Two key updates, from the NDIA, include the introduction of Notices of Impairments and Funding Periods.
Image: An individual wearing a white shirt, beige overshirt and clear glasses sits at a table, smiling at the camera. Next to him sits a man wearing a white shirt with palm trees on it. He is leaning his head on his hand and looks off to the side.
These changes come directly from the NDIA, and we know there will be more changes coming for NDIS participants. As a leading registered provider, we are here to support participants.
The NDIA is making changes to how supports and funding are structured under the NDIS. As a trusted NDIS provider, Life Without Barriers is committed to helping people understand what these changes mean and how they may impact their supports and funding.
Two key updates include the introduction of Notices of Impairments and Funding Periods. These changes will influence how we align supports to individual needs and manage funding across plan durations.
Below is a summary of what you need to know.
Notice of Impairments
Every person supported under the NDIS will receive a Notice of Impairment from the NDIA. These notices will identify one or more of the following impairment categories:
Intellectual
Cognitive
Sensory
Neurological
Physical
Psychosocial
This change recognises that a diagnosis alone doesn't define a person's needs. Two people with the same diagnosis may experience very different levels of impact.
Instead of linking support needs to a diagnosis, participants will now need to connect their supports to one or more recognised impairments. This could influence the type and amount of funding they receive.
As providers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the supports we deliver are directly related to managing the impact of a person’s recognised impairments. Sharing a Notice of Impairments with providers is optional, just like NDIS Plans, however it is beneficial for us to understand what 'impairments' the NDIA recognises for the person to tailor supports and deliver services that are better aligned to individual needs.
At Life Without Barriers, our Support Coordinators play a key role in this. Acting as personal NDIS guides, they support people to navigate their plans, connect with services in their community, and make confident choices about how they use their supports.
Our support Coordinators can use the information within your Notice of Impairments to ensure the services people access are not only relevant, but well-matched to their circumstances and goals. This helps individuals get the most from their NDIS plans and build connections that make a real difference in their lives.
Click here to read the NDIA FAQs about Notice of Impairments.
Click here to read a blog from the DSC about Notice of Impairments.
Image: A woman in a wheelchair is outdoors, with two people walking behind her. She looks of to the side, smiling,
Funding Periods
Another important change is the introduction of Funding Periods. This means participants won’t receive all of their NDIS funding at once. Instead, their funding will be released in stages throughout their plan period - usually quarterly, but sometimes monthly or on another schedule.
This is designed to help participants manage their budget over time and reduce the risk of running out of funds early.
Different parts of a participant’s plan may have different funding periods. For example, their Home and Living budget might be released monthly, while their Support Coordination budget could be released quarterly.
It is important to note:
If a participant uses all their funds in a period, providers cannot claim for more services until the next period begins.
Services delivered in a past period can’t be claimed using future funding.
With this staged approach, we’ll also start seeing longer NDIS Plans - some lasting up to three or even five years. This gives participants more stability, while still allowing flexibility through staged funding releases.
Click here to read more information from the NDIA about funding periods.
Click here to read a blog from the DSC about funding periods.
Image: Mandy and Lyndsey looking at Mandy's mobile phone.
Life Without Barriers’ skilled Support Coordination team
Our team assists NDIS participants of all ages in turning their dreams into achievable goals by maximising their NDIS plan. We offer NDIS Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination with local experts to navigate the NDIS.
Our Support Coordination services are available nationwide, with the capacity to welcome new participants.
Connect with a support coordinator near you here.
Live the Life You Want
Life Without Barriers is a trusted NDIS provider that personalises services based on your needs. When it comes to choosing the disability supports you need, it's your life and your choice. We're here to support your decisions, so you can live life the way you want to.
With disability services and day programs available across the country, we have a range of options to suit your needs, from Supported Independent Living to Daily Living Skills, Health and Wellbeing and more.
Get in touch with our Disability Services team to explore your options disability.enquiries@lwb.org.au.
