Changes to section 10 of the NDIS legislation result in laundry being explicitly listed as a support: New clarity for participants

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) underwent changes on 3 October 2024 that affect Section 10 of the NDIS legislation, which outlines what supports can be funded under the scheme.

Laundry services are now explicitly listed as an approved NDIS support, giving participants more straightforward guidance on what they can claim.

You might be wondering how this change will impact your NDIS plan. The new legislation aims to clarify what supports are available to you.

By including laundry services in the list of approved supports, the NDIS is recognising the importance of this everyday task in maintaining your independence and quality of life.

These updates are part of a larger effort to improve the NDIS experience for participants. The changes seek to make the scheme more transparent and easier to navigate.

The changes should help give you a clearer picture of what supports you can access, which should help you make the most of your NDIS funding.

Key Takeaways

  • Laundry services are now officially recognised as an NDIS-approved support
  • The changes aim to make the NDIS clearer and easier for you to use
  • You’ll have more guidance on what supports you can claim in your NDIS plan

Legislative Framework

Significant changes have occurred in the NDIS Act, impacting how supports are defined and funded. These amendments aim to clarify the scope of reasonable and necessary supports, including laundry services.

NDIS Act and Section 10 Amendments

The new NDIS amendments have brought about key changes to Section 10 of the Act. This section now provides for a detailed list of approved supports that participants can access using their NDIS funds.

The new rules explicitly list laundry as an approved support under household tasks. This means you can now use your NDIS funding for laundry services with greater certainty.

The amendments also introduce a framework for claims and payments. You must now make claims within two years of a support being provided.

Impact of Legislative Changes

These changes to NDIS legislation affect how you can use your funding. You’ll only be able to use NDIS funds for supports listed in the approved list from 3 October 2024 (which now includes laundry).

The new laws aim to provide clearer guidelines on what constitutes a reasonable and necessary support. This should lead to more consistent decisions across the scheme and

You may also notice changes when the NDIS transitions to the new planning framework later in 2025. This framework aims to address issues with the current system, such as funding inconsistencies for similar support needs.

A 12-month transition period will help with adjusting to these changes. The NDIA will be providing information and support during this time.

Laundry as an Explicit Support

The Australian Government sought input from key groups about changes to Section 10 of the NDIS Act. This process aimed to gather views on defining NDIS supports, including laundry services.

Through that consultation, laundry is now explicitly listed as an NDIS support. This means you can use your NDIS funds for laundry services if they’re part of your plan. The change aims to make it clearer what you can claim.

You might be able to get help with:

  • Washing and drying clothes
  • Ironing
  • Folding and putting away laundry

This support can be crucial if you struggle with these tasks due to your disability. It helps you maintain clean clothes and bedding, something we believe everyone deserves and is vital for your health and wellbeing.

Reasonable and Necessary Supports

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports that are related to your disability.

These are the supports you need to live your daily life, like laundry, and reach your goals.

To be considered reasonable and necessary, a support must:

  • Be related to your disability
  • Not include day-to-day living costs
  • Represent value for money
  • Be likely to work for you
  • Take into account support from family and community

Your support needs assessment helps you decide what is reasonable and necessary for you based on your individual situation and goals.

If you’re unsure about a support, check the NDIS support lists or ask your planner.

Need help with your laundry? Get in touch with us today about our NDIS laundry services.