Your straightforward guide to what’s changing and when.
If you’ve seen the headlines about the NDIS this week, you might be feeling a little anxious, and that’s completely understandable. We’ve read through everything so you don’t have to. Here’s what was actually announced, what it means for you, and what happens next.
The Australian Government has announced a significant package of NDIS reforms as part of the Federal Budget, aimed at making the Scheme more sustainable and cracking down on fraud. Many changes are years away, and the government has committed to consulting the disability community throughout.
Changes to your support budget
Funding for social and community participation (group activities, community programmes, supported outings) will be reset. The average participant spend in this category will come down from around $31,000 to $26,000 over the next two years, returning to roughly 2023 levels. These adjustments roll out progressively from 1 October 2026.
The government has confirmed these changes will not affect supports essential to critical care and daily living needs.
To rebuild genuine community opportunities, $200 million will go into a new Inclusive Communities Fund, with details designed in consultation with the disability community.
Will I still be eligible for the NDIS?
Eligibility will eventually move away from diagnosis-based access lists to standardised functional assessments, focusing on how your disability affects daily life. A Technical Advisory Group will work through the details with the community and states. New eligibility boundaries will apply to prospective participants from 1 January 2028, with current participants reassessed over a transition period. The government has committed to developing alternative Foundational Supports for people who no longer qualify.
Support coordination and plan management
The government will move to a commissioned model, selecting support coordinators and plan managers from a government-vetted list, with the aim of reducing spending in this area by 30 per cent. You will still have choice, but within that approved list. New plan management commissioning begins 1 October 2027 (with a six-month transition), and a new support coordination function follows from 1 July 2028. Consultation on commissioning for Supported Independent Living begins July 2026.
Other changes to know about
Unscheduled plan reassessments will be restricted to exceptional circumstances only, taking effect within seven days of legislation passing. Currently one in five plans is reassessed each year, with an average 20 per cent plan increase as a result.
Unspent plan funds will no longer roll over to your next plan period.
More providers will be required to be registered, particularly for personal care and daily living supports, rolling out from July 2027 through to end of 2030.
Key dates at a glance
- 1 July 2026: Mandatory registration for SIL and platform providers begins.
- 1 October 2026: Social and community participation budget adjustments begin.
- 1 February 2027: Tighter reasonable and necessary assessments for new entrants begin.
- 1 April 2027: New Framework Plans roll out.
- 1 October 2027: New plan management commissioning begins.
- 1 January 2028: New eligibility boundaries apply to prospective participants.
- 1 July 2028: New support coordination function commences.
- End of 2030: Full implementation of expanded provider registration.
There is still a lot to be worked out, and the government has committed to the principle of “nothing about us, without us.” If you have questions about how any of this affects your plan or your supports through Carer’s Network, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.
