NDIS Eligibility Reassessments: What You Need to Know
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What has changed in NDIS Eligibility and is my child at risk of losing funding?
The NDIS has recently shifted its focus from diagnosis-based eligibility to functional capacity-based eligibility. This means that even if a child has a formal diagnosis, they may not qualify for or continue to receive NDIS funding unless they can demonstrate substantial functional impairment. This change is already in effect, and reassessments are happening quickly, often with little notice. We don’t want to alarm you, but we want you to be aware of these potential changes and be prepared.
What diagnoses are potentially Impacted by NDIS Eligibility Changes
Several diagnoses are now under closer scrutiny due to the NDIS’s shift toward functional capacity-based eligibility. Here are some of the diagnoses currently at risk of receiving decreased funding or removal of NDIS funding under the recent changes:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1 and 2): Especially where children are verbal, attending mainstream school, or have mild-to-moderate support needs.
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): ADHD alone is not considered a disability under the NDIS.
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD): Children under 6 with GDD may be eligible for early intervention supports (under the ECEI funding model), but must transition to a ‘formal diagnosis’ by age 7 to remain eligible for NDIS funding.
- Mild Intellectual Disability: Some children may no longer meet the threshold for substantial disability
- Language Difficulties / Speech Delays/ Developmental Language Disorder: Children with isolated speech or language delays (without other developmental concerns) are not eligible to receive NDIS funding.
What does this mean for families?
For families, this means that diagnosis alone is no longer enough to secure NDIS funding. You must show how the condition affects your child’s ability to function in everyday life. Reports must be detailed, goal-aligned, and written to reflect NDIS requirements. We understand the frustration and uncertainty this brings, and we are here to support you through it.
How can North Shore Speech Therapy Help?
We can support you by providing detailed, goal-aligned reports that clearly outline functional impacts, helping you prepare for eligibility reassessments, and supporting you in advocating for your child’s needs during planning meetings. We are committed to helping you navigate these changes and ensuring your child gets the support they need.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us through the contact form provided. We’re here to listen and to help you navigate whatever comes next.
