourself.

Is Lego therapy included on the out list? Do delegates have clarity about therapy supports and which supports are allowed?

Supports that provide evidence-based therapy, to help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community living are included as NDIS supports. Evidence-based therapeutic supports can only be delivered by an allied health professional or appropriately qualified professional.

Activities that are delivered without a best quality evidence-base and/or by people who are not appropriately qualified to develop and deliver therapy are not funded as therapeutic supports.

You can find more information about alternative and complementary therapies that are not evidence-based at What does NDIS fund?

Training on all legislative changes is being delivered to all delegates. Guidance for delegates has also been updated across NDIA systems.

Can NDIS funding be used to purchase pet insurance for assistance animals?

NDIS funding can be used to buy an assistance animal and pay for most of its associated costs when approved by the NDIA.

However, funding cannot be used to pay for pet insurance for an assistance animal. More information about assistance animals is available in Our Guideline — Assistance animals.

NDIS funding can’t be used to buy pets or companion animals, or to pay for any pet or companion animal related costs including:

Pet food, toys or accessories
Veterinarian costs
Pet boarding
Pet grooming
Pet insurance
Taxidermy and pet cremations, burials or funerals.

Is specialised driver training an NDIS support?

The NDIS supports list describes that driver training with a specialised vehicle driving instructor can be funded for eligible participants.

A specialised vehicle driving instructor is someone who has experience and training in providing driving instruction to people with disability and is registered or licensed to be a driving instructor in the relevant State or Territory.

The information available in current operational guidance remains applicable.

Our Guideline — Vehicle modifications and driving supports describes the range of driver supports that may be funded:

A driver trained occupational therapist assessment and a driving instructor for the on-road part of the assessment, if a participant plans to drive the vehicle.

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Specialised driving lessons - additional driving lessons where a participant’s disability impacts their ability to learn to drive.

Are disability specific bicycles, including electric bicycles, considered an NDIS support?

Yes. Bicycles or tricycles, with or without an electric motor, that include disability specific features, or have been designed to meet the disability specific needs of a participant, are an NDIS support.

This is because they are considered an assistive product for recreation and can be funded if they also meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria applied to all NDIS supports.

The costs associated with adapting or modifying a standard bicycle or tricycle to meet a participant’s disability specific needs may also be an NDIS support. However, in these circumstances the participant, or their family, would need to self-fund the cost of the bicycle or tricycle that is being adapted or modified.

Standard, non-modified, bicycles or tricycles including electric bicycles are not NDIS supports.

In some specific circumstances, the NDIS may fund supports that are not listed as NDIS supports. These are called replacement supports. Electric bicycles are not considered standard commercially available household items and therefore are not a support for which a replacement can be requested.

Are sexual services an NDIS support?

Under the laws of the NDIS sexual services can’t be funded.

Sexual services is not defined in the legislation but is given its ordinary meaning by the NDIA.

Sexual services are taken to include any sexual conduct undertaken with a participant for payment or reward, including direct physical activity between a participant and another person for the purpose of sexual gratification.

This includes all services that may be provided by a sex worker.

The NDIS will continue to provide reasonable and necessary funding to participants to access the disability related supports and services they need.

This includes other sexuality related supports due to a participant’s disability, for example adaptive equipment, sex counselling and individualised sexual education supports where reasonable and necessary.

How does the allowable NDIS supports list work?

The list of allowable NDIS supports is not exhaustive, meaning it does not exclude items that are not specifically listed.

The purpose of the list is to clarify the types of supports that fall under the overarching description.

It is important for participants to know that for something to be considered an NDIS support, it must fit within the overarching description provided in schedule 1 (however it does not have to be specifically listed) and of course, must not be included in the non-allowable NDIS supports list.

The NDIS support list includes high intensity daily personal activities, and states that supports must be provided by a worker with additional qualifications and experience.

The NDIS support list includes high intensity daily personal activities, and states that supports must be provided by a worker with additional qualifications and experience. What does this mean?

You should ensure that the people providing your high intensity daily personal activity supports have relevant qualifications and/or training to deliver the support to you safely and appropriately.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission provides guidance which describes the skills and knowledge that NDIS providers and workers should ensure they have when supporting participants receiving high intensity daily personal activities.

You can find more information about this guidance on the NDIS Commission website.

Are modified fluids and thickeners NDIS supports?

Modified fluids and thickeners are NDIS supports. They are what we call disability-related health supports.

These include:

low-cost assistive technology — equipment, technology, or devices to assist with feeding and swallowing needs
modified foods including liquid thickener products
help to prepare specific foods which you can safely eat

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a support worker to help you eat or drink safely if you can’t do this yourself because of your disability.

