Understanding the “Ins” and “Outs” of NDIS Support, the details matter!

18 Oct 2024

NDIS News

The biggest change with the recent NDIS legislation is the redefinition of what counts as NDIS supports. This has led to the creation of "in" and "out" lists, which clarify what is and isn't covered. These lists are transitional, with transitional rules that have been set by the Minister for up to 12 months while waiting for final rules and guidelines. Currently, they are expected to remain in place until July 2025.


Why the Transitional Rules Matter

It's not enough to just know what’s on the lists. The transitional rules are equally important, as they explain how the lists work. We understand the stress that participants and providers are feeling with these changes, especially since they were implemented on October 3rd with limited guidance from the NDIA. That's why we’ve created this blog, to help you understand how to navigate both the transitional rules and the "in" and "out" lists.


How to Read the Transitional Rules

The transitional rules document is different from previous NDIS documents—it’s more like legal text, making it harder to understand. While knowing every detail isn’t necessary, breaking down key sections can help you better understand how you can use NDIS funding.

Step 1: Start with Column 1, which lists the support category. There are 37 categories that are NDIS Supports and 15 that aren’t.

Step 2: Move to Column 2, which explains what the support looks like and its function.

Step 3: Read Column 3 for details on who can access these supports and any specific rules.


For example:


1. Column 1: The category is "Accommodation assistance or tenancy assistance."

2. Column 2: Describes the types of support in this category and their purpose.

3. Column 3: Outlines which participants can use their funding for these supports. For example, medium-term accommodation must be stated in a participant's plan to use funding for it, while other supports may be accessed by all participants without needing to be specified in the plan.



Category 2, "Assistance animals", is more straightforward. Column 2 explains the support that an eligible assistance animal provides, and column 3 states only participants who have this support stated in their plan can pay for assistance animals. 


Category 3, "Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports". Column 2 explains what support looks like in this category, and column 3 states that participants or prospective participants generally can access this support, so there is no need for it to be stated in a plan.


Understanding the Support Lists

Once you grasp the transitional rules, you’ll be able to read the "in" and "out" lists more clearly. There are 37 categories of NDIS Supports ("in" list) and 15 categories of non-supports ("out" list). The "out" list takes precedence, so if a support appears on both lists, it is out. And it is important to note, the list of “in” NDIS Supports isn’t exhaustive. This means that if an item isn’t specifically listed, it can still be consider an NDIS Support if it fits the general description in the NDIS Supports list and is not on the “out” list.


Still Need Clarification?

Reach out to your “my NDIS Contact”, your Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Contact, or NDIA Planner. They can help explain how the new rules apply to your specific plan. You can also call the NDIA at 1800 800 110 and press 6 for assistance with the changes.


Breaking It Down Further

There is a lot of detail across the 37 in categories and 15 out categories. We’ll be posting a series of seven blogs over the next few weeks, covering specific categories in detail, including:

• Assistance with Daily Activities

• Transport

• Consumables

• Social, Community, and Civic Participation

• Capital (home modifications)

• Capacity Building

• Other non-NDIS supports

Each post will clarify what is "in" and "out" side by side, helping you understand how to use your NDIS funding effectively.


As always if you have any questions about a topic in this blog post do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team for help.


Helpful links

Legislation transitional rules

In and out lists

Summary of the Legislation 

Email from NDIA CEO about NDIS Supports  

Department of Social Services