Author: Sujit Bijukchhe

The NDIA has introduced a series of rule changes under the 2024 NDIS Amendment Bill. These updates are designed to improve clarity on funding, ensure supports truly match your needs, and tighten the management of your funds. Some changes take effect immediately, while others will be phased in over time. Here’s a closer look at what these changes mean for NDIS participants:

1. Clear Spending Guidelines
What’s New?

• Revised Definition of NDIS Supports:

A new, clearer definition now specifies exactly which supports are eligible for funding. This means you’ll know upfront what you can—and cannot—use your funds for.

• Automatic Rejection for Non-Approved Items:

From October 3, any expense or support not on the approved list will be automatically declined.

• Replacement Supports:

In certain cases, if you require support that isn’t on the approved list, you can request a “replacement support” to ensure you still receive the help you need.

What This Means for You:

• Greater Clarity: With a detailed list of approved supports, you can plan your spending with confidence.
• Fewer Surprises: You’ll face less risk of unexpected declines when seeking support.
• More Informed Choices: Understanding the approved list lets you explore all available options that fit within the guidelines.

2. Updated NDIS Plans

What’s New?

• New Plan Format:

Starting October 3, all new NDIS plans will follow an updated framework lasting up to 12 months.

• Fixed Funding Amounts:

Each plan comes with a set amount of funds that must be used within the plan period.

• Longer Transition Period:

The shift to the new framework is gradual, expected to take up to five years. You’ll be notified when it’s time to transition from your current plan.

What This Means for You:

• Structured Planning: A clear funding cycle helps you budget your supports effectively over a set period.
  
• Advance Notice: The gradual transition ensures you have ample time to adjust and plan for the new framework.

3. Enhanced Support Needs Assessment

What’s New?

• From Medical Diagnosis to Needs Assessment:

The new framework replaces a solely diagnosis-based approach with a comprehensive needs assessment to determine your support requirements.

• Personalised Funding:

This method ensures that the supports funded match your actual needs, whether they’re ongoing or related to early intervention.

What This Means for You:

• Flexible Funding Options: A more holistic review means you receive funding that better fits your daily support needs.
• Simplified Evidence Submission: The new process is designed to make it easier for you to provide the necessary evidence, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

4. Introduction of Specific Pathways

What’s New?

• Dual Pathways for Support:
  When you apply for NDIS support, the NDIA will assess whether your needs are primarily related to disability, early intervention, or both.
• Customised Support Delivery:
  This pathway approach ensures you receive support personalised specifically to your situation.

What This Means for You:

• Personalised Support: Your plan will more closely align with your individual needs, ensuring you get the right kind of assistance.
  
• Clarity on Entry: Knowing which pathway applies to you makes the process more transparent and easier to understand.

5. Stricter Compliance and Monitoring

What’s New?

• Enhanced Oversight:

The NDIA will have increased authority to monitor fund usage and adjust plans if spending does not align with approved guidelines.

• Consequences for Non-Compliance:

Whether you self-manage or use a registered plan manager, your funding could be adjusted, your plan period shortened, or other actions taken if funds are not used correctly.

• Registered Plan Managers:

If you use a registered plan manager like My Mobile Plan Manager, this service will help ensure your funds are managed according to the new rules. They work closely with you and the NDIA to keep your spending on track and compliant with the guidelines.

• Withdrawal Risk:

Failure to provide requested information or assessments in a timely manner could even lead to a cancellation of your NDIS access.

What This Means for You:

• Accountability: The increased oversight is designed to ensure funds are used responsibly, protecting the integrity of the NDIS.
  
• Proactive Management: Whether you self-manage or rely on a trusted provider such as My Mobile Plan Manager, staying engaged and responsive is key to maintaining your plan.
  
• Support for Compliance: Registered plan managers are there to help guide you through these changes and ensure that your funds are managed properly.

6. Stronger Evidence for Changes in Circumstance

What’s New?

• Accurate Evidence Requirements:
  Any request for additional funding during your plan period will require strong, verifiable evidence of a change in circumstances.
  
• Valid Reasons for Reassessment:

Acceptable reasons include:

• A crisis or emergency that significantly changes your support needs.
  
• Instances of fraud or financial exploitation.
  
• Situations that pose a threat to your life, health, or safety.
  

