In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NDIS have introduced changes to Plans to assist Participants to get through the next few months.
We have outlined some of the key changes below for your information.
There is a temporary increase in price limits by 10% for the following critical supports:
- Assistance with Daily Life (not including Supported Independent Living)
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation
- Improved Health and Wellbeing (not including personal training)
- Improved Daily Living Skills
This increase is intended to assist service providers. Currently the increase is for 6 months, with a review in 3 months.
There is a change in cancellation charges – from 90% to 100% for short notice cancellations. The definition of ‘short notice cancellation’ has also been extended. You will now need to give 10 days notice of cancellation – up from 2 days. NDIA will review this in 3 months.
If you are struggling to access disability support but don’t have Support Coordination in your plan or you have used up what you did have, you may now be able to access this through Core funding. We can help you to connect to Support Coordinators if needed.
+Note: while Support Coordination is a service we offer, we can also assist you with referrals to other Support Coordinators. You don’t have to choose us.
If your plan is due to expire it will automatically be extended by 12 months. Your core and capacity building budget will stay consistent. There is no need to worry about your funding running out. Where necessary, plan reviews are happening by phone. There may also be the option of extending your plan for 24 months.
You can change the way your plan is managed if it means you will be able to access the supports you need (plan managed / self managed). This will require a plan review but NDIA has teams available to help make urgent changes.
You can use your Core Supports budget flexibly at this time. It is possible to have some of your Capacity Building funds moved into Core to enable you to access supports.
You will need to talk to your support workers about supporting you remotely, if preferred. Phone or video support may be an option for you. Remember that you need to be clear about what support you need and how that might be achieved remotely.
You can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 if you need urgent assistance.
Keep up to date with the NDIA Disaster Response page here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus. There is also a FAQ section.
If you have any questions or concerns about any of these changes please get in touch, or contact your Support Coordinator. If you are isolated and feeling vulnerable, we are available for regular phone calls to keep you connected.
Call us on 1800 777 723 or email info@p2pqld.org.au