>>> UPDATE 17/07/2025 <<<
The FAQ has been removed from the NDIA’s website.
DIA recommends that Support Coordinators, Psychosocial Recovery Coaches and Plan Managers continue to operate under the directions specified in the:
1. NDIS Act (link to legislation)
“46 Acquittal of NDIS amounts
Requirement to spend money only on NDIS supports and in accordance with plan
(1) A participant who receives an NDIS amount, or a person who receives an NDIS amount on behalf of a participant:
(a) may spend the money only on NDIS supports for the participant; and
(b) must spend the money in accordance with the participant’s plan (subject to paragraph (a).”
“Item 75 – Subsection 46(1)
The requirement to spend money in accordance with a plan means that any specifications or limitations set out in a plan must be complied with.”
3. NDIS Plan Administration Rules (link to NDIS Rules)
“Part 6 Describing supports in participant’s plan
6.3 In contrast, some supports may be specifically identified in the statement [Participants Plan]. Such supports will have to be purchased or provided in the way described in the statement [Participants Plan].”
4. NDIS Operational Guidelines (link to Operational Guideline)
“When your NDIS supports are stated, we describe the support specifically. It means you must buy NDIS supports in the way we have described in your plan.”
5. Previous advice sent to providers (link to Provider Newsletter)
“Some supports in a participant’s plan are listed as stated supports, meaning they must be purchased exactly as described.”
DIA will continue to work collaboratively with the NDIA to find a solution to this issue – where by participants are able to purchase the R&N supports they need whilst remaining in compliance with the NDIS Act, Rules, OGs and in accordance with their plan.
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Original Post – Now Removed by NDIA
DIA is aware that on the 16 July 2025, NDIA has published a new FAQ on Flexible and Stated Supports on their website. Since its publication DIA has received hundreds of escalations from our members and the broader sector seeking clarity and advice on if this FAQ is reliable and actionable.
DIA notes that this new FAQ is remarkably similar to a previous FAQ that the NDIA subsequently removed.
DIA has requested clarity and advice from the NDIA to confirm the reliability and actionability of this FAQ.
Once DIA has received this clarity and advice from the NDIA we will issue an operational bulletin. Until then DIA recommends that Support Coordinators, Psychosocial Recovery Coaches and Plan Managers continue to operate under the directions specified in the NDIS Act, NDIS Plan Administration Rules, NDIS Operational Guidelines and the previous advice sent to providers.
We appreciate that the release of this new FAQ is causing confusion, anger and frustration around what the rules and requirements actually are for stated supports, particularly those in Improved Daily Living.
DIA asks Support Coordinators, Psychosocial Recovery Coaches and Plan Managers to remain professional and courteous when engaging with each other, support providers and participants during what will be a confusing and frustrating period whilst confirmation is sort from the NDIA.