What This Means for You:

• Clear Standards: You’ll know exactly what circumstances require a review of your funding.
  
• Focused Support: Extra funding will be provided only when justified by strong evidence, ensuring that all adjustments are necessary and appropriate.

Before and After of key changes

Change Area	Before	After
Spending Guidelines	Unclear support definitions	Clear, approved supports only
NDIS Plans	Flexible durations and funding	Fixed 12-month plans with set funding
Support Assessment	Based mainly on diagnosis	Holistic needs assessment
Support Pathways	One-size-fits-all approach	Customised by disability or early intervention
Compliance & Monitoring	Minimum Oversight	Stricter monitoring with plan manager support
Funding Changes	Few documentation requirements	Strong evidence needed for funding changes

This table provides a quick snapshot of the improvements made for a more transparent and supportive NDIS experience.

In Summary

With the new legislation passed, the Australian Government will continue working with the disability community to refine and update the NDIS rules. Feedback from community consultations about the draft support list is being reviewed, and further updates will be shared soon.

This expanded overview explains the key changes and includes information on how a registered plan manager, like My Mobile Plan Manager, can assist you in navigating these updates effectively. 

This integration ensures that your support management is aligned with the NDIA’s new rules and that you receive professional guidance to manage your funds responsibly. For more information, Contact My Mobile Plan Manager.

Resources for More Information

Full List of Supported and Unsupported Expenses:
Discover which supports your funds can cover.

NDIA’s Detailed Summary:
Read the official summary outlining all changes.

Easy-Read Guides:
Accessible resources to help you understand the updates.

FAQs:
Answers to common questions about the new framework.

FAQs on the 2024 NDIS Amendment Changes

When it comes to finding and keeping a job, especially for people with disabilities in Australia who need extra support, capacity-building employment assistance can be a real game-changer. 

Understanding how these services work is essential if you are an NDIS participant, a school leaver, or someone looking for personalised employment support.

In this post, we will talk about what capacity-building employment assistance is and what responsibilities My Mobile Plan Manager holds, which is a registered NDIS plan manager. How participants can claim payment for employment support and much more—all in a friendly, simple style.

What is Capacity Building Employment Assistance?

Capacity-Building employment assistance encourages participants to develop the skills, confidence, and independence required to enter or remain in a stable workforce. It is a support system that helps participants to improve their abilities through training, mentoring, and practical work experiences. 

For many participants, these services provide the extra boost needed to overcome barriers and build a fulfilling career. You can think of capacity building as your personal development journey. It is not just about finding a job but about developing your overall potential. Here are some of the ways the NDIS can help:

• Gain hands-on experience and find part-time jobs outside of school hours.
• Transition from school to higher education, training, or open employment.
• Learn about work and develop important foundational skills.
• Overcome employment barriers with personalised support and job customisation.
• Maintain a job that suits individual abilities and interests with ongoing support when needed.
• Change jobs, develop a career plan, and smoothly shift from supported to open employment, including successful engagement with Disability Employment Service providers (DES).
  
  
  
  My Mobile Plan Manager Responsibilities
  My Mobile Plan Manager partners with participants to prepare for work and secure jobs through personalised pathways. 
  This includes gaining inclusive work experience, developing vocational and foundational skills (like communication and independent travel), customising roles, and connecting with employers to match abilities and interests. 
  Together, My Mobile Plan Manager creates a service agreement that guides the journey to achieve employment goals.
  When it comes to delivering capacity-building employment assistance, providers such as My Mobile Plan Manager (MMPM) have a major role to play and are responsible for offering high-quality training and support and ensuring that their services meet the individual needs of each participant.
  
   Table: Key Supports & Outcomes

Support Area	Description	Expected Outcome
Skill Development	Training, mentoring, work experience	Increased confidence, job readiness
Personalised Support	Addressing specific barriers, job customisation	Overcoming challenges, customised job roles
Assessment & Counselling	Career guidance, identifying strengths/challenges	Clarity on career direction, actionable development plan
Provider Reporting	Tracking progress, gathering feedback, and financial transparency	Improved service delivery, effective use of funding

Claiming Payment for Employment Supports with MMPM

My Mobile Plan Manager ensures that all claims for employment support stick to NDIS rules and regulations and are submitted only after the service is delivered. We work in line with the Provider Payment Assurance Programme, regularly reviewing claims to maintain full compliance.