Are dietetics/dietitians NDIS supports?

As an evidence-based therapy, dietetics is covered under ‘Therapeutic supports’.

The list of supports detailed under each category in the list of Supports that are NDIS supports is not exhaustive.

The NDIS will fund dietetics where the participant needs this therapeutic support due to their disability and it meets the reasonable and necessary test.

The NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2024-25 (PAPL) includes dietetics under the ‘Capacity Building — Improved Health and Wellbeing’ category (pg. 81-82).

The PAPL is currently being reviewed and will be updated to be consistent with current practice.

Would food processors and aerators be considered exemptions to the supports that are not NDIS supports list?

Based on the NDIS Transitional Rules 2024, food processers, including the purchase of prepared aerated drink/beverage or household item to aerate water, such as a soda stream, are not NDIS supports.

These are classed as a day-to-day living costs.

What are dysphagia supports?

Dysphagia supports are what we call disability-related health supports. Generally, if a participant has dysphagia which is ongoing and directly related to their disability, we can fund dysphagia supports for them. We will need evidence to support this, such as reports or assessments from a speech pathologist.

Dysphagia supports we may fund include:

low-cost assistive technology — this means equipment, technology, or devices to help you eat and drink
modified foods including liquid thickener products
help to prepare specific foods which you can safely eat
a support worker to help you eat or drink safely if you can’t do this yourself because of your disability.

To help you manage dysphagia, we may also fund a speech pathologist to:

make a mealtime management plan, sometimes called an oral eating and drinking care plan, which describes how you can eat and drink safely
train your support workers, family or carers in your specific disability-related dysphagia support needs.

Based on the NDIS support transitional rules, either the purchase of prepared aerated drink/beverage or household item to aerate water, such as a soda stream, would not be an NDIS Support as it would be classed as a day-to-day living cost.

If the participant needs further information, they can contact their My NDIS Contact or Support Coordinator.

Can the NDIS fund meal preparation or delivery services?

Yes, the NDIS can fund the cost of meal preparation and delivery, but not the cost of food or ingredients. If your disability makes it difficult to prepare meals, you can use your funding for supports like a support worker or meal delivery services.

Meal preparation and delivery services must provide itemised invoices separating the cost of food from preparation and delivery costs. Services like Uber Eats or fast-food platforms typically don’t meet these requirements as they do not provide the necessary separation.

What if my support worker is unavailable or I live in a rural area?

If your plan includes funding for a support worker to help with meal preparation, and the support worker is temporarily unavailable, you can use this funding flexibly for meal delivery for a short period.

This arrangement should be temporary, and you may need to provide evidence if it extends for a longer time. In rural areas, meal delivery providers must also provide itemised invoices to meet NDIS requirements.

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Does the NDIS fund groceries, fast food, or dietary supplements?

No, the NDIS does not fund groceries, fast food, or takeaway services, as these are considered everyday living costs for everyone. Dietary supplements are also generally not funded unless they are prescribed or recommended as part of managing a disability-related need.

For example, if a healthcare professional determines that your disability requires specific supplements, these may be considered under certain circumstances, provided they meet the NDIS funding criteria.

How are decisions about meal preparation supports made, and what evidence is needed?

Decisions about funding for meal preparation supports are based on your individual plan and the NDIS funding criteria. If included in your plan, this may be as a stated or non-stated support.

Providers must issue itemised invoices for meal preparation and delivery claims. While a quote is not usually required, if additional funding is sought or the arrangement extends beyond a short-term period, evidence such as a recommendation or plan change request may be needed.

Are household items recommended by a qualified speech pathologist or APD on the Replacement supports list?

Standard commercially available household items are included on the Replacement support lists. Household items that are required, recommended by a qualified speech pathologist or dietician, such as a blender to prepare a participant’s special diet would be considered a replacement item.

If a participant wishes to have these supports included in their plan they would need to apply using the Replacement support application process.

Are parenting programs funded by the NDIS?

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports to help children with disability or significant developmental delay work towards their goals.

We can only fund supports that are included in the list of Supports that are NDIS supports. We can’t fund things are that are not an NDIS support.

The new rules clarify that the NDIS does not fund general parenting programs.

By general parenting programs, we mean programs available to all parents that help build parenting skills. This approach aligns with the guidance in place before the new legislation took effect on 3 October 2024.

What early intervention or developmental delay supports are available to children and their parents?

Early intervention supports for children with disability or developmental delay focus on helping children, families, and carers work towards specific goals that are identified in their NDIS plan.

Early intervention supports also build the family’s capacity alongside the child’s. Parents and carers may participate in one-on-one, or group sessions with other parents and carers who have similar goals within their child’s NDIS plan.

