Upcoming Changes: New NDIS Support Definitions Explained
From 3 October 2024, the NDIS will only fund supports that are directly related to the impairments covered in your access request.
A new definition of NDIS supports will also be introduced, clearly outlining:
What you can use your NDIS funds for
What you are not allowed to use your NDIS funds for
These changes will apply to all participants. A draft version of these definitions will be in place temporarily while the government consults with the states and territories on the final list.
Understanding the 36 Categories of NDIS Supports
The Australian Government has released a draft list of what classes as an ‘NDIS support’ under changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Below is a breakdown of the 36 categories of NDIS supports, including exceptions where certain costs are not covered.
1. Accommodation/Tenancy Assistance
Provides help to secure or retain accommodation by guiding participants through the application process and tenancy obligations.
Not covered: Rent, bond, mortgage repayments.
2. Assistance Animals
Specially trained animals that help with specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, including maintenance costs like vet fees.
3. Life Stage & Transition Assistance
Supports life skills, mentoring, and support coordination to help participants navigate different life stages and transitions.
4. Assistance to Access and Maintain Employment or Education
Supports participants in obtaining and retaining employment or transitioning from school to work.
Not covered: General education or recruitment-related costs.
5. Daily Life Tasks in Shared Living
Provides assistance with daily tasks in shared living arrangements to promote independence.
6. Travel/Transport Arrangements
Assists participants with travel, including transport to and from activities like school, work, and community events.
7. Assistive Equipment for Recreation
Offers specialist equipment for participation in sports and recreational activities.
8. Assistive Products for Household Tasks
Provides equipment for tasks like cooking, cleaning, and home maintenance.
9. Assistive Products for Personal Care and Safety
Includes products like beds, bathroom equipment, and specialised clothing.
10. Specialist Positive Behaviour Support
Offers professional support to reduce and manage behaviours of concern, including staff training and plan monitoring.
11. Communication and Information Equipment
Supports for alternative communication methods, including electronic devices.
12. Community Nursing Care
Provides specialist care for participants with high needs, including staff training for complex cases.
13. Customised Prosthetics and Orthotics
Covers the prescription and creation of customised prosthetics or orthotics.
14. Daily Personal Activities
Assistance with personal tasks to enable autonomy across various environments.
15. Development of Daily Care and Life Skills
Focuses on training to enhance participants' abilities to live independently, including public transport use.
16. Disability-Related Health Supports
Health supports directly related to a participant’s disability, such as continence, respiratory, and diabetic management.
17. Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood
Offers therapies and family support for children aged 0-9 to achieve better long-term outcomes.
18. Exercise Physiology & Personal Well-being
Supports participants in physical activities to promote well-being.
19. Group and Centre-Based Activities
Assists participants in accessing community or recreational activities in group settings.
20. Hearing Equipment
Specialised hearing supports for those with a permanent impairment.
Not covered: General services provided by Hearing Australia.
21. High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities
Provides assistance to participants with complex needs in completing daily tasks with qualified support workers.
22. Home Modification Design and Construction
Covers home modifications, including equipment installation to enhance independence or safety.
Not covered: Public housing modifications.
23. Household Tasks
Assists participants with essential household tasks like meal preparation, cleaning, and maintenance.
24. Innovative Community Participation
Enables participants to access mainstream community activities not covered under other categories.
25. Interpreting and Translation
Supports participants with essential communication needs in personal or community activities.
26. Management of Funding for Supports
Allows participants to use registered providers to manage their funding.
27. Participation in Community, Social, and Civic Activities
Helps participants actively engage in social and community activities.
28. Personal Mobility Equipment
Provides mobility aids like wheelchairs, walking aids, and transfer equipment.
29. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Provides housing solutions for those with extreme functional impairment or high support needs.
30. Specialised Driver Training
Offers driving lessons for participants using adapted vehicles.
31. Specialised Hearing Services
Provides hearing services for children and adults with complex needs.
32. Specialised Supported Employment
Supports employment in specialist environments like Australian Disability Enterprises.
33. Specialised Support Coordination
Assists participants in complex situations to manage support and reduce barriers to independence.
34. Therapeutic Supports
Therapies that improve participants' daily functioning, such as language, mobility, and social skills.
35. Vehicle Modifications
Modifications to vehicles to enable safe travel or driving for participants.
Not covered: Vehicle purchase, registration, repairs.
36. Vision Equipment
Specialist products like magnifiers and Braille equipment to assist with vision impairments.
Not covered: Prescription glasses.
The NDIS has announced that it will email participants once the new definition of supports is finalised, ahead of the changes taking effect on 3 October 2024.