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A Guide to the Latest NDIS Changes
There have been some important updates to the NDIS, with changes being introduced gradually over the coming years.
With different changes taking effect at different times, it can be difficult to know what applies to you and whether you need to do anything differently.
For most participants, there is nothing you need to do right now. You can continue using your current NDIS Plan and supports as usual, unless the NDIA tells you otherwise.
Here’s a simple overview of the key updates and what they could mean for you.
Changes to plan reassessments
From 27 August 2026, there are new requirements for requesting a plan reassessment before your scheduled reassessment date.
Only a participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment. Generally, there needs to be a significant and ongoing change to the participant’s functional capacity or support needs, or to their living, education, work or informal support arrangements.
Requests need to be made using the correct form and explain what has changed. Evidence may also be required. Once the NDIA has the information it needs, it will make a decision within 90 days.
Participants may still be able to request a plan variation in circumstances where a full reassessment is not appropriate, including certain crisis, emergency or fraud situations.
Some support budgets will change
From 1 October 2026, funding allocations for Social, Economic and Community Participation supports will progressively reduced by 50%, and Improved Daily Living Skills supports by 10%, as affected plans are created or reassessed. For renewed plans, the changes apply from 1 February 2027. This does not necessarily mean a participant will receive 50% or 10% less support overall, and other parts of their NDIS Plan are not affected by these reductions.
These changes apply to the specific support budgets above and will be introduced progressively. Participants will not see these changes to their funding until their Plan is reassessed or renewed, and changes will not be backdated.
The NDIS has confirmed that these changes will not impact funding for help with eating and drinking, education supports, employment supports or disability-related health supports.
Claims will need to be submitted sooner
From 1 December 2026, claims for NDIS supports will need to be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered.
This makes it more important to keep invoices and claims up to date. If you are Plan Managed, your Plan Manager can continue to process eligible provider invoices and claims on your behalf, but invoices will need to be submitted within the required timeframe.
What happens to unused funding?
From 1 February 2027, when a Plan reaches its scheduled reassessment date, it will either be reassessed by an NDIA planner or a renewed Plan will be created with the same supports as the previous Plan.
Unspent funds from the previous Plan will not carry over into a renewed Plan. This does not mean that a renewed Plan starts with less funding simply because you did not spend all of your previous Plan. The renewed Plan will be based on the level for which you were assessed, adjusted for current prices.
A new approach to NDIS planning
From 1 April 2027, participants will begin to transition to a new way of planning, known as new framework planning.
The new approach will include a support needs assessment. This is intended to provide a consistent way of understanding a participant’s disability support needs and help create a fairer and more consistent budget.
The transition will happen gradually over several years, with all participants expected to have transitioned to new framework plans by the end of 2030. Participants will receive information before changes affect them.
For now, current Plans remain in place until a participant moves to the new planning approach.
What about Thriving Kids?
Thriving Kids is a new program outside the NDIS for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs.
A phased rollout of Thriving Kids supports begins in October 2026. The services are expected to be fully operational nationally from 1 January 2028.
The introduction of Thriving Kids does not mean that all children currently receiving NDIS supports will automatically leave the Scheme in October 2026. From 1 January 2028, changes to NDIS access will begin for new applicants who are eligible for Thriving Kids, while existing NDIS participants will be reassessed over a transition period.
Children with permanent and significant disability, including children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have substantially reduced functional capacity (high support needs), will remain eligible for the NDIS, subject to the usual arrangements.
What can you do now?
For most participants, there is no need to make immediate changes to your Plan.
A few simple things you can do to stay prepared are:
- Know your Plan dates – check when your Plan is due for reassessment.
- Keep track of your funding – regularly check your spending and available funding.
- Keep invoices up to date – particularly with the new 90-day claiming timeframe coming into effect.
- Keep relevant records – you or your Plan Manager will need to keep records relating to NDIS support payments for three years. Further guidance is being provided about the record-keeping requirements.
- Stay informed – follow updates from trusted sources such as the NDIS and Australian Government.
How can Aspect Plan Management help?
As your Plan Manager, Aspect Plan Management can help with the financial administration of your NDIS Plan, including processing provider invoices and claims and helping you keep track of your Plan spending.
While Plan Managers don’t make decisions about your NDIS eligibility or determine your funding, we can help you understand the financial side of your Plan.
We’ll continue to share information as these updates are introduced and more details become available.
You don’t need to navigate every change at once.
The NDIS changes are being introduced gradually. For now, most participants can continue using their current Plan and supports as usual.
We’ll keep you updated and help you understand what the changes mean for you.
Have any questions?
Our friendly team is here to help. Give us a call on 1300 770 986 or email contact@aspectndis.com.au to speak with a member of our team.