These programs are designed to build their capacity to maximise their child’s independence and development, by building the capacity and skills of the child’s family and carers.

Parenting support can also be provided to people with disability who are parents through their NDIS plan. Where an NDIS participant who is a parent has arrangements in their NDIS plan to support them in their parenting role because of their disability, those arrangements do not change.

Our Early Childhood Approach and Early Connections OGs outline how we help children with disability to get the support they need. We will continue to update our guidelines as we implement legislative changes.

Is the art and music therapy independent review complete?

The independent review for art and music therapy is now complete.

We have received the final report from Dr Stephen Duckett AM.

We will consider his recommendations in the development of our operational guidance and NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL).

The updated operational guidance will be published in the coming months. Dr Duckett’s report will be also published in full on our website, including key information in Easy Read and Auslan.

Until the new guidance is released later this year, there are no changes to the status of music and art therapy as NDIS supports.

For more information refer to: Independent review of NDIS funded music and art supports | NDIS and the latest media release.

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Funding amounts, components, periods (s33) (New)

What are funding periods?

A funding period is the time that part of a participant’s funding is available for, and how long it needs to last. Participants can spend up to the amount of funding available in that time. Funding periods can apply to either the total amount of funding in participant’s plan, or funding component amounts.

What is total funding amount?

Plans now include a total funding amount. This shows the total amount of funds allocated to all reasonable and necessary supports over the length of a participant’s plan.

The funding is divided into funding components, like Core, Capacity building, or Capital. The total amount for each funding component will be made available to you in specific time intervals called funding periods. Each funding component has its own funding periods.

What are funding components?

Funding components group together related types of supports in a participant’s plan. Each component has an allocated amount that can be used to purchase supports covered under that component.

For example, the Core funding component might include support for daily activities, while Capacity Building could cover therapies or training.

When are different funding periods being introduced and who will be affected?

Different funding periods are being introduced from 19 May 2025 to:

help make sure supports are available when participants need them
reduce the risk of running out of funds early.

This change will be rolled out gradually. Participants will not be impacted until they receive a new or reassessed plan following discussion with them to understand their circumstances.

Funding periods will usually be set at 3-months on the basis this gives participants flexibility but also helps them manage their budget so their funding lasts the full length of their plan.

Funding periods won’t change the total funding amount, they only change when participants can access their funds.

Why have different funding periods been introduced?

Different funding periods have been introduced to help participants manage their NDIS funding by providing access to regular, manageable amounts over time, rather than all at once.

Funding periods will usually be set at 3-months on the basis this gives flexibility to participants but also helps participants manage budgets.

This won’t happen until participants get a new or reassessed plan following discussion with them to understand their circumstances.

Will the total amount of funding in a participant’s plan change?

No, funding periods don’t affect a participant’s total budget, only when funding will be made available across the duration of their plan

Can unused funding be rolled over to the next funding period?

At the end of each funding period, any unspent funds will rollover into the next funding period in the same plan. This means the unused funding will be added to the new funding period. However, funds will only rollover during the same plan.

This approach ensures that support is available as needed over time.

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Can funding from a future funding period be brought forward?

Funding from a future funding period generally can’t be brought forward.

In exceptional circumstances, the NDIA may bring forward a future funding period if there is an urgent need. This won’t change the total amount of funding in the plan, so careful budgeting is still needed to ensure there’s enough funding to meet support needs later in the plan.

If a participant’s situation has changed and they need more or different supports, they can contact the NDIA to request a change to their plan.

It’s important for participants to ask for help early, before funds run out.

Why are funding periods generally 3-months?

Funding periods are more effective when set at a duration that is not over an extended period.

Funding periods will usually be set at 3-months on the basis this gives flexibility to participants but isn’t so big as not to be in line with budgets and/or funds provided to people in other aspects of life.

Staged funding is a common approach across Australian Government programs. It means funding is provided in parts over time, rather than all at once.

This helps people manage their budgets and supports consistent use of funding over the length of the plan.

Other government payments like the age pension also use set funding periods.

How is the length of a participant’s funding periods decided? (new)

Funding periods can vary in length. They may be one, 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the participant’s needs.

In most cases, the NDIS will begin with 3-month funding periods when discussing a participant’s plan.

The length of funding periods is based on the participant’s individual circumstances, including:

their preferences
their support needs
any identified risks
the total funding in their plan
the types and costs of supports
how they have used funding in previous plans

Some supports may require shorter funding periods, such as one month. Others, particularly those involving more complex needs, may require longer periods.

