The NDIS changes coming in 2026 and 2027, and what they mean for you

A big new NDIS law passed in August 2026, and its changes roll out over the next two years. Some are already here. This is the short version, in date order, with what each one means for you.

The Zoomly team · · 4 min read

The Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026 passed Parliament on 19 August 2026 and was signed into law the next day. The NDIA's own first message is a calm one: "Right now, you can continue using your plan and supports as usual." There are no changes to who can join the NDIS before 1 January 2028, and the NDIA has said it will tell people before a change affects them.

The changes arrive in stages, so it helps to see them in order.

Already in place

Reassessments. Only you, your plan nominee or a child representative can now ask for an early plan reassessment, and it has to be for a significant and ongoing change, such as your support needs, your living arrangements or the informal support around you. The NDIA has 90 days to decide. In practice, a provider can no longer ask for one on your behalf. Plan variations are still there for short-term or urgent changes.

Prices. The Minister now sets the maximum prices for NDIS supports. The first decision, on 24 September 2026, kept the 2026-27 price limits in line with what was already published, so nothing changed overnight.

From October 2026

This is the change most likely to show up in your support hours. Budgets for Social, Economic and Community Participation and Improved Daily Living Skills "will be reduced as participants' plans are reassessed or renewed". It starts from 1 October 2026 when a plan is reassessed or a new plan is approved, and from 1 February 2027 when a plan is renewed. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing puts the reduction at 50% for social, economic and community participation and 10% for improved daily living skills, and you can't request a review of it. We've written about making community access hours go further.

Plenty of supports aren't affected, including help with eating and drinking, dressing, toileting, medication, nursing care, employment supports and home modifications. If you have very high support needs, with 24 hour funded supports and a combined budget of $215,030 or more across certain categories, there's a separate pathway to ask for a plan variation within 90 days.

The NDIA can also now suspend a plan if you don't respond to requests for information. It has to make at least five attempts over three to four months first, using your preferred contact method. So it's worth checking the NDIA has your current phone number and email.

From December 2026

Claims will have to be made within 90 days of the support being delivered. Right now the limit is two years. If you self-manage, this is the one to put in the diary. Claim as invoices arrive instead of saving them up.

From February 2027

When your plan is due, a planner will either reassess it or create a plan renewal with the same supports, adjusted for current prices. Renewals replace plan continuations, and unspent funds from the old plan won't carry over.

There are also new guidelines on what parents are expected to provide for a child anyway, such as supervision, personal care and transport, separate from the extra support a child needs because of disability.

From April 2027

The new way of planning begins. Instead of piles of reports, you'll have a support needs assessment: a guided conversation with a trained assessor. You'll get a flexible budget with a few stated supports, and a person still approves the plan. Everyone moves across gradually between April 2027 and the end of 2030. Around 290 people had tried a practice assessment by May 2026, and testing is still open to adults if you'd like to have a go. It pays $200 a session and doesn't change your plan.

Later on

  • July 2027: more providers have to register, starting with personal care and daily living supports, with everyone in scope registered by the end of 2030.
  • October 2027: a panel of approved plan managers starts. From April 2028 you'll need to use a plan manager on the panel.
  • January 2028: new rules for who can join the NDIS, applied to new applicants first.
  • July 2028: a new way of providing support coordination begins.

What to do now

Keep using your plan as normal and keep your records. Answer the NDIA when it contacts you, and keep your contact details up to date. From December, claim within 90 days. If your needs have changed in a big way, ask about a reassessment.

If any of this affects your plan and you're not sure what it means, ring the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or talk to your my NDIS contact, support coordinator or plan manager. For independent help, the Disability Gateway is on 1800 643 787. We'll keep writing about each change as it lands.

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