NDIS Update: Changes in 2026
The NDIS is changing, and with new laws and reforms being introduced throughout 2026, it’s understandable if you’re unsure about what the changes mean for you, your funding and your supports.
The good news is that you can continue using your current NDIS plan and supports as usual unless you are told otherwise.
The changes are being introduced progressively, so not everything will happen at once. Here’s what you need to know about some of the key changes coming to the NDIS.
New NDIS laws and reforms
New laws have now been passed by Parliament as part of changes designed to help make the NDIS more sustainable and secure for the future.
Over time, the reforms will change a number of areas of the Scheme, including:
How people access the NDIS
How plans are created
How funding can be used
How providers deliver supports
How the NDIA addresses fraud and misuse of funding
How NDIS prices are set.
These changes will be introduced over time rather than all at once.
It is also important to remember that changes made to your individual plan through the usual planning process are not necessarily part of these broader reforms. Plans can change as your circumstances and support needs change.
If a reform directly affects you, the NDIA will provide information about what is changing and when.
What changes from October 2026?
From October 2026, changes will begin to affect funding for some supports.
This includes funding for:
Social, community and civic participation supports
Supports that help you build skills for everyday life
These changes will happen gradually as plans are renewed or reassessed. This means that not everyone will experience a change at the same time.
If these types of supports are an important part of your NDIS plan, it is a good idea to understand your current funding and how you are using it before your next plan review or reassessment.
Support for people with high support needs
A new plan variation pathway will also be created for participants with high support needs who require continuous 24-hour care to meet their disability-related care needs.
This is intended to provide a pathway for plans to be adjusted where a participant has significant and ongoing support requirements.
When can an NDIS plan be put on hold?
From October, there will also be clearer guidelines around when an NDIS plan can be put on hold.
A plan can only be put on hold after reasonable attempts have been made to contact the participant.
If you receive communication from the NDIS about your plan, make sure you respond or seek help if you're unsure about what is being asked of you.
What changes from December 2026?
From December 2026, there will be an important change to how quickly NDIS claims need to be made.
Participants, providers and plan managers will need to make a claim within 90 days of an NDIS support being delivered.
This means it will become increasingly important to stay on top of invoices, receipts and claims and make sure they are submitted within the required timeframe.
If you self-manage your NDIS funding, keeping organised records of your supports and payments will be particularly important.
What should you do now?
While these changes may sound significant, you don't need to make major changes to your NDIS supports simply because reforms have been announced.
There are some practical things you can do to stay prepared:
Understand your current plan
Make sure you understand what funding you have available, what your funding can be used for and when your current plan is due for review or reassessment.
Keep track of your supports and spending
Keeping good records of your supports, invoices and claims can help you stay organised and avoid problems as new claiming timeframes come into effect.
Stay informed
The NDIS reforms are being introduced progressively. Keep an eye on communications from the NDIS and make sure you're getting information from reliable sources.
Ask questions
If you're unsure about how a change could affect you, don't try to navigate it alone. Speak with your support coordinator, plan manager, provider or another trusted person who can help you understand your options.
What do the changes mean for you?
The NDIS is going through a significant period of change, but your individual circumstances and disability-related support needs remain important.
Not every change will apply to every participant, and changes to your plan through the normal planning process should not automatically be assumed to be a result of the NDIS reforms.
The best thing you can do is stay informed, understand your current plan and seek support when you need it.
We're here to help
At Collabor8 Supports, we understand that navigating the NDIS can sometimes feel complicated - particularly when the rules and processes are changing.
Whether you need help understanding your plan, connecting with supports or navigating changes to the NDIS, our team is here to support you.
