Are you an NDIS participant travelling overseas?

Are you an NDIS participant travelling overseas? (lucky you!)

If you are self or plan managed, you have the option of using your NDIS funds on supports and services while overseas for up to six weeks (or sometimes longer, if given explicit permission) So, if you need to hire a support worker in Bali, or buy continence aids in London, or rent a mobility scooter at Disneyland, THAT'S OK and can be claimed from your Self or Plan Managed NDIS plan!!

Here's an email from an NDIS Strategic Adviser this week to confirm: "It is possible to use NDIS funds whilst overseas for disability related supports, but there are conditions to this. There is a specific Operational Guideline which provides a good amount of detail. The effect of temporary absence on plans is contained within section 40 of the NDIS Act.

To briefly summarise, however:

• A participant can be temporarily absent from Australia without effecting their NDIS plan.

• The supports purchased must meet the same criteria as they would in Australia

• Records from overseas suppliers for the purpose of claiming must meet the relevant criteria

• There is generally a grace period of 6 weeks, beginning from the time the participant leaves Australia.

• If the intended travel is more than 6 weeks, the NDIA needs to be notified as soon as possible.

• After 6 weeks overseas, the plan may be suspended, which means that plan monies may no longer be used.

A request can be made to extend the grace period, with the details set out in the Operational Guideline." If you're keen to read the operational guideline for yourself, you can find it here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/operational-guidelines/planning-operational-guideline/planning-operational-guideline-effect-temporary-absence-australia-plans