Can funding periods be different lengths in a participant’s plan? (new)

Yes, funding periods can vary in length within a participant’s plan. For example, a participant’s plan might have funding periods of one, 3, 6, or 12 months.

A participant may also have one funding component amount with 3-month funding periods and another component amount with shorter, one-month funding periods.

Most plans will have more than one funding period. If a participant’s plan lasts longer than 12 months, they will always have more than one funding period.

Each funding period will start immediately after the previous one, ensuring the participant won’t be left without funding.

The participant’s plan will show whether funding periods apply to the whole plan or to specific funding component amounts. It will also list the dates each funding period starts and ends as well as how much funding can be used during each period.

For plans that already have a 12-month funding period and are continued without reassessment, the 12-month funding period will remain the same. Participants can continue using their funding as they currently do. Funding periods generally won’t change until the plan is reassessed.

When will a participant receive their funding? (new)

Funding is usually spread evenly across a participant’s plan to help manage supports throughout the length of their plan. For example, if a participant has a 12- month plan with 3-month funding periods, they’ll typically get 25% of their funding at the start of each period.

Some supports may be funded differently:

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daily supports (like in-home care) consider the number of days in each period including weekends and holidays.

one-off or setup supports (like assistive technology, home/vehicle modifications, or medium-term accommodation) may be fully funded at the start or when needed. Unused funds can roll over to the next period.

enteral feeding products are funded for 12 months at the start of each year.

Participants might also get more funding upfront for:

behaviour support planning
changing needs or situations (e.g. hospital discharge)
intensive capacity building
bulk buying consumables (e.g. continence products).

How are funding periods managed? (new)

Funding periods are managed based on the participant’s chosen plan management option, offering flexibility to suit individual needs:

Self-managed — the participant manages their funding and spends it according to their plan and within their funding periods.
Plan managed — a registered plan manager manages the participant’s funding and helps ensure it is used correctly within the funding periods.
Agency-managed — the NDIA manages the participant’s funding, ensuring it is spent in line with their plan and within their funding periods.

Where possible, this approach ensures that participants can choose the plan management type that works best for them, while also ensuring funding is used effectively across the funding periods.

How can providers help participants manage their budgets?

Support coordinators should work with participants at the start of their plan to establish a schedule of support that can be delivered within the funding allocated to each period. This ensures that supports can be provided consistently throughout the funding period.

Plan Managers will support participants to spend in accordance with their plan including within funding periods.

Providers must only deliver supports that are within the available funding for each period, and claims should be submitted promptly after services are delivered.

How will participants and providers see funding periods?

Participants will be able to see their funding periods in the participant portal, the NDIS app, and their plan document. They will have access to information about how much funding is available, how much has been used, and when the next amount will be available.

With the participant’s consent, Plan Managers and Support Coordinators will also be able to view this information in the provider portal.

Can a provider claim across 2 funding periods?

Yes, a provider can claim for services delivered in a previous funding period, as long as the dates of the invoice fall within the plan. The current funding period must have sufficient remaining or unspent funds rolled over from the previous period to cover the claim.

What types of supports may have different funding periods?

Some supports may have different funding periods based on how they are delivered. For example, high-cost regular supports like Supported Independent Living (SIL) may have monthly funding periods to align with service delivery. In some cases, participants may need more funding upfront, for example, to purchase assistive technology like a custom wheelchair. In these cases, more funding will be available at the start of the plan.

Where can participants and providers see details of funding periods?

Funding periods will be visible in:

the participant portal
the my NDIS app
the plan document.

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Participants will be able to see: FOI 24/25-2384

how much funding is available in each period
how much has been used
how much funding has been released in the plan so far
when the next amount will become available.

Plan managers and support coordinators (with the participant’s consent), can see funding period information in the NDIS provider portal.

Can participants request a review of a decision about the funding periods and total budget amounts in their plan?

If a participant is not happy with the funding periods and total budget amounts in their plan, they can request an internal review of their plan.

Why is capacity building not flexible with core?

The way plans are built and funding allocated across core, capacity building and capital budgets is not changing until the new planning framework commences.

This includes no changes to flexibility within and across these budgets.

How will people who are Agency-managed have the same level of support and choice?

There are no changes regarding access to registered or unregistered providers as a result of the legislation changes.

We will help participants and nominees understand these changes and implement their plans. Participants can continue to access plan implementation support from their My NDIS Contact or, support coordinator, plan manager or other services such as recovery coaches if they are funded in their plan. Plan managers and support coordinators are expected to provide assistance to the participant to understand their funding options and choices.

If the participant needs additional assistance because of their supported decision making needs, they can ask for capacity building funding in their plan.

If participants want to access more flexibility with the ability to choose unregistered providers, they can have a discussion about their plan management type with their planner or local area coordinator.

