There has been a lot of discussion, social media activity and media coverage in recent months about changes to the NDIS.
This week, the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 passed Parliament.
We understand this may feel unsettling, especially while some details are still being developed. The most important thing to know is that the changes will happen in stages. They will not affect everyone at the same time or in the same way.
What you need to know now
You can continue using your current plan and receiving your supports.
You do not need to take action because of this announcement unless the NDIA contacts you.
The NDIA has said it will communicate with participants before changes affect them.
You are not alone
You do not need to work through these changes alone. CPL is here to listen, answer questions about your current supports and share clear information as details are confirmed.
Why is the NDIS changing?
The Australian Government says the reforms are intended to make the NDIS safer, clearer and more sustainable.
The Government says changes are intended to:
- Keep the NDIS focused on people with permanent and significant disability
- Make access, planning and funding decisions clearer and more consistent
- Strengthen safeguards for participants
- Improve oversight of providers delivering NDIS-funded supports
- Strengthen fraud prevention and scheme integrity
- Support the NDIS to continue into the future
The legislation was informed by feedback from people with disability, families, carers, advocates, providers and the broader disability community. Several amendments were made to strengthen participant safeguards and clarify parts of the legislation.
What is expected to change?
Access & eligibility
There will be no changes to how people access the NDIS before 1 January 2028.
From that date, access for new applicants is expected to involve a standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity. This means looking at how a person’s disability affects their everyday life.
Existing participants are expected to be reassessed progressively over a three-year transition period. The NDIA will provide more information before these changes begin.
Planning
Participants are expected to begin moving progressively to a new way of planning from 1 April 2027.
The new approach will use a support needs assessment to understand a person’s functional capacity, life stage, circumstances and disability-related support needs.
Your current plan will remain in place until you move to the new planning approach. Participants will continue to have the right to request a review of their plan. Learn more about the new way of planning here.
Support budgets
The Government has announced that some funding arrangements will change progressively, including funding for social, civic and community participation and capacity-building daily activities.
The Government has said these adjustments will not affect supports essential to critical care and daily living. The legislation also includes safeguards for participants who require continuous 24-hour care.
How funding changes affect an individual participant will depend on their circumstances and plan. Wait for information from the NDIA before making changes to your supports.
Plan management & support coordination
A new panel of approved plan management providers is planned to begin on 1 October 2027, with a six-month transition period.
A new support coordination and connection service is planned from 1 July 2028.
Further information about provider selection, participant choice and transition arrangements is expected before these changes begin.
Provider safety & oversight
Mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living and NDIS platform providers began on 1 July 2026.
Registration requirements for providers delivering other higher-risk supports are expected to expand progressively from July 2027 through to the end of 2030.
Key dates for the changes
1 October 2026: Progressive adjustments to some participation and capacity-building budgets begin.
1 February 2027:Changes to reasonable-and-necessary assessments, plan reassessments and renewals begin progressively.
1 April 2027: Participants begin transitioning to the new planning approach.
1 July 2027: Expanded registration requirements for higher-risk providers begin.
1 October 2027: New plan management provider panel begins.
1 January 2028: Changes to NDIS access begin.
1 July 2028: New support coordination and connection service begins.
End of 2030: Planned completion of expanded provider registration.
View the full timeline
These are the Government’s implementation dates as at August 2026. Some details still require further consultation, supporting rules or guidance and may change.
Stay up to date
The NDIA will contact participants and providers before changes are introduced. As further details become available, you can find official information through:
- The NDIS website
- The NDIA’s participant and provider newsletters
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s NDIS reforms updates
Signing up for these updates can help you understand what is changing, when changes will begin and whether you need to take any action.
CPL is here alongside you
You do not need to work through these changes alone. CPL will continue to follow the reforms, share clear information as details are confirmed and work alongside you to support the things that matter.
To discuss how your current CPL supports are delivered, speak with your CPL service team.
This article provides general information and should not be treated as advice about an individual NDIS plan or eligibility.
