The NDIS is introducing a new way of planning to make planning fairer, easier to understand and more flexible for participants.
The changes are designed to put greater focus on a person’s disability-related support needs, goals and individual circumstances, while helping create more consistent funding decisions.
The new way of planning will be introduced gradually, with the rollout expected to begin from April 2027. In the meantime, the NDIS is testing and refining the new approach with participants and the disability community.
What Is the New NDIS Planning Framework?
The new planning approach, also referred to as new framework planning, is part of broader changes to improve how NDIS plans are developed.
The NDIS says the new approach aims to make planning:
- Fairer and more consistent
- Easier to understand and navigate
- More focused on individual support needs
- More flexible
- Better aligned with participants’ goals
The changes have been developed in response to feedback from people with disability, families, carers, providers and the broader disability community.
What Is a Support Needs Assessment?
One of the key changes will be the introduction of a support needs assessment.
This will involve a guided conversation with a trained NDIS assessor to better understand a participant’s disability-related support needs.
The information gathered through the assessment will help inform the participant’s NDIS budget and is intended to support fairer and more consistent funding decisions.
The NDIS is currently testing the assessment process with participants. The latest information says support needs assessments are expected to be introduced from April 2027.
What Will Happen to NDIS Budgets?
The new planning approach is expected to include more flexible budgets.
The aim is to make plans easier for participants to understand and use while ensuring funding is based on their individual disability-related support needs.
However, the changes won’t happen for everyone at once.
The rollout will happen gradually, and current NDIS plans will remain in place until participants move to the new way of planning.
What Does This Mean for NDIS Participants?
For participants, the new approach is intended to make the planning process more straightforward and centred around their individual circumstances.
Some of the expected benefits include:
A greater focus on individual support needs
Planning will focus more closely on the disability-related supports a participant needs in their everyday life.
More consistent planning decisions
The support needs assessment is intended to provide a more consistent way of gathering information to help determine appropriate budgets.
More flexible budgets
The new approach is designed to provide greater flexibility within some NDIS budgets, making it easier for participants to use their funding for eligible supports.
A simpler planning experience
The NDIS aims to make plans easier to understand and navigate.
Less pressure to provide supporting reports
The NDIS has said the new assessment process may help reduce some of the time, cost and frustration associated with gathering supporting evidence. This may allow participants to use more of their funding towards supports rather than reports.
Do I Need to Do Anything Now?
For most participants, no.
The NDIS has advised that participants do not need to do anything right now simply because the new planning approach is being introduced.
If you currently have an NDIS plan, your existing arrangements will remain in place until you move to the new way of planning.
The NDIS will provide information to participants before changes affect them.
If you’re unsure about what the changes could mean for you, you can speak with your NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), support coordinator or plan manager.
How Can Participants Prepare?
Although there’s no need to make immediate changes to your current plan, it can be useful to stay informed.
You may want to:
- Keep track of your current supports and how they help you day to day
- Review your NDIS goals and what you would like to work towards
- Keep relevant information about your support needs organised
- Speak with your support coordinator or plan manager if you have questions
- Keep an eye on official NDIS updates
The new planning approach is still being developed and tested, so some details may continue to change before the full rollout.
What Does This Mean for Support Providers?
The changes may also affect how NDIS providers work alongside participants.
For providers, it will remain important to understand each participant’s individual circumstances, preferences, support needs and goals.
At Beholdcare Services, we believe that disability support should be person-centred and tailored to each participant.
Our focus is on providing respectful, individualised support that helps participants work towards their goals, build independence and stay connected with their community.
Stay Up to Date With NDIS Changes
The new NDIS planning framework is an important change, but it will be introduced gradually.
At this stage, participants do not need to change their current NDIS plan simply because of the upcoming reforms.
For the most up-to-date information, participants should check official NDIS updates or speak with their NDIS planner, LAC, support coordinator or plan manager.
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.