What do the NDIS changes mean for you?

What do the changes to the NDIS mean for you?

The NDIS has been a game-changer for people with disability, enabling them to access the support and services they need to get the most out of their lives. Any scheme with the size and scope of the NDIS benefits from a detailed review to ensure it’s meeting its goals and to make it even better for its participants. The recent NDIS Review had a vision to restore the scheme to its original intent and deliver better outcomes for Australians with disability within a broader system of support.

The result of this review is the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024, which was passed by the Parliament in August 2024. So, what are some of the key changes and what do they mean for you?

Access to the NDIS

As part of the new law, you’ll receive notification about why you’re part of the NDIS, which might be because of your permanent disability, you need early intervention, or both. If you have a permanent disability, you’ll receive an impairment notice, which covers which disabilities enable you to be part of the NDIS. For early intervention, you’ll receive confirmation determining whether you still need it and if you need to be in the NDIS. New rules will also be in place for the way functional capacity is tested, which tests what a person with disability can do, and what they need support to do. 

Your NDIS budget

The needs assessment to determine how much money you require from the NDIS will change. The test will establish if you:

• need support from the NDIS 
• need support from other services like a doctor
• need support for something that makes it hard to live with your disability, like an illness

The total funding amount for your NDIS plan covers how much NDIS money you have for the supports you need and what NDIS supports you can spend this money on. The new rules will also lay out what you’re not allowed to spend your NDIS funding on. You might get an NDIS debt if you spend your money on something that isn’t allowed. 

Providing the best possible service

New rules for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission make sure the NDIS services are safe, delivered by quality providers and are the best they can be. The commission determines who can and cannot provide services in the NDIS. This guards against unregistered providers not adhering to the principles of the scheme and providing a lower level of support for people with disability. 

The National Disability Insurance Agency has the power to look at how NDIS money is spent, change who manages your budget, and find out if there is fraud in how NDIS money is being used. 

As part of the process of making these changes, people with disabilities are being consulted to make sure what they want is being taken into account. 

Work with a leading NDIS provider

As the changes start to come into effect, it’s worth looking at your current arrangements to understand if you’re getting the best possible services and support. Northcott is a leading NDIS disability services provider with more than 90 years’ experience. We offer a comprehensive range of support services personalised to your unique circumstances, which are designed to develop your skills and assist you in reaching your goals. 

Some of our NDIS support services include:

• Speech therapy: Improved outcomes for communicating, eating and drinking.
• Occupational therapy: Learn the skills you need to build a more independent, fulfilling life.
• Physiotherapy: Improve your strength, movement and flexibility for greater independence.
• Positive behavioural support: Overcome behavioural challenges with understanding and support.
• Dietetics: Feel your best with dietary and nutritional advice for your health and wellbeing.
• Housing and supported independent living: Our disability housing options include Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
• Group support services: Get together in a group setting with people who have similar goals and interests to you, including adult and teen recreation, life skills, and work and study skills. 

The updates to the NDIS will ensure the scheme is fit for purpose, accessible and fair to those who need it, and providing a high quality of service. Northcott has always adhered to the highest standards, and our team of support workers continue to lead with professionalism, care, empathy and transparency. Our primary focus has always been your needs and empowering you to live the life you choose.

Allied Health and Clinical Services Group Support Services Individual Support Services Housing and Supported Independent Living