Additionally, providers delivering employment supports—especially for school leavers—must ensure that:

• All invoices include accurate contact details to facilitate prompt communication.
• They meet the regular reporting requirements to help monitor and evaluate funding outcomes.
  

My Mobile Plan Manager is here to help organise this process, ensuring both transparency and efficiency in managing your NDIS employment support claims.

Employment Assistance While at School

At My Mobile Plan Manager, we understand that preparing for employment starts well before secondary school graduation. Responding to valuable feedback from parents, teachers, and research evidence, the NDIA now encourages discussions about employment options from a young age.

NDIS planners and Local Area Coordinators (LAC) work with participants and their families to explore work possibilities as soon as they reach working age.

Key Benefits of Employment Assistance While at School

• Early exposure to work options.
• Extra work experience beyond school.
• Build essential job and life skills.
• Boost independence with community funds.
• Faster transition to employment readiness
• personalised support for future career success
  

For those not ready to step into employment immediately, NDIS community participation funds can be used to build greater independence in the community. 

This early investment in life skills helps prepare participants for targeted work training after school, shortening the time needed for employment preparation.

My Mobile Plan Manager is here to support you through every step of this journey, making sure that your NDIS plan is optimised for early career success.

School Leavers Employment Support (SLES)

Shifting from school to work is a necessary change for young people, and we understand that many participants face challenges in learning, social interaction, and self-management, which can make entering the workforce challenging.

That’s why customised support is designed to build skills and boost confidence during this important transition.

It’s essential to consider the unique needs of each participant and their family when moving from a structured school environment. Some may initially benefit from regular activities and a clear routine, while others are ready for a highly individualised employment preparation service.

Employment assistance is customised to suit each individual’s needs and may include support in developing key skills such as:

• Independent travel
• Time management
• Communication and social skills
• Money handling
• Exploring suitable types of work
• Gaining work experience
• Specific work-related skills
• Personal development
  

When a participant is ready, our team at My Mobile Plan Manager will assist in finding the right job, connecting with employers, and starting work.

For school leavers with challenges in learning, social interaction, and self-management, the NDIS funds employment assistance for an initial period of up to two years. 

Additional funding beyond this period depends on the participant’s progress and the likelihood of achieving successful employment outcomes.

Other school leavers may receive funding that aligns with their circumstances and post-school choices. They might be supported to pursue an apprenticeship or traineeship or to begin tertiary education, with the ultimate goal of securing employment in their chosen field upon qualification.

If a participant has not yet gained employment by the end of their funded service period, My Mobile Plan Manager works with providers to prepare a report that outlines:

• The employment goal the participant is aiming for
• The support delivered and progress made so far.
• The skills still need to be developed.
• A plan detailing additional support required and an estimated timeframe for achieving the goal

Employment-Related Assessment, Counselling and Advice

This support helps participants successfully engage in work by providing

• Assessments:
  
  • Vocational assessment
    
  • Functional assessment
    
• Education & Support:
  
  • Guidance for the participant, employer, and workplace teams
    
  • Counselling for situations where a participant’s disability hinders their return to their previous role
    

Key Benefits:

• Identifies unique strengths and barriers
• Informs a personalised work goal and development plan
• Assists with workplace adjustments for productivity and safety
  

A key part of capacity-building employment assistance is providing thorough assessments, counseling, and advice. This step is essential in determining the best path forward for your career.

Who Could Benefit?

Almost anyone facing challenges in the job market can benefit from employment-related assessments and counselling. Which of you is experiencing?

• Uncertainty about Career Direction: Assessments can help identify your strengths and suggest suitable career paths.
• Barriers Due to Disability or Other Challenges: Personalised counseling can provide strategies to overcome these obstacles.
• A Need for Further Training: Advice on additional courses or certifications that could boost your employability.

This support is designed to give you clarity and a concrete action plan for your career development.

Who Can Deliver This Assistance?

Employment-related assessments, counseling, and advice are typically provided by qualified professionals who understand the job market and the unique needs of individuals who require support. These professionals include

• Career Counsellors: Experts who can offer guidance based on current market trends and your skills.
• Employment Specialists: Professionals who work directly with NDIS participants and other individuals needing tailored support.
• Training Providers: Organisations offering practical courses and workshops to enhance your skills.

