TL;DR (Helpful Content first)

– Plans issued/reviewed since 3 Oct 2024 show total budget amounts and funding periods; NDIA can change plan management where needed.

– Defined NDIS supports now apply (with transitional rules); always check the current lists before advising participants.

– Foundational Supports are being designed; government signals phased commencement later in 2025.

– NDIA reporting shows tighter cost control (expenses below projections), reinforcing compliance expectations.

– Vet providers against NDIS Commission requirements and practice standards.

Why this matters now

As a Support Coordinator, you’re the bridge between participants, providers, and policy. The Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1 Act 2024 reshaped plans and purchasing rules, and it continues to influence how you set budgets, select supports, and document outcomes in 2025.

What actually changed (and how it affects your day-to-day)

1) Plans now show total budgets and funding periods

New and reviewed plans include a total budget amount and explicit funding periods. Your budget conversations must shift from “what’s possible” to “what fits the cap this period.” NDIA can vary plan management if the participant needs help managing funds.

Coordinator tip: Introduce a rolling Run-Rate Check at each monthly touchpoint: spent to date vs. period budget vs. pace required to avoid unders/overs.

2) Defined NDIS supports (and the replacement rule)

Only supports listed as NDIS supports can be purchased (with limited substitution in specific cases). Transitional rules (Oct 2024) supported the shift; always check the current lists before recommending purchases.

Coordinator tip: Build a one-page “Allowed/Not Allowed” explainer for each participant, with examples tied to their goals.

3) Foundational Supports are coming online (phased)

Governments signalled some Foundational Supports will commence later in 2025, with phased implementation. These are designed for people who need help but may not meet NDIS access.

Coordinator tip: Map two pathways per need: (a) NDIS Plan option (defined support) and (b) Foundational/mainstream option, to protect outcomes if funding shifts.

4) Tighter financial oversight

NDIA quarterly data show spend tracking below earlier projections—expect closer scrutiny of value, outcomes, and compliance.

Coordinator tip: In your session notes, add a 3-line Outcomes Evidence Block: goal → activity → measurable indicator (hours saved, incidents reduced, independence increased).

Step-by-step: How to adapt your coordination process

1) Pre-planning checklist (30 mins)

• Confirm plan version/date and whether total budget + period rules apply.
• Pull the current defined supports lists (Our Guidelines) and highlight relevant categories.
• Draft a period-by-period spend plan (core/capacity/other) with a 10% buffer.

2) Provider hygiene & risk

• Verify registration class, practice standards alignment, and complaints history; keep a log of checks.
• Prefer providers with documented training and incident management competence.

3) Purchasing guardrails

• Provide a participant-friendly “before you buy” guide: when to check defined supports, who to call, and what receipts to keep.

4) Appeals/variation readiness

• For cuts or mismatches, prepare functional-impact notes and weekly logs that evidence unmet need; consider in-person assessments when appropriate.

5) Foundational Supports navigation

• Maintain a “non-NDIS supports” notebook per participant: community options, ILC-style programs, local council aids & equipment queues; update quarterly.

Mini case example (psychosocial disability)

Need: Daily living structure + social re-engagement

Plan reality: Total budget and shorter funding period

Coordinator actions:
1) Re-scope hours to fit the period, prioritising high-impact routines (morning prompts, med checks).
2) Add group activities via community/Foundational pathways to preserve social goals if core hours tighten.
3) Evidence pack: weekly mood/participation trackers + incident reduction log for review.

FAQs

1) Do all existing plans get the “total budget + period” format?

Only new or reviewed plans from 3 Oct 2024 onward. Older plans keep their format until review.

2) What if a participant accidentally buys a non-NDIS support?

Contact NDIA or your plan manager promptly. NDIA has advised it will help participants understand the new rules and redirect to eligible supports.

3) Are Foundational Supports active everywhere now?

Not fully. Governments have indicated a phased commencement later in 2025; check state/local updates.

4) How strict is provider compliance in 2025?

Expect continued emphasis on provider registration scope, practice standards, and suitability; document your checks.

About Careable (Author/Publisher)

Careable is an NDIS-registered provider in Melbourne specialising in psychosocial disability supports, including SIL, in-home supports, community access, and hospital-to-home. Our C.A.R.E. values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment—guide every interaction.

Contact: 1300 DECIDE · cx@careable.com.au