This is a dedicated page that provides the latest information regarding the NDIS/NDIA, ensuring that you stay updated on Blind Citizens Australia’s ongoing engagement with the Scheme.
The page is regularly updated with the most recent developments, with information organised from newest to oldest. This structure allows you to easily track our interactions, advocacy efforts, and any changes or updates related to the NDIS and NDIA. By visiting this page, you can stay informed about how BCA is working to improve services and support for individuals with vision impairments.
NDIS Update – 21/10/2024: Changes to NDIS Access
Starting Sunday, 20th October 2024, participants and nominees will no longer be able to use secret questions and answers to access NDIS portals and the app. This change is part of our efforts to enhance security and protect NDIS participant plans, funds, and personal data from fraud. Instead, users will need to utilise stronger authentication methods, such as passkeys or codes sent via SMS.
Key Changes and Actions Required:
- Authentication Update: Participants and nominees must update their myGov account settings to a stronger sign-in option (e.g., SMS code, passkey, or Digital ID) before Sunday, 20th October 2024.
- How to Check Your Current Settings: Log into your myGov account and navigate to the Settings tab to verify if you are using the secret question option.
- Post-Deadline Access: If you do not update your settings before the deadline, you will receive a message in the app or portal prompting you to change your myGov sign-in method. You will not be able to access NDIS services until this change is made.
- Help and Support:
- For assistance with updating myGov settings, participants can call the myGov help desk at 132 307 (available from 7:00am to 10:00pm on weekdays and 10:00am to 5:00pm on weekends).
- Alternatively, the NDIS National Contact Centre is available at 1800 800 110 (open from 8:00am to 8:00pm on weekdays).
Claims Submission Requirement:
In addition to the sign-in changes, a new requirement now mandates that self-managed participants submit records to support claims that exceed a specified threshold. This measure is designed to strengthen the integrity of the NDIS and ensure proper validation of claims.
- Record-Keeping: Participants have always been required to keep records, such as invoices and receipts, to support their claims. This new requirement formalizes that process and aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the scheme.
- Implementation Consultation: The NDIA has engaged in extensive consultations regarding this change, including:
- Four participant focus groups held in July 2024 to gather input on the implementation process.
- Four sessions with the Integrity Co-Design working group in August and September 2024.
- A Participant Reference Group meeting in September 2024 to finalize details.
- Feedback Monitoring: Since the introduction of the new claims submission requirement, the NDIA has monitored feedback closely. As of the latest update, fewer than ten inquiries have been received, mainly regarding how to upload evidence for claims and clarifications about requirements.
Important Notes for Participants:
- Payroll Information: When submitting claims that include payroll information, it is crucial that no tax file numbers are included to protect personal data.
- Resources for Participants: Comprehensive guidance on acceptable evidence for claims is available on the NDIS website. Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these resources to ensure compliance.
NDIS Update – 08/10/2024: Information Pack
We want to keep you informed about significant updates regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) following recent changes to the NDIS Act 2013.
As of Thursday, 3rd October 2024, a new definition of NDIS supports has come into effect. Participants will need to use their funding exclusively for items listed on the approved supports list, which will be available on the NDIS website. To help with this transition, there will be a 12-month grace period during which minor errors in purchasing non-eligible items will not incur penalties. However, we must note that repeated or fraudulent claims will lead to stricter consequences from the NDIA.
Additionally, the government is initiating consultations to develop Foundational Supports for individuals with disabilities beyond the NDIS. This is a great opportunity for us to provide feedback and insights. Various engagement activities, including online sessions and questionnaires, will be available for all stakeholders to share their views.
We encourage everyone to access the Information Pack for comprehensive details about these changes, including what qualifies as an NDIS support and how to apply for replacement supports. Please stay tuned for further updates from us as the NDIA rolls out more information about these changes and their implications for participants and providers.
NDIS Update – 26/09/2024: Upcoming Online Engagement Sessions on NDIS Legislation Changes
We’re excited to announce a series of online engagement sessions throughout October and November focused on the recent changes to NDIS legislation. Following the passage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024 on 22 August 2024, the new NDIS laws will take effect on Thursday, 3rd October 2024.
Join us from Thursday, 3rd October to Thursday, 28th November for sessions covering:
- Introduction to Legislation Changes
- NDIS Supports
- Changes to Planning and Budgets
Details will soon be available on the NDIS events and news webpage. We encourage you to participate and share this information within your community.
NDIS Update – 11/09/2024: Annual Long Form Outcomes Framework Survey
The annual Long Form Outcomes Framework (LFOF) survey is running from Sunday, 1st September to Monday, 16th December 2024.
About the Survey
The LFOF survey assesses the progress of NDIS participants and their families or carers in various life areas. It helps the NDIA understand which supports yield positive outcomes and improve NDIS services. The survey also benchmarks participant experiences against those of people without disabilities in Australia and abroad.
The LFOF survey, which includes more detailed questions than the Short Form Outcomes Framework (SFOF) survey, complements the SFOF as part of the participant pathway. For reports on survey findings, visit the NDIS website.