Working with these experts can ensure that the advice and support you receive are relevant and effective.

Provider Reporting and Resources

Transparency and accountability are key to capacity-building employment assistance. Providers are required to report on the progress and outcomes of the support they offer. 

This reporting is not just a bureaucratic exercise—it helps improve the services over time and ensures that funding is used effectively. Providers report on:

• Service Outcomes: Tracking employment success and skill improvements
• Participant Feedback: Gathering insights on what works and what can be improved
• Financial Reporting: Outlining fund allocation and spending
  
  They also offer resources like online portals, workshops, and support networks to help you keep growing. This robust reporting and resource network ensures that services continually improve and funding is used effectively.

Final Thoughts

Delivering capacity-building employment assistance is all about creating pathways to a better future. No matter if you’re a student preparing for work, a school leaver taking your first steps, or someone re-entering the workforce, the right support can truly transform your career journey.

With clearly defined provider responsibilities, smooth payment processes, customised assessments, and ongoing reporting, every element is designed to help you succeed.

 Remember, finding and keeping a role is a shared effort—providers, employment specialists, and support networks are dedicated to helping you build the skills you need and find opportunities that match your potential.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Us Today: Reach out to My Mobile Plan Manager at (02) 8552 7092 or email us at admin@mymobileplanmanager.com.au for personalised advice on optimising your NDIS plan for employment support.

People Ask For (FAQ’s)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has clear guidelines about how providers can charge for Provider Travel expenses when supporting participants.

This guide simplifies the rules for NDIS Provider Travel costs based on the 2024-2025 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. It provides simple insights into these rules, requirements, and practical uses of these provisions.

Overview of NDIS Provider Travel Cost Framework

Travel costs under the NDIS are separate from the direct NDIS Support and Services delivered to participants. These expenses fall into two main categories: Labour Costs (the time providers spend travelling) and Non-Labour Costs (like vehicle expenses, parking fees, and tolls). 

The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) has implemented a transparent Care Management System that helps providers recover necessary Provider Travel – Labour Cost and Provider Travel (Kilometres) while ensuring responsible fund use. Let’s see how does NDIS Fund Works ?

All travel costs must be reasonable, necessary, and agreed upon in a Fully Managed Policy & Procedures structure, typically within a Service Agreement.

The NDIS has a transparent system to help providers recover necessary travel expenses while also ensuring that funds are used wisely.

The main idea behind these rules is that travel costs must be reasonable, necessary, and agreed upon beforehand.

This system acknowledges the importance of providers being able to travel to offer in-person services while also ensuring accountability through specific limits and documentation.

Key Requirements for Charging Travel Costs

To charge Provider Travel costs to a participant’s NDIS plan, providers must meet the following conditions:

• Get a prior written agreement with the participant, usually detailed in a Service Agreement.
• Follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for the relevant support.
• Must relate to a specific Core support or service like Assistance With Self-Care Activities.
• Provide face-to-face support, as online support does not qualify for travel expenses.
• Justify that the travel expense represents good value and aligns with the NDIS Payments.

Travel time is claimable only if the provider is a sole trader or paid employee, ensuring Provider Travel (Labour cost) reflects true value without double-dipping, and this rule ensures travel costs reflect actual expenses.

Zone-Based Travel Time Allowances

The NDIS uses a system that divides Australia into seven zones to set the maximum travel times for service providers. 

Zone 1 includes major cities, while Zone 7 consists of the most remote areas in the country. These zones are based on how many people live in each region and how far they are from urban centres.

Maximum Travel Time Allowances by Zone

Providers can charge for travel time when delivering face-to-face support. The allowed travel time varies by area:

NDIS Zone	Area Type	Max Travel Time (One Way)	Notes
Zones 1–3	Major cities & nearby areas	Up to 30 minutes	Applies for travel to deliver face-to-face support
Zones 4–5	Rural and regional areas	Up to 60 minutes	Covers wider distances common in less dense regions
Zones 6–7	Remote and very remote areas	Negotiable (up to hourly rate)	Must be agreed upon between the provider and the participant
All Zones (Return)	All areas	Same as above (by zone)	Return travel from the last participant to the provider’s workplace is allowed

Note: Providers can also charge for return travel time after the last visit, back to their usual workplace. This follows the same time limits based on the zones. This helps cover the full cost of the trip when needed.

