The 2026 NDIS reforms — what actually changes for participants

On 20 August 2026 the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 became law. It changes how plans are built, how budgets are set, who sets prices and how quickly providers must claim. Not everything lands at once — here's the timeline and what to actually do about each change.

From 1 October 2026 — budget resets for some supports

As plans are created, renewed or reassessed, funding for Social, Economic and Community Participation supports is being reset with a 50 per cent reduction, and Improved Daily Living Skills supports with a 10 per cent reduction. The changes are not backdated and are being applied progressively over about 12 months, so you'll see them at your next plan event rather than overnight.

From 1 December 2026 — a 90-day claims window

Providers (and self-managers) will have 90 days to submit claims for supports, down from two years. For participants this means fewer surprise invoices long after the fact, but it also means your provider needs accurate, timely service records. Ask how yours handles claiming — a good provider will already be well inside 90 days.

No more automatic plan rollovers

When a plan ends it will no longer simply roll over at the same level. The renewed plan will be set at the level determined by the new assessment process, adjusted for current prices. If your circumstances change in a significant, ongoing way — or something urgent happens — you can request a plan variation rather than waiting for the next renewal.

From 1 April 2027 — New Framework Planning

This is the big structural change. Planning will be based on a standardised support needs assessment carried out by a trained, accredited NDIA assessor. It's a semi-structured interview that looks at your functional capacity, life stage and environment (home, family, community). The assessor's report then informs your 'reasonable and necessary' budget, which you'll have flexibility to spend within.

• Expect to be asked about what you can do on a good day and a bad day — not just diagnoses.
• Bring evidence of how your environment affects your support needs (stairs, distance from services, informal supports available).
• You can have a family member, support coordinator or advocate with you.

Pricing and SIL are changing too

The Minister for the NDIS can now make pricing determinations directly, with the NDIA providing advice. Government is also consulting on expanding differentiated pricing for unregistered providers and on a new 'commissioning' approach for Supported Independent Living. If you use SIL or unregistered providers, keep an eye on these consultations — they will shape choice and cost through 2027.

What to actually do now

• Find out when your next plan renewal or reassessment falls — that's when the October budget resets will reach you.
• Start a simple record of your goals, routines and the supports that make them possible. That's the language assessors respond to.
• If you rely on community participation or daily-living skills funding, talk to your plan manager or support coordinator early about how the reset affects you.
• Check your provider is claiming promptly and keeping clear shift records ahead of the 90-day rule.
• If your needs change materially, don't wait — ask about a plan variation.