Each plan can continue to have a mix of plan management types based on an individual participant’s needs and preferences.

Training for NDIA staff on supported decision making has been designed and will begin to be delivered from November 2024. This will assist planners to prioritise supported decision making when having discussions with participants.

Can a participant negotiate to ‘unstate’ a support during planning?

The purpose of stating supports in a participant’s plan is to ensure specific disability needs are addressed.

It is therefore not something that would generally be changed in the planning process.

Is there going to be enough flexibility in these arrangements to enable plans to work for people with volatile needs?

The way plans are built and funding allocated across core, capacity building and capital budgets is not changing until the new planning framework commences.

This includes no changes to flexibility within and across these budgets.

Participants will continue to be able to make change requests when their circumstances change. This includes requesting a variation for crisis or emergency funding as a result of a significant change to the participant’s support needs.

As well as there being s10 rules around allowable supports in place, will there be any restrictions on choice of registered providers for home and living supports?

The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce recently provided advice to the Government on the design and implementation of a new regulatory model.

The Taskforce made 11 recommendations and 10 implementation actions covering provider and worker registration, some of which required an immediate response and others that will be designed with close consultation with the disability community. The Taskforce conducted thorough consultation, and this important process will continue.

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The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will progress Rule changes to mandate registration for support coordination, platform providers and SIL.

Consultation on these changes will commence shortly. The new Rules will allow for a period of transition to the new mandatory registration arrangements.

Currently, if a participant’s plan is Agency-managed, there are some constraints in place, including that they must purchase from registered NDIS providers only.

Under the SDA Rules, SDA providers must also be registered.

Why do supports need to be listed in separate components?

A funding component amount in a plan might include funding for more than one support category. This means a participant can choose how to spend their funding across all the supports under that funding component amount.

For example, in the same funding component amount we can include any funding for:

transport
consumables
assistance with daily life
assistance with social, economic and community participation.

Eligibility reassessments (s30)

Why are new letters being sent to participants about the eligibility reassessment process?

We have made some immediate changes to improve the process for eligibility reassessment for participants, families and their carers.

We understand eligibility reassessments can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know what information is required to support your eligibility reassessment.

We have now introduced new eligibility reassessment letters which outline more detail about the types of information you may wish to provide.

This also gives you the opportunity to provide us with information we can’t reasonably get in a different way.

The new letters:

tell you an eligibility reassessment has started, and why
are clearer about the information you may wish to provide
tell you that you have 90 days to supply this information.

The new letters are the second step in our plans to address feedback from the disability community.

We will continue to streamline and simplify the eligibility reassessment process to ensure you can easily understand and navigate it.

If you need more time, you can call us on 1800 800 100 or contact us or your my NDIS contact for help.

What are the new timeframes to provide additional information and when does this change commence?

We have extended the timeframe for participants to provide additional information to support eligibility reassessments from 28 to 90 days.

This came into effect on 30 January 2025.

Participants who are notified about an eligibility reassessment will now be given 90 days to provide information to help us understand if their support needs have changed and whether they still meet the eligibility criteria for the Scheme.

We understand these requests can feel overwhelming and takes time to get information.

Participants will now have more time to get information to us.

Will the timeframe extension apply if I am currently undergoing an eligibility reassessment on 30 January 2025?

Yes, participants who have already received a request to provide information due to their eligibility being reassessed and need more time, can contact us or their my NDIS Contact for help.

What is the purpose of an eligibility reassessment?

Eligibility reassessments help us understand if a participant’s support needs have changed and whether they still meet the eligibility criteria for the Scheme, particularly if they have received early intervention support through the NDIS Early Intervention pathway.

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The NDIS Early Intervention pathway is mainly accessed by children in recognition that when we support children early, it can improve outcomes and reduce their need for supports later in life.

While eligibility reassessments have always been a part of the NDIS, we acknowledge the experience may be new for some participants.

We understand these requests can feel overwhelming and takes time to get information.

Participants will now have more time to get information to us.

How does the eligibility reassessment process work?

We send a letter to a participant (or nominee) to let them know about the eligibility reassessment and that they can provide additional information.

We understand that it can take time to get this information. That’s why we have extended the timeframe for participants to provide additional documentation to support eligibility reassessments from 28 to 90 days. If the information isn’t available in 90 days, the participant (or nominee) can ask for more time.

If we decide someone isn’t eligible or they don’t respond to our request within the timeframe, we may cease their access to the NDIS. But we will make multiple efforts to contact you so we can talk to you about support needs.

Why is this changing?

We understand these requests can feel overwhelming and it takes time to get information.