Types of Allowable Travel Costs

Under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, there are two primary travel cost types:

1. Travel Time (Labour Costs)

This covers the provider’s time spent travelling to and from service locations. This time is usually billed at the same hourly rate as the support being given, but it is listed separately from the direct support time in billing documents.

2. Non-Time-Based Transport Costs (Non-Labour Costs)

These are the actual expenses for transportation

• Vehicle use: Up to $0.99/km for private vehicles.
  
• Modified Vehicle Use: Up to $2.76/km (for accessibility).
  
• Provider Travel (Toll charges): Full recovery allowed for tolls, parking, and public transport.

These can only be charged when the support type allows Provider Travel cost recovery.

Activity-Based Transport Services

Activity-Based Transport involves providers transporting participants to community activities outlined in their NDIS plan, such as social participation under Core supports.

Providers offering this must ensure:

• It’s included in the Service Agreement.
  
• Supports such as Capacity Building may also qualify depending on the service.
  

Allowable Charges Include:

• Travel time (hourly rate)
  
• Vehicle use (up to $2.76/km for accessible vehicles)
  
• Parking, tolls, and public transport costs
  

These costs are not capped under standard pricing but can be negotiated case-by-case.

Eligibility and Coverage

Providers can offer activity-based transport for the following services:

• Core Supports: Help with social, economic, and community participation.
• Some capacity-building supports (but not all qualify).

These transport services need to be agreed upon in advance and usually appear in the participant’s Service Agreement.

→ Learn more about Budget line

Allowable Charges for Activity-Based Transport

Providers can bill for the following:

1. Travel Time: Providers can charge their hourly rate for time spent travelling.

2. Vehicle Costs:

• Up to $0.99 per kilometre for standard vehicles.
• Up to $2.76 per kilometre for accessible vehicles or buses.

3. Additional Expenses: Providers can recover the full costs for tolls, parking fees, and public transport tickets.

It’s important to note that standard NDIS price caps do not limit transport costs based on activities. However, participants can negotiate lower rates in their Service Agreements.

Practical Example: Calculating Provider Travel Charges

To show how these guidelines work, let’s look at an example:

A provider helps a participant by taking them to a local swimming pool and providing support during the activity. Here’s how the time breaks down:

• 25 minutes of driving to the pool and setting up
• 40 minutes of direct support in the pool
• 20 minutes of driving the participant home

The provider charges $50 per hour for support and transport. There are also additional costs: a $4.50 parking fee and $0.85 for each kilometre travelled (20 km, totalling $17).

The provider would bill as follows:

• $33.33 for 40 minutes of direct support (at $50/hour)
• $37.50 for 45 minutes of transport time (at $50/hour)
• $21.50 for Non-Labour Costs (parking + mileage) ($17 for mileage plus $4.50 parking)

This example shows how Provider Travel and direct support services are billed separately.

Multi-Participant Considerations

When assisting multiple participants, travel costs must be split fairly (e.g., equally or proportionally by distance travelled for each participant) to ensure compliance and avoid duplicate NDIS Payments.

Underlying NDIS Cost Management Principles

The NDIS, under guidance from bodies like the Bureau of Statistics and NDIA, aims for sustainability by shifting from traditional welfare models to structured, policy-driven support, guided by principles aligned with Healthcare Quality Management.

In Summary

The NDIS Provider Travel cost rules help ensure equitable, sustainable practices across Australia. These guidelines:

• Define rules for charging Provider Travel and Activity-Based Transport.
  
• Protect both participant rights and provider operations.
  
• Reinforce trust through Care Management Systems, tools like the Myplace portal, and policy frameworks.

Need Help?

My Mobile Plan Manager is a registered NDIS plan manager. We simplify claim tracking, ensure compliance, and help you manage travel and transport charges with ease. If you need some help to understand how travel and transport charges work under the NDIS, My Mobile Plan Manager is there to guide you throughout your NDIS Plan Management journey.

If you have any questions, please email admin@mymobileplanmanager.com.au or call us on (02) 8552 7092 or chat with us online. 

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