As COVID-19 restrictions have been heavily affecting participants and providers and the way services are delivered, the NDIA has increased budget flexibility when it comes to purchasing low-cost AT equipment, including electronic and smart devices to ensure continuity of services in these challenging times.
This time-limited policy has been in place since May 2020 and is expected to cease on 30 September 2020.
In the second part of our "CYconnect NDIS Series", our Support Coordinators will therefore explore the recent changes and address the questions we get asked the most.
What are the recent changes?
As part of the COVID-19 pandemic response, the NDIA has temporarily broadened the flexible approach to purchasing low-cost AT items such as electronics and smart devices.
$1500 for low-cost AT Participants are able to spend up to $1500 flexibly on low-cost AT using their existing Core/Consumables funding. Participants should not spend more than $750 on electronic devices and no more than $600 on tablets or Ipads for telehealth or participating in online video sessions.
Which items can I purchase?
You can purchase any items, that will help you to maintain NDIS funded supports (e.g. tablet for participating in video-conferencing instead of face-to-face therapy).
In addition to that you can purchase any items that your existing providers recommend and enable you to stay safe and healthy whilst adhering to social distancing measures and missing out on required face-to-face supports (e.g. fitness equipment for at home workouts and sensory aids).
Remember that under this policy, you can spend up to $1500 but no more than $750 on electronic devices and no more than $600 on tablets. You cannot spend your funding on an item that you already possess.
If you are unsure whether you can purchase the item you had in mind, contact your Support Coordinator who will be able to give you advice and support you to order the items you require.
Which items are excluded?
As per NDIS website NDIS funding cannot be used for:
any item that does not relate to the participant’s disability or that doesn’t help to maintain NDIS funded supports and services
devices with specifications beyond the minimum needed
smart phones, smart watches, iPads or tablets with mobile connections (e.g. 3G or 4G)
multiple devices
replacements for loss or damage
utility costs (internet connection)
software
additional hardware or accessories
purchase of items when rental options may be appropriate
Do I need to provide assessments?
No, all you need to provide is a recommendation letter from the relevant NDIS provider (e.g. Physiotherapist for fitness equipment, OT for sensory aids) This can be an email stating that you require a certain item to continue to maintain funded supports.
You can ask your Support Coordinator to liaise with your service provider(s) on your behalf to obtain the written advice and upload it to your participant record as evidence.
How do I purchase the items?
This depends on how your Core/Consumables funding is managed:
NDIA-managed: You can purchase low-cost AT from any NDIS registered provider, the NDIA will process payment against your plan on your behalf.
This can include a Therapy or Support Coordination provider.
Plan-managed: You can purchase low-cost AT from NDIS registered and unregistered providers (such as an electronics store or online shop). Your plan manager will process the invoice and pay the provider.
Self-managed: You can purchase low-cost AT from NDIS registered and unregistered providers (such as an electronics store or online shop). You will have to make a payment request and pay your provider or pay in advance and lodge a payment request to get reimbursed.
Tip: If you have no Core/Consumables funding, you can use your Capacity Building (CB) budget to purchase your equipment.
The NDIA has released a new line item for this purpose:
COVID-19 Low Cost AT to support Capacity Building support delivery 15_222400911_0124_1_3
Stay tuned for our next CYconnect NDIS Series post!
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