Disability Support Guide
MAJOR changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme will begin rolling out within weeks, with new laws set to reshape how participants access the scheme, how their plans are funded and what supports they can receive.
Federal Parliament passed the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill on August 19, with the legislation receiving Royal Assent the following day.
The Federal Government says the reforms are needed to secure the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, improve the quality of services and supports and tackle fraud and exploitation within the scheme.
For participants and their families, however, the changes will ultimately mean new eligibility assessments, tighter rules around some categories of funding and significant changes to the planning system.
The first major funding changes will begin from October 1 this year.
As plans are reassessed or renewed, budgets for social, civic and community participation supports will progressively be reset, with the Government intending to reduce allocations in that category by 50 per cent.
The Government says the changes are intended to bring spending closer to 2023 levels and encourage greater use of genuine community-based activities.
A $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund will be established to help community organisations develop activities and opportunities for people with disability.
Importantly, participants will not immediately see their existing funding changed on October 1.
The adjustments will instead be progressively applied when plans are reassessed or renewed, and funding changes will not be backdated.
Protections have also been included for participants with high support needs who require continuous 24-hour disability care.
