NDIS Updates

The NDIS is undergoing a number of changes over the coming years. Some changes have already started, while others will be introduced progressively from October 2026 and throughout 2027 and 2028.

At SASScare, we want to help participants, families and carers understand what these changes may mean for them.

Changes to plan reassessments

Since 27 August 2026, participants, their nominees or child representatives are the only people who can request a plan reassessment. Providers can support participants with the process, but they cannot request a reassessment on a participant's behalf.

A reassessment may be considered when there is a significant and ongoing change in your circumstances or support needs. Supporting evidence may be required.

Changes to some NDIS budgets

From 1 October 2026, changes will begin to some budgets covering:

• Social, Economic and Community Participation

• Improved Daily Living.

These changes will apply when plans are created, reassessed or renewed. Your funding will not change until your plan is reassessed or renewed.

Some supports are excluded from these changes, including employment, education, disability-related health supports, personal care and several other disability-related supports.

New planning approach from 2027

From April 2027, the NDIS will begin introducing a new planning approach.

This will include support needs assessments, designed to provide a more consistent way of understanding a participant's disability-related support needs and determining funding.

The changes are being introduced gradually, so not everyone will experience changes at the same time. Participants should continue using their current NDIS plans and supports unless the NDIS tells them that a change applies to them.

What is a support needs assessment?

A support needs assessment is intended to provide a consistent way of understanding a participant's disability-related support needs.

The assessment will look at different areas of a person's everyday life and gather information about the type, amount and frequency of support they need. The information will then help inform the participant's NDIS budget. 

The NDIS says the assessment approach is being developed to be appropriate for different disability groups and to take account of cultural, trauma-informed and diversity considerations. 

The new planning approach will not apply to everyone at once. Participants will transition progressively, and the NDIS says people will receive information before changes affect them.

Changes for NDIS providers

There are also changes planned for providers.

From July 2027, mandatory registration requirements will expand for some providers, including providers delivering certain personal care and daily living supports and supports delivered in closed settings. 

This means participants and families may notice changes in the way some providers operate or meet NDIS registration requirements.

What can you do now?

Participants can continue using their current NDIS plans and supports unless the NDIS tells them otherwise.

What can you do to get on top of these changes?

• Understand your current plan and funding.

• Keep evidence about your disability-related support needs.

• Tell the NDIS if your circumstances or support needs change significantly.

• Speak with your support coordinator, plan manager or NDIS contact if you have questions.

SASScare is here to help

NDIS changes can feel complicated. SASScare is committed to providing clear information and supporting participants and families to understand their options.

We encourage participants to ask questions, understand their current plan and keep evidence about their support needs.

Because the NDIS reforms are being introduced progressively, processes and implementation details may continue to change. The most up-to-date information should always be checked through the official NDIS website.