Changes to the NDIS are starting at different times. Some are already in place, while others begin in October and December 2026.
NOW
Changes that are already in place: Asking for a plan reassessment
You can ask the NDIA for a reassessment if your plan needs to change before your scheduled date. There are new rules for doing this.
- Only you (the participant), a plan nominee or a child representative can request it.
- There must be a significant and ongoing change to your support needs or circumstances. This could include changes at home, work or school, or to support from family and friends.
- The NDIA has 90 days to decide if they will reassess your plan.
- There is a new form to request a plan reassessment on the NDIS website.
If you feel you need someone to help you with your NDIS journey then talk to your myNDIS contact or planner or go to https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding-ndis/people-help-you on the NDIS website for further information.
Plan Variations are different
You can still ask for a plan variation which is a small change to part of your plan including for short-term or urgent needs. This is usually if the change will fit into your overall current package of supports.
OCTOBER 2026
From 1 October: Reductions to some support categories
The government has announced reductions to specific funding in two categories:
- In the core funding – social, economic and community participation (category 04) will see a reduction of 50%.
- The capacity building category – improved daily living skills (category 15) will see a reduction of 10%.
These reductions apply to affected funding categories, not your whole plan.
Some specific supports within these categories are excluded, including employment supports, disability-related health supports, high intensity supports, intensive and complex behaviour supports, customised and wearable technology, and hearing services.
Other parts of your plan are not affected by these reductions. This includes essential daily supports such as help with eating, dressing, toileting and cleaning, as well as home and vehicle modifications, personal mobility equipment and Specialist Disability Accommodation.
When will the reductions impact me?
The reductions will be introduced over 12 months, but there is still more information needed to know exactly how this will apply to each individual.
- From 1 October 2026: when a new plan is approved or an existing plan is reassessed, this may occur.
- From 1 February 2027: if a plan is renewed or continues that had not already been reassessed.
The NDIA says your budget will not automatically change on 1 October simply because that date has arrived. You can read more about October budget changes.
What if I need more support?
The funding reduction itself cannot be reviewed and will apply to all participants. The impact of this reduction is also not enough for a reassessment or variation but you can still request changes if your support needs or circumstances change significantly and on an ongoing basis.
A separate pathway will help eligible participants who need 24-hour funded disability support if the reduction leaves too little funding to maintain those supports safely. Eligibility rules apply. You generally need to ask about this within 90 days of the reduction applying to your plan. Ask the NDIA whether you qualify. Decisions under this special pathway can be reviewed.
Responding to information and NDIA requests
From October, the NDIA will be able to suspend a plan if requested information is not provided. It must first try to contact you, your nominee or authorised representative at least five times over an extended period.
You may like to check your contact details in the NDIS system and let them know the way you prefer to receive information.
DECEMBER
From December: a 90-day deadline for claims
Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered.
If the invoice or a reimbursement is submitted after this, it will not be able to be claimed from your funding without a special reason for the delay. It is a good idea to make sure your invoices are submitted with plenty of time in case there is a problem or if you want to approve your invoices.
LATER
Steps you can take now to prepare for these changes
- Check that the NDIA has your current contact details.
- Ask someone you trust to help you understand any letters or requests.
- Read about the changes on the NDIS website and have your say. Tell us what you want to know about NDIS reforms
- When your new plan arrives, check the available funding before agreeing to ongoing services.
- If you claim yourself, submit claims promptly. Otherwise, discuss the December deadlines with your provider or plan manager.
- Keep invoices, receipts and records of the supports you receive.
A brief look ahead
Further changes are planned for 2027 and 2028. These include updated funding criteria from February 2027, a new planning approach from April 2027, changes to provider registration and plan management, and later changes to eligibility and support coordination. These will be introduced in stages.