If you’re a participant in the NDIS, you may have received letters or heard rumours about changes coming to the scheme. It’s only natural to feel worried, especially when there’s little detail about what these changes will mean for you. But take a deep breath—there’s no need to panic. The changes are still evolving, and nothing is certain just yet. In the meantime, we are here to help guide you through everything, step by step.
Why the Changes?
The NDIS is becoming clearer about how funds can spent. This initiative will ensure NDIS money is directed toward a specific purpose. The adjustment means that the support services you receive need to closely match the disability on your plan. This may mean that, unless they’re directly related to your disability, certain services you use may not be covered.
For example, if your plan is for a mental health condition, the NDIS might question why you are using funding for physio if it’s not connected to your mental health. This clarification doesn’t mean you’ll lose the support you need—it just means we may need to gather more evidence or look for other ways to get that support.
What Should You Do?
First and foremost, don’t worry! The best thing you can do is book a one-on-one meeting with your Support Coordinator (that’s us!). We can review your plan, budget, and support and explain how the changes might affect you. We’ll discuss terms in the NDIS guidelines like “reasonable and necessary” and explain what they mean for your support.
If you’ve received a letter from the NDIS that has made you anxious, bring it along. We can help you understand what it means and consider your options. We may need to gather more evidence from your doctors or therapists to ensure your current support continues. The good news is that if we act now, we can prepare before any changes occur. This careful planning will help avoid any stress or interruptions to your support.
Flexibility is Tightening
One of the most significant changes is that the NDIS is tightening up the rules about flexible funding. In the past, you might have been able to use your funding for things outside of your primary disability if it was within your budget. Now, the NDIS focuses on ensuring every dollar is used specifically for the disability support detailed in your plan.
For example, suppose you are on the NDIS for psychosocial (mental health) reasons, but you also have physical disabilities. In that case, the NDIS might not cover previously covered treatments unless it is specifically proven that your condition relates to this service and is significantly affecting your life. In this case, we would help you get the proper evidence to add the disability to your plan during your next plan review.
Clarity is a Good Thing
While it may feel frustrating, the new NDIS changes will give you more clarity and control. When things were too flexible, it could be hard to know what was allowed and what wasn’t. Now, with more precise guidelines, you can feel more confident that your plan fits the guidelines. You have the power to make informed decisions about your support. If the NDIS does not cover something, we can explore public services or other avenues to ensure you still get the help you need.
We’re Here for You
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone in this. We are here to support you every step of the way. If you’re feeling anxious or unsure about the changes, contact us. Let’s work together to ensure your plan still meets your needs. If we need to make adjustments, we can do that well before any letters from the NDIS arrive. Our support is unwavering, and we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes with confidence.
Together, we’ll help you feel prepared and confident about the future. Remember, we’re just a call or email away. Contact us today to book a meeting, and let’s tackle these changes as a team.
