NDIS Supported Employment Funding Updates

Gainful employment is beneficial for all people. Being employed gives people purpose, increases financial independence, can bolster a sense of wellbeing, and expand one’s social network.

For people with disabilities, finding and keeping employment can be challenging. Not to mention that the pandemic has caused higher unemployment. 

Fortunately, the NDIS has a goal of having 30% of working-age participants in meaningful employment by 30 June 2023. And alongside this goal, new funding changes are designed to give participants greater flexibility and control over workplace choices, and over who provides their support. 

Here’s what you need to know…

What are the funding changes? 

Previously, NDIS employment funding hasn’t been overly personalised. Participants were assessed and placed within four specific levels of funding. Those levels didn’t take into account the hours participants were working nor the hours of support needed. It meant some people weren’t getting the support they needed. 

The new framework, to be fully transitioned by the end of the year, means that funding now reflects the actual hours of support provided. And those supports can include a wider variety of areas than before – including remote assistance and variability depending on a participant’s needs. 

The new funding scheme is based on the intensity and frequency of support needed, rather than the type of workplace defining the support level. Participants can now obtain the support hours required to maintain their employment, and employment providers have more flexibility to help their employees meet their work goals.

The intended result: greater choice and control for participants. 

What can funding be used for? 

Ultimately, the new funding scheme is intended to allow greater flexibility. NDIS supports can be used in a diverse range of roles including: 

• public and private sector employment,
• jobs in a social enterprise, 
• family run business roles,
• work experience, and
• volunteer work. 

The types of supports included within the pricing scheme have evolved too. The idea being that supports can be tailored to suit the participant’s needs and goals. 

The types of support include: 

• Job customisation,
• Workplace training, 
• Disability support,
• Individualised planning, and
• Assessments.

Participants can use the funding not just for ongoing employment opportunities, but frequent ones too. 

We’re here to help. 

You can also click here to learn more about the NDIS changes to pricing for supports in employment.

Contact us today to learn more about the changes and how we can support you or your participants meet their employment goals. Email us at [email protected] or call us on 1300 60 33 89.