The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving. Following the independent NDIS Review, significant changes are being rolled out to ensure the scheme is sustainable and effective for future generations. We understand that hearing about NDIS changes can be unsettling, but being informed is the best way to feel confident and prepared.
This guide breaks down the most important changes for 2025, explaining what they mean in simple terms and how they might affect you or your loved ones. Let’s walk through it together.
1. The Introduction of Foundational Supports
This is one of the biggest shifts. The government is creating a new system of “foundational supports” outside of the NDIS. The goal is to provide help for people with disability who don’t need the intensive, individualised funding of a full NDIS plan.
What this means for you:
- For NDIS Participants: Your access to individualised funding isn’t changing, but you will see a clearer distinction between the NDIS and other disability services.
- For those not eligible for NDIS: There will be a new, clear pathway to access support like early intervention for children, help navigating services, or local community programs.
Real-Life Example:
Jenny’s son, Leo, has mild developmental delays but doesn’t meet the requirements for a full NDIS plan. Under the new system, instead of being left with nothing, Leo might access government-funded foundational supports, like local playgroups and early childhood support programs, helping him build skills and connect with peers.
2. Stricter Rules for What is "Reasonable and Necessary"
The NDIS is tightening its definition of what supports are "reasonable and necessary." Going forward, there will be a stronger focus on ensuring every funded support is directly linked to a participant's disability and backed by clear evidence.
What this means for you: Simply wanting a support will not be enough. You and your support team will need to clearly demonstrate *why* a support is essential, cost-effective, and directly related to your disability goals. This will particularly affect claims for high-cost assistive technology (AT) and ongoing therapies.
Real-Life Example:
Sam wants to get funding for a high-tech communication device from his Capital Supports budget. Previously, a letter of support might have been enough. Now, his planner requires a detailed report from his Speech Pathologist that includes a formal assessment, evidence of why this specific device is the best option over cheaper alternatives, and a clear plan for how it will help Sam achieve his communication goals.
3. Understanding Your Plan in the PACE System
By 2025, the NDIS has completed its transition to the PACE computer system. This means all participant plans are now managed on this platform, which has fundamentally changed how budgets are created, structured, and managed. Understanding this "new normal" is key to making your plan work for you.
- Your Budget is Built on a Needs Assessment: Your funding is no longer primarily based on your previous plan's budget. Instead, it's determined by a more detailed, upfront assessment of your functional needs. This makes providing clear information and evidence during your planning meeting more critical than ever.
- A Single, Flexible Core Budget: The old, separate categories within Core Supports (like Consumables, Daily Activities, etc.) are gone. You now have one single, flexible Core Supports budget. This gives you more freedom to switch spending between different types of supports without needing a plan review.
- Provider Endorsements: Your plan will now have your chosen providers "endorsed" on it, which helps streamline the payment process and ensure clarity on who will be delivering your services.
Real-Life Example:
Amelia, whose plan is managed in PACE, now has one large, flexible Core Supports budget. She loves this because she can use her funds for both a support worker and low-cost daily living aids without worrying about money being in the wrong category. During her planning meeting, her planner spent more time with her to create the detailed "support needs assessment," which resulted in a budget that accurately reflects her day-to-day needs.
4. How You Can Prepare for These NDIS Changes
Change can be managed effectively with preparation. Here are four steps you can take right now:
- Review Your Goals: Be very clear about what you want to achieve. A support is more likely to be funded if it's linked to a clear life goal (e.g., "I want to improve my health and wellbeing," not just "I want a gym membership").
- Gather Your Evidence: Don't wait for your planning meeting. Work with your therapists and support team to get up-to-date reports and assessments that clearly justify the supports you need.
- Talk to Your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager: These professionals are your best resource. They are staying up-to-date on the changes and can help you navigate the new requirements.
- Keep Records: For self-managed and plan-managed participants, meticulous record-keeping of how you use your funds to achieve goals is more important than ever.
Real-Life Example:
David knows his plan review is in six months. He schedules appointments with his Occupational Therapist to get a new functional assessment. He also creates a document with his Support Coordinator that lists his key life goals and connects each of his current supports to those goals, ready for his planning meeting.
Conclusion
The NDIS is undergoing a period of significant reform, but its core mission - to support people with a permanent and significant disability - remains the same. These changes are designed to make the scheme fairer and more sustainable for everyone.
By understanding what’s changing, focusing on strong evidence, and working closely with your support team, you can continue to make the most of your NDIS plan and work towards the life you choose.
Need to find evidence-based assistive technology that aligns with NDIS requirements?
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Have a question about how these changes affect your AT needs?
Contact our expert team at hello@lowcostat.com.au
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