Participants will now have more time to get information to us. We recognise there is work to be done with participants and the disability sector to improve the eligibility reassessment process.

We are working to strengthen our approach through:

better communication with participants and families about what is involved during an eligibility reassessment
providing more time for people to supply the agency with relevant information about their evidence of eligibility and whether it has changed
improving the communication and resources participants receive when they undergo the reassessment process.

Why are new letters being sent to participants about the eligibility reassessment process?

We have made some immediate changes to improve the process for eligibility reassessment for participants, families and their carers.

We understand eligibility reassessments can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know what information is required to support your eligibility reassessment.

We have now introduced new eligibility reassessment letters which outline more detail about the types of information you may wish to provide.

This also gives you the opportunity to provide us with information we can’t reasonably get in a different way.

The new letters:

tell you an eligibility reassessment has started, and why
are clearer about the information you may wish to provide
tell you that you have 90 days to supply this information.

The new letters are the second step in our plans to address feedback from the disability community.

We will continue to streamline and simplify the eligibility reassessment process to ensure you can easily understand and navigate it.

If you need more time, you can call us on 1800 800 100 or contact us or your my NDIS contact for help.

Foundational Supports

Do the legislative amendments address foundational supports?

The amendments don’t directly address foundational supports, the focus is on strengthening the overall framework of the NDIS.

This includes ensuring that necessary supports are available to participants, which may involve foundational supports being addressed indirectly as part of the broader reforms and improvements to the Scheme.

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Access (s21)

What are the changes to access?

New participants will be informed if they meet access to the NDIS by meeting the:

disability requirements (s.24)
early intervention requirements (s.25)
both the disability and early intervention requirements.

In the future, participants will be supported by the appropriate participant pathway, depending on how they meet access.

What will the changes to access mean for participants?

In the future, participants will be supported to have a more tailored planning experience and funding outcomes, depending on how they accessed the NDIS.

The impact of this change will happen later, once new pathways are created.

It will take time to create the new pathways, as we will work together with people with disability on how these can be best implemented to ensure the needs of participants and the Agency are met.

How do the changes impact early intervention?

People who meet access to the NDIS under the early intervention requirements will be supported by the new early intervention pathway once it’s created.

Notice of impairments (s32BA)

What is a Notice of Impairments?

Currently, all new participants to the NDIS receive an access decision letter which says if access was met under the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both.

From 1 January 2025, new participants will receive clearer information about how they meet the disability or early intervention requirements. This will include their category of impairment.

The change was recommended by the NDIS Review, and requests from participants for more clarity and transparency about the basis of their access.

There are 6 impairment categories listed in the NDIS Act.

These are:

intellectual
cognitive
sensory
neurological
physical
impairments relating to a psychosocial disability.

The categories and their definitions are outlined in the operational guideline — Applying to the NDIS document available on the NDIS website.

For children younger than 6 years old who meet the criteria for developmental delay, the information will say they are eligible under the early intervention requirements with developmental delay.

Why is the NDIS introducing Notice of Impairments?

Providing this information to participants gives them clearer information about how they meet the disability or early intervention requirements.

It responds to NDIS Review recommendations, and requests from participants to have more clarity and transparency about the basis of their access to the NDIS.

This approach also recognises that people with disability who have the same diagnosis may have different impairments and support needs.

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What does it mean for me as a new participant (application submitted on or after 1 January 2025)?

Currently, all new participants receive an access decision letter, which says if access was met under the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both.

From 1 January, new participants will receive clearer information about how they meet the disability or early intervention requirements. This will include their category of impairment.

The change was recommended by the NDIS Review, and requests from participants for more clarity and transparency about the basis of their access.

What does it mean for me as an existing participant?

As an existing participant, there is nothing you need to do right now.

We will work with existing participants to make sure they have the information they need ahead of any changes.

What happens if I want to change my category/categories?

A participant, or their nominee, can apply to vary their impairment category at any time after meeting access if it is not, or is no longer, correct.

The type of evidence that is required to support an application will depend on the reason the participant is seeking to vary the information and the evidence that has already been provided.

If the NDIA varies the impairment category, this will be reflected in the participant’s information. If a participant does not agree with the NDIA’s decision to vary or not to vary their impairment category, they can ask for a review of the decision.

Support needs assessment (s32L)

What is a support needs assessment?

The NDIS Review recommended a different approach to planning to deliver better and fairer outcomes for NDIS participants.

This included the development of a new way to gather information about the support people need to inform their NDIS Budget, called a support needs assessment.

A support needs assessment is a process that will be used to better understand a participant’s support needs in the future and develop their budget.

It will include a strengths-based assessment that will focus on a participant’s support needs rather than functional capacity.

