NDIS news
New NDIS changes and how they may impact you
Published 27 September 2026. The NDIS is changing again, and many participants, families and carers are understandably worried about what it may mean for their supports, plan budgets and future reviews.
The most important message for NDIS participants is this: do not panic, but do get prepared. Some changes are already happening, some start from 1 October 2026, and other larger changes will roll out over the next few years. The NDIA says participants can continue using their current plans and supports unless they are told a change applies to them.
What has changed?
New NDIS laws have passed through Parliament as part of wider reforms to make the scheme more sustainable for the future. The changes affect several parts of the NDIS, including how people access the scheme, how plans are created, how funding is used, how providers are regulated, how fraud is addressed and how prices are set.
Some changes are already in place, while others depend on new rules, new systems or future consultation. This means not every participant will be affected at the same time or in the same way.
Support budget changes from 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, changes begin for some support budgets. The NDIA has said support budgets for some social, economic and community participation supports and improved daily living skills will be reduced as participants' plans are reassessed or renewed.
This may affect some people who use their plan for community access, social activities, skill building, therapy-related capacity building or support to participate in everyday life. The impact will be different for each person because NDIS plans are based on individual goals, disability needs, circumstances and evidence.
If you notice a change in your plan, ask the NDIA or your my NDIS contact to explain what has changed, why it has changed, and how it relates to your goals and support needs.
Plan reassessments are changing
Participants can still ask for a plan change if their needs change. The NDIA explains that there are two main types of plan changes: a plan variation for smaller changes, and a plan reassessment for more significant or ongoing changes.
If your disability support needs have increased, your informal supports have changed, your health has changed, your living situation has changed, or your current plan no longer meets your disability needs, it may be worth asking whether a reassessment is needed.
Access and eligibility changes are coming later
The NDIA has said eligibility changes will not start until 1 January 2028. This means people with permanent and significant disability can continue to access the NDIS under the current arrangements while future access changes are developed.
For people applying to the NDIS, or families helping someone apply, it will still be important to keep clear evidence about disability, functional impact, support needs and why mainstream services alone are not enough.
What this may mean for participants
The changes may mean participants and families need to be more organised with evidence, goals and records. It may also mean some plans look different at the next reassessment or renewal.
- Community access may be checked more closely: supports may need to clearly connect to disability needs and plan goals.
- Capacity building may need stronger evidence: it may help to show what the support is achieving and why it remains reasonable and necessary.
- Plan budgets may move up or down: changes in funding can happen through the usual planning process and may not always be linked to the broader reform changes.
- Participants may need clearer records: notes from support workers, therapists, carers and families can help explain what support is needed day to day.
- Some people may need advocacy: if a plan decision does not make sense, participants can ask questions, seek explanations and get support from advocacy services.
What you can do now
Preparation can make future NDIS conversations less stressful. Start by keeping a simple record of what supports are being used, what is working well, what is not working, and what has changed since the last plan.
- Keep copies of therapy reports, medical letters and support notes.
- Write down examples of where support is needed at home and in the community.
- Record any falls, safety risks, behaviour changes, communication difficulties, fatigue or carer stress.
- Ask providers to explain how supports link to your disability needs and goals.
- Check your plan before the end date so there is time to gather evidence.
- Ask your my NDIS contact whether you need a plan variation or plan reassessment.
When to ask for a reassessment
You may need to ask for a reassessment if there has been a significant and ongoing change in support needs. This could include changes to mobility, behaviour, personal care, communication, cognition, mental health, living arrangements, informal supports, carer availability, safety risks or community access needs.
When asking for a reassessment, be clear and practical. Explain what has changed, when it changed, how often support is needed, what happens without support, and what evidence you have.
Need practical NDIS support in Hervey Bay?
Motion Caring provides disability support, NDIS support workers, community access and in-home support across Hervey Bay and surrounding areas. Contact Stewart on 0422 931 681, Nini on 0498 330 815, or email motioncaring@gmail.com.
Important reminder
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice, financial advice or individual NDIS planning advice. Each participant's situation is different, so use official NDIS information and speak with the NDIA, your my NDIS contact, support coordinator, advocate or trusted provider if you are unsure.