The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is going through a period of significant reform.
The Australian Government is introducing changes designed to help make the NDIS fairer, more sustainable and focused on people with permanent and significant disability. The reforms are also intended to improve the way funding and supports are managed while protecting the Scheme for current and future participants.
For NDIS participants, families, carers and providers, it is important to understand what is changing, what has already been introduced and what is still being developed.
Why Is the NDIS Changing?
The Government has said the NDIS has grown significantly and that its costs need to be managed to ensure the Scheme remains sustainable into the future.
The current reform program focuses on four key areas:
- Fighting fraud and misuse of NDIS funding
- Slowing rapid increases in costs
- Creating clearer eligibility requirements
- Ensuring participants receive quality supports and services
The aim is to protect the NDIS so it continues to provide support to Australians with permanent and significant disability who need it.
What NDIS Reforms Are Being Introduced?
The reforms cover several areas of the Scheme, including eligibility, planning, funding, safeguards and provider oversight.
Some changes have already been introduced through amendments to the NDIS Act, while other changes are being progressively implemented or are still subject to consultation and legislative processes.
Changes to NDIS Eligibility
One of the major areas of reform is how people access the NDIS.
The Government has proposed a more standardised, evidence-based approach that looks at a person’s functional capacity and how their disability affects everyday life.
Under the proposed changes, people applying to the NDIS from 1 January 2028 would be assessed against the new eligibility requirements. People already accessing the NDIS would be progressively reassessed from that date.
The Government has also proposed changes relating to children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, with further details still being developed through the Thriving Kids program.
It is important to remember that these changes do not mean that people currently receiving NDIS support suddenly lose access. The Government has outlined a gradual transition process.
Changes to NDIS Funding and Budgets
Funding is another major area of reform.
The Government is working towards making NDIS funding more consistent and ensuring that participant budgets are linked to their individual support needs.
Under the reforms, some participant support budgets will be reset when plans are renewed or reassessed.
For example, from 1 October 2026, certain social, civic and community participation supports and capacity-building daily activity supports will have their budgets reset when a participant’s plan comes up for renewal or reassessment. Critical supports will not be affected by this particular change.
The NDIS is also introducing new framework planning, which is designed to provide more consistent planning and greater transparency around funding decisions.
What Is Changing With NDIS Planning?
The new way of planning is intended to make plans more consistent and easier to understand.
A key part of this process will be the Support Needs Assessment, which is designed to help understand a participant’s disability-related support needs and inform their NDIS budget.
The rollout of new framework planning is planned to begin from 1 April 2027, with changes being introduced gradually.
Participants will continue to have their current plans in place until they transition to the new planning approach.
Stronger Oversight of NDIS Funding
Another important part of the reforms is improving oversight of NDIS funding and reducing fraud and misuse.
The Government has introduced legislation that strengthens safeguards and gives the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission greater powers.
There are also changes affecting providers, including stronger requirements around records and claiming.
For example, providers will need to retain records relating to the payment and receipt of NDIS funds for seven years under the new requirements.
These measures are designed to improve accountability and ensure NDIS funding is being used appropriately.
What Do the Reforms Mean for NDIS Participants?
For participants, the reforms may mean changes to how their eligibility, planning and funding are assessed over time.
However, not all changes are happening at once.
The Government is introducing reforms in stages, with different changes starting at different times.
Participants should:
- Keep up to date with official NDIS information
- Understand their current plan and supports
- Keep relevant information about their support needs organised
- Speak with their support coordinator, LAC, plan manager or NDIS representative if they have questions
- Avoid making changes to their supports based on rumours or unofficial information
The NDIS has stated that participants will receive information as changes that affect them are introduced.
What Do the Changes Mean for NDIS Providers?
NDIS providers will also need to keep up with changes to funding, claiming, registration, record keeping and participant planning.
For providers, this makes it increasingly important to maintain accurate records, understand current NDIS requirements and ensure supports are delivered in line with participant needs and NDIS rules.
At Beholdcare Services, we understand that changes to the NDIS can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming.
Our approach is to provide person-centred support that respects each participant’s individual needs, preferences and goals.
We aim to support participants to build independence, stay connected with their community and work towards the goals that matter to them.
What Should Participants Do Now?
If you’re an NDIS participant, you don’t need to make changes simply because reforms have been announced.
Many changes will be introduced gradually, and some proposed reforms are still being developed or considered.
The best approach is to stay informed and seek advice based on your individual circumstances.
For questions about your own NDIS plan, eligibility or funding, speak with your NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), support coordinator or plan manager.
You can also check the latest information directly through the official NDIS and Australian Government websites.
Looking Ahead
NDIS reform will continue to be an important topic for participants, families, carers and providers throughout 2026 and beyond.
The Government’s stated aim is to create a more sustainable NDIS while continuing to support Australians with permanent and significant disability.
As reforms continue to roll out, staying informed and understanding how changes may affect your individual circumstances will be important.
Need Support With Your NDIS Journey?
At Beholdcare Services, we provide personalised disability support designed around each participant’s needs, goals and preferences.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about our NDIS support services.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about NDIS reforms and funding changes and is not individual NDIS, financial or legal advice. NDIS policies, legislation and implementation timeframes may change. Participants should refer to official NDIS information or speak with their NDIS planner, LAC, support coordinator or plan manager about their individual circumstances.