The Australian Government has passed new laws that will gradually change the way the NDIS operates over the next few years. These changes will affect how you can access the NDIS, how funding is allocated and reviewed, and how certain services are delivered.
We know changes to the NDIS can leave you feeling uncertain and worried, so we’ve explained exactly what is changing and how it may impact you.
Important: Many of these changes will be introduced gradually between now and 2028. A lot of the detail for many of the changes is still being developed and could change. You should always refer to the NDIA website for the latest information about how these changes will apply to your individual circumstances.
What are the main changes to the NDIS?
Plan Management panel of providers
One of the most significant changes for us at MyIntegra will be the introduction of a panel of approved plan management providers from 1 October 2027. Participants will only be able to use plan management services from providers that have been approved by the NDIA. There will be a transition period for those participants who are currently plan managed by a provider who will not be on the panel.
At MyIntegra, we are working closely to meet the NDIA’s requirements and look forward to being a part of the approved panel of providers.
Support Coordination funding
As of 1 July 2028, the NDIA will directly engage providers to deliver a new ‘Support Coordination and Connection’ service, replacing the current support coordination supports included in individual NDIS plans. Details of this change are still being worked through and it is currently open for consultation from the community, meaning you can share your thoughts on the new service. You can read more about the changes and make a submission via the Consultation hub.
NDIS eligibility
From 1 January 2028, NDIS eligibility will focus more on how a person’s disability affects their everyday life, rather than their diagnosis alone. Eligibility decisions are expected to focus more heavily on the impact a disability has on a person’s daily life, independence and participation. A new assessment process is still being developed.
Children aged 8 years or younger who have developmental delays, and/or autism, and low to moderate support needs will be supported by a new program called Thriving Kids instead of the NDIS. Thriving Kids will be provided at a state level from 1st October 2027 and is expected to be rolled out nationally by 1 January 2028.
NDIS planning process
From 1 April 2027 the NDIA will introduce a new way of creating NDIS plans and budgets. Rather than the current way of funding being based mainly on reports and information provided by participants and their health professionals, a Support Needs Assessment (SNA) will help the NDIA determine a person’s support needs. The SNA will review how a participant’s disability affects their everyday activities, independence and participation in the community.
Plan reassessments
From February 2027, the key changes to Plan Reassessments include:
- A plan due for reassessment will either be reassessed by the NDIA (as usual) or continued, replacing the current plan extension arrangements.
- If a plan is continued, unused funds do not carry over to the new period.
- Unscheduled plan reassessments will be limited to situations where there has been a significant and ongoing change in circumstances.
- Providers (including support coordinators) will no longer be able to request unscheduled plan reassessments on behalf of participants.
- Participants will be able to request a review if the NDIS does not respond to a reassessment request within 90 days.
NDIS pricing decisions
The Minister for Disability and the NDIS will have the power to set funding rules or budget limits for specific support categories as of 1 October 2026. It is important to note that this will not include critical supports such as disability-related health supports, employment supports, in-home daily living supports, home and vehicle modifications, mobility equipment and transport, consumables or specialist disability accommodation (SDA).
The Government has indicated that future funding limits may apply to some support categories. While some categories have been specifically protected, participants may see changes to funding levels in areas such as social and community participation or skill-building supports as plans are reassessed.
Claiming timeframe
The timeframe for claiming NDIS supports will be reduced to 90 days as of 1 December 2026. All claims must be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered.
Participant and provider protections
The law introduces additional safeguards for new offences including providing false or misleading information to the NDIA or NDIS Commission and obtaining NDIS funds through deception, impersonation or destruction of records.
There are also new protections against the misuse of nominee powers and restrictions on providers offering gifts, payments or other inducements to attract participants.
From 1 July 2027, more NDIS providers will need to become registered with the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission). Providers delivering supports deemed by the NDIS Commission as higher risk will need to become registered with the NDIS Commission, however the list of supports has not been confirmed yet, it is expected the expansion will be introduced in stages.
Record keeping requirements
There is now a change to how long participants, providers and nominees need to keep records of supports and payments: 3 years for participants, 5 years for nominees and 7 years for providers.
How does this impact me as an NDIS participant?
To reassure you, the majority of these changes are happening gradually over the next few years, and most participants will not see immediate changes to their current plan.
However, when it comes time for your plan to be reviewed you may notice some differences, including:
- A change to how your funding is decided.
- Your plan being continued without a full reassessment.
- Unused funding no longer carrying through when a plan is continued.
- If you need a plan reassessment, this will need to be requested by the participant or nominee, not a provider or support coordinator.
- Funding in some support categories may change over time.
- If you’re using plan management you may need to transition to an approved provider if your current provider is not approved under the new panel arrangement.
- Claims for supports need to be submitted within 90 days of the service being delivered.
- Changes to provider registration requirements may affect which providers you can choose for certain supports.
What can participants do now?
- Stay informed about the NDIS changes.
- Keep records to demonstrate how your disability impacts your everyday life.
- Speak with the people who support you, including your plan manager or support coordinator before your next plan reassessment.
- Make sure invoices and claims are submitted promptly.
- Continue focusing on your goals and support needs.
How does this impact me as an NDIS service provider?
The reforms introduce significant changes for providers, particularly around registration requirements, reassessment processes and compliance obligations.
Key impacts may include:
- You may need to become registered with the NDIS Commission, depending on the support you deliver.
- You will be subject to stronger compliance, fraud prevention and record keeping requirements.
- Offering incentives or gifts to attract participants will be more tightly regulated.
- You will no longer be able to request unscheduled reassessments on behalf of participants.
- You must ensure your claims are submitted within 90 days of support being delivered.
What can providers do now?
- Carefully review and keep up to date with communication from the NDIA and NDIS Commission.
- Review your compliance, record keeping and claiming processes.
- Consider whether you will need to register with the NDIS Commission.
- Educate your staff on the upcoming changes and impacts.
- Support and reassure participants through these changes.
How MyIntegra can support
At MyIntegra, our team of NDIS Plan Management experts remain up to date on the latest NDIS changes to ensure we continue to make managing NDIS plans smooth for NDIS participants and their service providers.
Any impacts to our direct service as a result of these changes are communicated to the people we support directly.
However, if you have any questions about your NDIS plan, funding or invoices, you can reach out to our team by calling us on us on 1800 696 347 or emailing [email protected].
