In August 2026, Parliament passed the biggest set of changes to the NDIS since it began. Some changes have already started. Most will roll out slowly over 2027 and 2028. This guide explains what is happening, when, and what you can do now.
- Your current NDIS plan keeps working until it is reassessed or renewed.
- From 1 October 2026, budgets for community participation and daily living skills are being reduced in new and reassessed plans.
- Essential daily supports, like personal care, nursing, cleaning and medication support, are not affected.
- Bigger changes to planning, plan management, support coordination and eligibility come in 2027 and 2028.
- The NDIA will contact you before changes affect your plan.
What has happened?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 was introduced on 14 May 2026. The Senate passed it with amendments on 18 August 2026. The Government says the changes aim to make the NDIS “safer, clearer and more sustainable”, with a focus on fighting fraud, slowing cost growth, clearer eligibility and better services.
Key dates at a glance
- 1 October 2026: some support budgets start to be reduced as plans are made or reassessed (see below).
- 1 February 2027: tighter checks that supports are “reasonable and necessary”, including when plans are renewed.
- 1 April 2027: participants start moving to new framework planning, in stages up to the end of 2030.
- July 2027: more provider types must be NDIS registered, phased in to 2030.
- 1 October 2027: a new approach to plan management begins, with a 6-month transition.
- 1 January 2028: new eligibility rules for new applicants. There are no changes to access before this date.
- 1 July 2028: a newly commissioned support coordination function begins.
What changed on 1 October 2026?
The NDIA is reducing budgets in two support categories over the next 12 months:
- Social, Economic and Community Participation
- Improved Daily Living Skills
The reductions apply when a plan is created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, and when plans are renewed from 1 February 2027. Your existing plan does not change in the middle of its life.
Some supports in these categories are not affected, including employment supports, disability-related health supports, high intensity supports and complex behaviour supports. Essential day-to-day supports also stay the same, such as help with eating, dressing, toileting, cleaning, laundry, nurse care and medication.
The NDIA says this budget change “isn’t a reviewable decision”. But you can still ask for a plan reassessment or variation if there has been a significant and ongoing change in your life, such as your daily support needs, living arrangements, work or study, or the informal support you get from family.
There is a new high support needs variation pathway. You may be eligible if your combined budget for Assistance with Daily Life, Home and Living, and Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation is $215,030 or more, and you get 24-hour funded supports for needs that come directly from your disability. Your support coordinator can help you check.
What is new framework planning?
New framework planning changes how your plan and budget are worked out. Instead of relying mostly on reports you collect yourself, a trained assessor will meet you to talk about your daily life, goals and support needs. You can bring a family member, carer or support person. The assessment then informs your budget.
Plans are expected to have flexible budgets you can use across a range of supports, plus “stated” supports for specific purposes, and to last longer so you have fewer reviews. You will still have the right to ask for a review, and to go to the Administrative Review Tribunal if you disagree with a decision.
What about plan management and support coordination?
Both are changing, but not yet. A new approach to plan management starts from 1 October 2027, and a new support coordination function starts from 1 July 2028. Until then, your plan manager and support coordinator keep working with you as usual. Care Cove will contact our participants well before anything changes.
What can I do now?
- Check your plan dates. Know when your plan ends or is due for reassessment.
- Keep records. Write down how your supports help you each week. Evidence matters at reassessment.
- Get reports early. If your needs have changed, ask your therapists or doctor for up-to-date reports.
- Talk to your support coordinator. They can explain how the changes affect your plan and help you prepare.
- Read NDIA letters carefully. The NDIA says it will tell you before changes affect you.
- Ask questions. Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110, or talk to our team on 1300 810 006.
Where to read more
- NDIS: Changes to support budgets from 1 October
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Securing the NDIS for future generations
Our support coordinators and plan managers are keeping track of every update. Call 1300 810 006 or make a referral.
Information correct as at 17 October 2026. Some details are still being finalised by the Government and the NDIA. This is general information, not advice about your plan.