Support needs assessments are a key step in the NDIS reform process to move toward a better way of planning.

In February 2025, the NDIA released an approach to market for support need assessment tools to support this process.

The NDIA understands the new ways of gathering information will significantly change participants’ experience and we will continue to talk with and listen to the disability community every step of the way.

Read more about support needs assessment tools.

What’s changing now?

For most participants, they will continue to have their plans developed using the current process for some time to come.

It will take 5 years for all participants to have their NDIS budgets developed in this new way. We are taking 5 years to make sure the transition isn’t rushed and we continue to learn and improve as we go.

We will continue to talk with and listen to people with disability, their families, carers and representatives as we progress through this year of design and testing, and as we transition to the new way of working.

We will also keep letting everyone know where we are up to in the design and testing, so that the information is available to everyone.

What happens next?

February to April 2025

The first step is to work with people with disability to understand the best ways to collect information about peoples’ support needs, and how to use this to build a NDIS budget. People with disability will be involved in choosing the best ways to collect information. We already know that people want us to make this as simple and easy as possible for people, so they don’t need to keep sharing personal information or retelling their story.

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The second step is to agree how the NDIA will collect information, how to talk with participants about their NDIS budgets and how they can use it. This includes agreeing how participants can provide information. We know there will be many areas we will need to work through with participants to make sure the system is fair and equitable for people in different circumstances.

We are working with people with disability and disability representatives to design this and will have a proposed approach to share in April 2025.

April to September 2025

The third step is to test the new approach to gathering information and setting a person’s NDIS budget to make sure it works well before we start using it. We will include testing the new way of working with participants, without affecting their plans or budgets. We will keep listening and making improvements to the process to reflect the feedback we receive.

From September 2025

We will gradually start working with participants to develop their NDIS budgets using the new approach. We will do this gradually so we can keep testing and improving the way this works.

In this early stage, we will also build in additional checks to make sure the approach is working well, and that participants’ NDIS budgets are fair and consistent.

We will start gradually to make sure the new approach works well for participants, and we will continue to learn and improve how to do this well - so we can make the transition a smooth process for participants. We know these changes may create anxiety for people and we want to make the process as clear and as simple as possible for people.

Plan management decisions (s44)

Can I still choose how my NDIS funding is managed?

Yes, you can ask for your plan to be managed in a way that works best for you. This is called a plan management request.

You can choose to:

self-manage your funding
use a plan manager to help you manage your budget
have your funding NDIA-managed.

We want to help you manage your funding safely and confidently. In some cases, if there is an unreasonable risk, we may need to change how your funding is managed.

What has changed in how the NDIA makes decisions about plan management?

New rules now clearly define how we assess unreasonable risk when making plan management decisions.

If there are concerns about how your funding is managed by you, your nominee, a representative or plan manager, we will first look at ways to support you before making any changes.

Extra supports such as guidance, safeguards or other strategies may be offered to help you stay in control of your funding.

A risk is only considered unreasonable if there are no supports that can help manage it.

If we decide to change how your funding is managed, we will:

talk to you first and explain our decision
give you the option to request a review if you don’t agree.

These changes are designed to help you stay in control of your funding while ensuring it is managed safely.

What does the NDIA consider when changing a plan management decision?

When the NDIA decides how plan funds are managed, they will consider if the participant, their nominee or child representative or registered plan manager:

spent funding on NDIS supports
spent funding in line with the participant’s plan
presents an unreasonable risk to the participant by managing their funding.

If risks are identified, the NDIA may not support a participant’s request to self-manage or use a registered plan manager.

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What happens if a participant or their nominee have been convicted of a criminal offence?

The NDIA will consider if the participant or their plan nominee have had any major criminal convictions.

The participant’s funding will be Agency-managed if the participant or their nominee have been convicted of an offence that:

carries at least 2 years of prison
involves fraud or dishonesty.

This will apply to all new and reassessed plans where a new plan approval decision is being made.

Can a participant appeal a plan management decision implemented by the NDIA?

Participants can appeal a plan management decision.

They should follow the NDIA appeal process, which includes requesting a review and providing any supporting information.

If a participant’s plan management type is changed, is the participant notified and given reasons why?

We know how important it is for participants to have the control, independence and flexibility in arranging and paying for their own supports through self- management.

The NDIA will talk to the participant about the risks and safeguards they have considered when making a plan management decision.

Where possible, they will support the participant to work towards their preferred plan management type in the future.

Plan variations and reassessments (s47 and s48)

Can I request changes to my NDIS plan?

Yes, if your needs change, you can ask for an update to your NDIS plan at any time.

We will work with you to make sure your supports are updated appropriately.

