One of the most significant changes to come from the 2024 NDIS reforms is the introduction of formal support lists. These lists clarify — for the first time in legislation — what NDIS funding can and cannot be used for. Here is a plain-language guide to what this means.
What Are the Support Lists?
As of 3 October 2024, the NDIS operates with three categories of supports:
- NDIS Supports: things the NDIS will fund
- Non-NDIS Supports: things the NDIS will not fund (which may be funded by other government programs)
- Replacement Supports: an exception process for supports not on the approved list, where participants can apply for alternative arrangements
The Department of Social Services consulted extensively on these lists in mid-2024, receiving over 7,000 submissions from participants, carers, providers, and advocates. The final lists reflect this feedback.
Common Examples of NDIS Supports
Supports that are clearly within scope include disability-related personal care, support coordination, psychosocial recovery coaching, occupational therapy, assistive technology, and supported independent living.
What Is No Longer Funded?
The legislation excludes certain categories, including day-to-day living costs that are not related to a person’s disability, services that are the responsibility of other government systems such as the health or education systems, and items such as alcohol, drugs, and sexual services.
What If You Need a Support That Is Not on the List?
The Government has committed to designing a process that allows participants to apply for a replacement support — a different support that achieves the same outcome as an excluded one. This process is being co-designed with the disability community and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
If you are concerned that a support in your current plan may be affected by the new lists, speak with your support coordinator or recovery coach. Azalea Care’s team can review your plan and help you understand your options.
Existing Plans Are Protected
If your current plan was approved before 3 October 2024, you can continue to access the supports identified in that plan until it expires. The new rules apply to new plans and plan reassessments from that date forward.