How the Survey Works
Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA) will conduct the surveys via phone, SMS, or email. They will call from 1300 355 142, text from 0488 855 790, and use email addresses in the format firstname.lastname@ahaconsulting.com.au. For children under 18, parents or carers will complete the survey, and AHA may also seek input from family members or carers.
If there are any doubts about the identity or purpose of the contact, verify by calling the NDIA at 1800 800 110.
NDIS Update – 10/09/24: Important NDIS Legislation Update
We want to keep you informed about some important updates to the NDIS legislation that will come into effect on Thursday, 3rd October 2024. Here’s a brief overview of what’s new and how it might affect you:
- Section 21: When applying to access the NDIS, the NDIA will now separately assess if you meet disability or early intervention requirements (or both). This will eventually lead to new participant pathways, though the immediate experience remains unchanged. This applies to access requests made on or after the law comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 24 & 25: Disability and early intervention requirements are clarified to specify that NDIS supports should be distinct from mainstream system supports. This aims to better define when NDIS involvement is appropriate. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 19: If your NDIS participation is revoked and you request a review, you cannot make another access request until the review is complete. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 34: NDIS funding will be restricted to supports related to the impairments for which you meet access for. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 32BA: Participants will receive an impairment notice when they gain access to the NDIS or transition to a new network, starting January 2025 for new requests and a later date for existing participants.
- Section 10: Defines NDIS supports and allows for substitutions in certain cases where non-NDIS supports are requested. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 44: The NDIA can alter your plan management type if there are concerns about proper fund usage. This impacts participants who self-manage or use a registered plan manager. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 33: New plans will specify total funding amounts, component amounts, and funding periods, with a default funding period of 12 months. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 47A: Allows specific changes to plans without creating a new one, focusing on funding amounts and periods. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 30: The NDIA can request specific information or assessments if considering revoking your status. Failure to comply may result in revocation. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 30A: Rules may mandate eligibility reassessments for certain groups, such as children turning 9. Implementation timing is to be confirmed.
- Section 45A: Establishes a legislative framework for claims and payments, requiring all claims to be made within two years of support provision, with a grace period for claims before the new law. This comes into effect on Thursday, 3rd October.
- Section 32K & 32L: Introduces a new planning framework with flexible budgets and support needs assessments, though implementation timing is still to be confirmed.
CEO Update – 4/09/24:
I recently attended the NDIS Commission Disability Advocacy Forum. Following this, the appointment of the new Commissioner of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission, Louise Glanville, and Natalie Wade, in the role of Associate Commissioner was announced. We wish them well in their respective roles.
CEO Update – 28/08/24:
We acknowledge that the NDIS Amendment Bill was recently passed in Parliament and we will share further details from the government as it’s released. We are keen to hear your perspectives on this and encourage you to share them at the upcoming BCA Inform, which will discuss the NDIS and DRC.
CEO Update – 21/08/24:
In late March, the Australian Government introduced into Parliament changes to the NDIS Act 2013 (NDIS Act). These changes are proposed under a Bill called the ‘National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024’. If passed by the Australian Parliament, the proposed amendments to Section 10 of the NDIS Act 2013 will create the power to make a new rule which outlines what is and is not considered an NDIS support.
The list of what can and cannot be paid for using NDIS is still being finalised, with the federal government extending public consultation for what will and will not be covered until Sunday, 25th August. We encourage you to take the online survey and share your experiences. Easy-read materials and are also available on the website.
Following consultations, the government has committed to publishing a detailed report of the outcomes, including advice as to what has changed and why those decisions were made. We will update members as soon as we know more about what will be included in the legislation and how it impacts our community.
To monitor changes within the scheme, the NDIA releases quarterly reports to provide information and statistics about participants and how the NDIA provides support in each area. As of 30 June 2024, the latest National Quarterly Performance highlights several key updates for participants. The number of active participants with approved plans rose to 661,267 from 649,623 at the end of March 2024, while the number of children accessing early connections slightly decreased from 10,779 to 10,408.
The percentage of participants self-managing their plans and those with plans activated within 90 days remained stable. Notably, the number of completed plan reassessments increased significantly from 40,552 to 56,002 over the quarter.
Additionally, the data reveals that 715,657 participants have had approved plans since July 2013, with 661,267 still active. During this quarter, 14,347 new participants joined the scheme, while 2,703 left.
The dashboard also shows that 9.9% of new participants identify as First Nations, and 7.6% are culturally and linguistically diverse. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to refine the scheme. To access more information about the latest quarterly report, visit the NDIS website.
BCA Inform – 14/08/24:
Tuesday, 3rd September from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for September’s Inform as we unpack the latest updates on the ongoing reforms to the disability policy landscape. We’ll closely examine the proposed changes to Section 10 of the NDIS Act and the findings from the Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce. The session will also offer insights into the government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission (DRC).
To learn more about the proposed changes and find answers to some of the more common questions, such as how Section 10 works now, visit the Department of Social Services.
To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.
If you have any questions or if you require assistance registering, please feel free to contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.