There are 2 ways your plan can be updated:

Plan variations: small changes can be made without replacing your plan.
Reassessments: a full review of your plan, creating a new plan with a new end date.

We will always explain why a change is needed and work with you on any updates. If you don’t agree, you can request a review, and we will support you through the process.

What has changed about how plans are updated?

From 4 March 2025, new rules will clarify when and how we can vary or reassess a participant’s plan.

These rules ensure:

consistent decision-making when plans need to change
a focus on your needs and goals when updating supports
more flexibility while protecting participant funding.

These changes do not affect your right to request a plan variation or reassessment. They simply make the process clearer and ensure updates are made in a fair and transparent way.

Right to appeal decisions

Will participants have the right to appeal agency decisions that they are not happy with, for example changes to how their plan is managed and the funding periods?

Participants can appeal a decision to approve a plan, which includes how the plan will be managed. They can also appeal a decision relating to funding periods.

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They should follow the NDIA appeal process, which includes requesting a review and providing any supporting information.

Can participants still review decisions made by the Agency?

NDIS participants have always and will continue to have the right to review their NDIS package and level of supports.

These legislative changes passed by Parliament do not change that right.

Providers

What is providers’ responsibility when delivering supports? (new)

Providers are responsible for delivering supports in line with the participant’s plan. This includes confirming the participant’s plan has sufficient funding within each funding period and support category to meet their needs.

This requirement has not changed with the introduction of funding periods.

How should providers schedule and claim for supports? (new)

Providers should schedule and claim for supports within the participant’s available budget and funding periods. Claims submitted within a funding period where funds have been exhausted will be rejected.

If there are unspent funds within a funding period, these funds will roll over into the next funding period. This roll over ensures that participants can continue to access supports if they did not fully use their funding in the previous funding period.

Can a provider claim across multiple funding periods? (new)

Yes. If a service spans multiple funding periods, providers are not required to lodge separate claims. As long as there is enough budget in both funding periods to cover the full amount, a claim can be submitted for the entire service.

Claims will be processed based on the available budget, regardless of the support dates.

Why is it important for providers to avoid over servicing? (new)

Over servicing occurs when services are delivered beyond the allocated budget for a given funding period, with the expectation that the claim will be paid using the next funding period’s allocation. While this may seem convenient, it creates risk. If a provider delivers more services than funded in a period, there may not be sufficient funding to cover the participant’s support requirements for the duration of their plan.

Under NDIS legislation, claims exceeding the available funding in a support category in the current funding period cannot be paid.

To ensure both providers and participants are protected, it is essential to deliver services within the participant’s budget and funding periods. Avoiding over- servicing, especially if funding is nearing its limit, ensures continuity of supports and prevents financial risks for participants and providers.

What if a participants’ needs change? (new)

Participants can request changes to their funding periods if their needs change, such as if they need more or less support. They will need to submit a plan change request and provide information explaining why the change is necessary. The NDIS will review the request and where appropriate, work with the participant to adjust their plan.

Plan variations

If a participant’s overall support needs haven’t changed, but they need to adjust how the funds are used over time (for example, to access a temporary increase in funding for a program like intensive capacity building or early intervention), they may request a plan variation. This allows funds to be reallocated within the current period, with less funding allocated to later periods.

This process does not require a full plan reassessment, but careful budgeting is necessary, as less funding will be available in later periods. The total funding amount will remain unchanged.

In some cases, if a participant knows in advance that they will need additional support (such as early intervention), their plan can be frontloaded, giving them more funding early on so they don’t need to return to the Agency if their needs change during the plan.

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Plan reassessments

Plan reassessments are when we create a whole new plan with a participant, that has a new plan end date. Reassessments provide a more detailed review of a participants plan if they have more significant changes to their current circumstances, to ensure funding and supports continue to meet their needs over time.

The process for requesting a change to a plan has not changed with the introduction of funding periods.

Do claims need to be submitted within 2 years of support being provided? Is there a grace period?

Claims and payments (s45)

In the future, all claims must be made within 2 years of providing the support.

For the first 12 months the NDIA will review all claims made for supports provided before the new NDIS law comes into effect on 3 October 2024.

How can providers register for community participation?

Providers can register by visiting the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website and following the registration process.

How do providers and plan managers claim replacement supports?

Providers and plan managers must not provide or claim a replacement support for a participant without evidence of approval.

For more information, visit claims and payments.

More information

If you have more questions about the changes to the NDIS, you can go to the Department of Social Services website.

Get involved

Join Participant First for opportunities to get involved.

This page current as of 19 June 2025

ndis https://ndis.gov.au/node/10700/revisions/54003/view

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