Recent NDIS changes: What you need to know, and how we can support you
Blog published Thursday 28th May 2026
Recent NDIS changes: What you need to know, and how we can support you
The NDIS is changing.
Over the past year, the Australian Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have announced multiple updates aimed to make the NDIS fairer, easier to understand, and more sustainable for the future. These changes are designed to improve how people with disability access funding, receive support, and use their NDIS plans.
For many participants and families, learning about these changes can feel confusing or overwhelming. You might be wondering…
- Will my current NDIS plan change?
- Do I need to do anything right now?
- Will my funding be affected?
- How will these changes impact my disability support and services?
The good news is… for many people, there is nothing immediate they need to do. Existing plans remain in place until changes apply to them individually.
However, we understand the deep concern that many participants and their families are experiencing. Over the past year, we’ve heard many, many people question what their future looks like with the NDIS, and wonder whether their essential supports (which they rely on) will be changed.
To all our participants, their families and carers: we see you! We will do our absolute best to support you throughout this time, and ensure you are well informed of how these changes impact you.
Here’s what we currently know about the upcoming changes, and what they might mean for you:
1. A new way of planning is being introduced
One of the biggest changes is a new framework for planning.
The Australian Government says this new way of planning aims to create a fairer and more consistent process for developing participant plans and budgets.
The new approach is designed to:
- Create more consistent budgets
- Focus more on a participant’s disability support needs
- Reduce the need for expensive reports
- Make plans simpler and more flexible
- Spend more time understanding participant needs through conversations with trained assessors
The planning process includes a Support Needs Assessment, where a trained assessor works with a participant to understand their daily life, goals, strengths, and support requirements. This information helps inform funding decisions.
Importantly, the NDIA says plans will still be approved by trained staff, not automated systems. Participants also keep the right to request reviews if they disagree with decisions about their plans.
Has this new framework planning started yet?
Not yet!
The rollout was originally expected in mid-2026, but the Government announced a delay to allow more consultation and testing. The rollout of new framework planning is now expected from April 2027.
For now,
Most participants will not notice immediate changes. Current plans continue until participants transition to the new system.
2. Clearer information about eligibility and impairment categories
Changes introduced over recent years continue to be implemented in 2026.
New NDIS participants now receive clearer information explaining how they meet NDIS eligibility requirements, including information about impairment categories. These categories include areas such as physical, neurological, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory impairments.
The goal is to improve transparency and help participants better understand why they qualify for support.
Existing participants do not need to take action immediately. The NDIA says participants will receive information before any related changes affect them.
3. Funding periods aimed to help participants manage budgets
Another change introduced is funding periods.
Funding periods are designed to help participants spread funds across the life of their plan, and reduce the risk of using all funding too early.
Funding periods can vary in length. They may be one, 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the participant’s needs. In most cases, the NDIS will begin with 3-month funding periods when discussing a participant’s plan.
Any unused funding within a period can roll over into the next funding period.
For participants and families, funding periods might mean:
- More planning around how supports and services are used
- More focus on budgeting across the whole plan period
- More communication with providers and support coordinators
Understanding funding periods can feel complicated at first, but having the right disability support team (such as a knowledgeable Support Coordinator) can make a huge difference!
4. Early childhood changes continue to evolve
The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach now covers children up to 9 years old, rather than 7 years old. Children with a disability will still continue to be supported under the ECEI approach, but those that access the NDIS through the ECEI approach without a formal diagnosis will lose access at the age of 7.
For children aged 8 and under, a separate reform called Thriving Kids is also expected to begin rollout from October 2026. Thriving Kids aims to support children with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs.
Children with ‘permanent’ and significant disability and higher support needs may still be eligible for the NDIS.
We will do our absolute best to ensure you stay informed of these evolving changes. However, we suggest families with young children keep a close eye on the NDIS website as these reforms develop.
So, what should NDIS participants do now?
For many people:
You do not need to do anything immediately.
However, it may help to:
- Stay updated on NDIS announcements (keep an eye on the NDIS website)
- Review your current goals and supports (How can they be improved to best support you and your life)
- Keep records of changes in your daily life or support needs
- Talk with your support coordinator or disability services provider if you have concerns
- Ask questions if something is unclear. (We’re here to help!)
If your circumstances change significantly, your plan may need a variation or reassessment.
The NDIS explains how to do this here.
If you are a participant with Liberty, contact your support coordinator to assist you in this.
How Liberty Disability Services can support you?
All these changes to the NDIS can bring uncertainty. We understand that navigating funding, plans and disability support systems can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Our team is here to help participants and families understand these changes, explore different options, and access the right services and support for their goals.
Whether you need assistance understanding your plan, navigating changes, or connecting with appropriate disability supports, you do not have to do it all alone.
The NDIS will continue evolving, but having trusted people around you can make the process less confusing… and more manageable.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team will happily discuss these NDIS changes further, and work to ensure you feel confident and calm in navigating uncertain times.
Call (03) 52 75 86 27
Ask for Kathie or Elle (Directors at Liberty Disability Services)