If you’ve heard that the way NDIS plans are made is changing in 2026, you’re not alone. With a lot of information being shared, it’s understandable that participants and families may have questions about what these changes mean.
The Most Important Thing to Know
You don’t need to do anything right now.
Your current NDIS plan will continue exactly as it is until it’s your turn to transition to the new framework. The NDIA will contact you before any changes affect your plan, and the transition will happen gradually over several years.
To help you understand what’s changing, we’ve put together this simple guide explaining the new framework, when it will be introduced, and what it could mean for you and your family.
NDIS Planning Changes 2026: At a Glance
- No action required right now
- Your current plan remains unchanged until you transition
- New framework planning begins rolling out from July 2026
- Support Needs Assessments will be introduced
- More flexible funding arrangements
- Longer plan durations for many participants
- Children under 18 are not included in the first stage of the rollout
- Participants will be notified before any changes affect them
What is “New Framework Planning”?
“New Framework Planning” is the Australian Government’s new approach to creating NDIS plans. It follows recommendations from the Independent Review of the NDIS, where participants, families, carers and providers called for a planning process that is fairer, more consistent and easier to understand.
One of the biggest changes is a shift in focus. Rather than concentrating primarily on a person’s functional limitations, the new framework starts by looking at a participant’s life, goals and aspirations.
Instead of asking, “What can’t you do?”, the conversation becomes, “What support do you need to live the life you want?”
The legislation enabling these changes was passed in October 2024, with detailed rules and consultation continuing throughout 2025 and into 2026.
When is it Happening?
The new planning framework is being introduced gradually from around 1 July 2026.
Rather than changing everyone’s plans at once, the NDIA is taking a staged approach to allow time for testing, feedback and adjustments.
Rollout Timeline
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A few important things to remember:
- The rollout starts with a relatively small group of participants.
- Children will not be included in the first stage.
- Your current plan remains in place until your transition occurs.
- You will receive information before any changes affect your plan.
In short, this is a gradual transition rather than a sudden change for all participants.
What’s Actually Changing?
- A new ‘Support Needs Assessments’
This is the most significant change.
Instead of relying primarily on reports describing functional limitations, participants will take part in a Support Needs Assessment with a trained NDIS assessor.
The assessment will involve a guided conversation about your daily life, goals, challenges and support requirements. The information gathered will help determine the funding and supports included in your plan.
It’s important to remember that the Support Needs Assessment is not a test, and there are no right or wrong answers. It is an opportunity to talk about your daily life, your goals, the challenges you experience, and the supports you need to live independently and participate in your community. The aim is to build a clearer picture of the support required to help you achieve the life you want.
Importantly, your plan will still be approved by trained NDIS staff, not by an automated system.
- Flexible Budgets and Stated Supports
Under the new framework, funding will generally be divided into two categories:
Stated Supports
Funding allocated for a specific purpose, such as speech pathology or another identified support.
Flexible Budget
Funding that can be used across approved NDIS supports based on your needs and circumstances.
The goal is to provide participants with greater flexibility and control without requiring frequent plan reviews when needs change.
- Longer Plans and Funding Periods
Many participants may move away from the traditional 12-month plan cycle and receive longer-duration plans.
This could mean:
- Fewer scheduled plan reviews
- Greater stability and certainty
- Less administrative burden
Funding may also be released in stages over the life of the plan to help participants manage their budget effectively and reduce the risk of overspending early.
- Clearer Definitions of NDIS Supports
The NDIS is also introducing clearer guidance around what can and cannot be funded.
The aim is to reduce confusion and provide participants with greater confidence when making decisions about how they use their funding.
What’s Staying the Same?
While there are changes coming, several important things remain unchanged:
- Your current plan continues to operate until you transition.
- Decisions will continue to be made by trained NDIS staff.
- You retain your rights to request reviews of decisions.
- External review options through the Administrative Review Tribunal remain available.
- The reforms are intended to improve fairness and consistency, not reduce funding across the board.
Do I Need to Do Anything Right Now?
No. There is no urgent action required and no forms that need to be completed.
However, a little preparation can help you feel more confident when your transition eventually occurs.
You may wish to:
- Keep notes about your goals and support needs.
- Think about what support helps you have a good week.
- Keep reports and supporting evidence up to date.
- Speak with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or provider about the upcoming changes.
- Stay informed through trusted sources such as the NDIS website.
A Balanced Note
In the interest of being transparent: not everyone in the disability community feels the timing is right. Some advocacy groups have raised concerns that the rollout is moving quickly, that some of the detailed rules were still being finalised close to launch, and that support needs assessments may often be conducted by NDIS staff rather than allied health professionals.
These are reasonable questions, and they’re worth keeping an eye on. The reassuring part is that the rollout is deliberately gradual, your existing plan is protected in the meantime, and your right to request a review hasn’t changed. If you have concerns about your own situation, you don’t have to navigate them alone.
, and your existing rights to request a review of decisions remain unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my NDIS funding be cut under the new framework?
The reforms are designed to create a fairer and more consistent planning process. Funding decisions will continue to be based on assessed support needs.
Do I need to apply or re-apply?
No. Existing participants do not need to submit a new application. You will be contacted before your transition occurs.
Does this affect children?
Not initially. Participants under 18 are not included in the first stage of the rollout and are expected to transition from 2027 onwards.
What is a Support Needs Assessment?
A Support Needs Assessment is a guided conversation with a trained assessor about your daily life, goals, challenges and support requirements. The information gathered helps inform your future NDIS plan.
When will it be my turn?
The timing will depend on your circumstances and plan dates. The rollout begins with a small group of participants in mid-2026 and will continue over several years.
How Keys Can Help
Change is easier when you have the right support around you.
At Keys, we stay across NDIS reforms so you don’t have to. Our team can help you:
- Understand how the changes may affect your individual circumstances
- Prepare for a Support Needs Assessment
- Gather and organise supporting evidence
- Understand funding categories and budget flexibility
- Navigate plan reviews and decision-making processes
- Make the most of your NDIS funding
If you’d like to discuss what the 2026 planning changes may mean for you, our team is here to help. We’ll work alongside you to ensure you feel informed, prepared and confident throughout the transition.
This article is general information only and reflects the NDIS reforms as understood at the time of writing. Timelines and rules may change. For advice about your individual circumstances, please speak with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or the NDIS directly.