The NDIS Is Changing Again: What Participants and Families Actually Need to Know

If you’ve been following NDIS news lately, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed.

There are headlines about NDIS reform, changes to eligibility, new assessments, new planning processes and changes for children with developmental delay and autism.

And, as always, social media has plenty to say about it too!

So, what is actually changing?

At Rosie Disability Services, we believe participants and families deserve clear information without the fearmongering. While there are significant changes happening across the NDIS, not everything being discussed has commenced - and some changes are still moving through consultation, testing and the parliamentary process.

Here’s what we know so far!

First Things First: Your NDIS Plan Hasn't Suddenly Changed

This is probably the most important message.

If you're an existing NDIS participant, you don't need to panic or suddenly change how you're using your plan because you've seen a headline about NDIS reform.

The NDIA has confirmed that participants can continue using their current plans and that changes to planning will be introduced gradually.

The new way of NDIS planning is currently expected to begin rolling out from April 2027.

That means there is time to understand what's changing, ask questions and prepare.

So, What Is Changing?

There are several reforms happening across the NDIS at the same time, which is partly why things can feel confusing.

One of the biggest changes is a new approach to creating NDIS plans. The NDIA calls this the new way of planning.

Under the proposed approach, participants will complete a support needs assessment as part of the planning process.

Rather than participants having to continually obtain large amounts of supporting evidence simply to demonstrate their everyday support needs, the assessment is intended to provide a more consistent way of gathering information about the support a person requires.

According to the NDIA, the assessment will involve a guided conversation with a trained assessor about the participant's life and disability-related support needs. The information gathered will then contribute to the participant's NDIS budget.

Importantly, these assessments are still being tested and refined during 2026 before the broader rollout begins.

Does This Mean Reports Won't Matter Anymore?

This is where we think some nuance is important.

One of the stated goals of the new planning system is to reduce the burden on participants who currently spend significant amounts of time - and sometimes NDIS funding - obtaining reports purely for planning purposes.

That could be a very positive change.

However, good evidence has never just been about producing a 30-page report.

Good evidence helps tell the story of a person's functional capacity, disability-related needs, risks, goals and the supports required in everyday life. As the new system develops, participants should still make sure that the people supporting them understand their needs accurately.

That might include keeping records of:

• changes in functional capacity

• changes in informal supports or living arrangements

• risks or safety concerns

• changes in support needs

• recommendations from treating professionals

• barriers to independence and community participation

• what is and isn't working within the current plan.

The format of evidence may change over time. The importance of accurately understanding someone's support needs won't.

What About NDIS Eligibility?

This is probably the area generating the most anxiety.

The Australian Government has proposed further NDIS legislative reforms, including changes intended to create clearer eligibility requirements and improve the long-term sustainability of the Scheme.

At the time of writing, some of these reforms are still progressing through the parliamentary process.

That distinction matters.

A proposed change is not necessarily a change that applies to your plan today.

Currently, NDIS eligibility continues to consider things such as whether a person has a disability related to a permanent impairment, how significantly that impairment affects everyday activities, and whether the person is likely to require NDIS supports for their lifetime.

There are also separate early intervention eligibility requirements.

If you're worried about something you've heard regarding eligibility, try to check whether the information relates to:

• the current NDIS rules,

• a proposed legislative change, or

• a future reform that hasn't commenced yet.

Those are three very different things.

And What Is "Thriving Kids"?

Families of children with developmental delay or autism may have also heard a lot about Thriving Kids. This is another significant reform happening alongside changes to the NDIS.

The Australian Government and state and territory governments have committed funding towards supports outside the NDIS, including a program called Thriving Kids. The program is intended to support children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, together with their families, carers and kin.

The current intention is for children to begin accessing Thriving Kids supports from 1 October 2026.

There is understandably a lot of interest - and concern - from families about exactly how these changes will interact with NDIS eligibility. More detail will be needed as implementation progresses.

For families, our advice is simple:

Don't make decisions about your child's current NDIS supports based solely on speculation about what may happen in the future.

Keep informed through official updates and seek individual advice where you need it.

What Should Participants Do Right Now?

Probably less than social media would have you believe.

• You don't need to panic.

• You don't need to suddenly request every assessment imaginable.

• And you don't need to assume that your next NDIS plan will automatically be reduced because the Scheme is changing.

Instead, focus on understanding your current plan and needs.

• Keep your information up to date.

• Communicate changes in your circumstances.

• Make sure your providers understand your goals and functional support needs.

• Keep records where something significant changes.

• And most importantly, ask questions when something doesn't make sense.

Be Careful With NDIS Information Online

We love that the disability community shares information and experiences online! But one person's experience with the NDIS isn't necessarily an NDIS rule.

A Facebook post saying:

"The NDIS doesn't fund this anymore!"

or

"Everyone with this diagnosis is being removed from the Scheme!"

can spread incredibly quickly. Before panicking, check the source.

Look at the NDIA website, legislation and official government announcements - and remember to check the date the information was published.

The NDIS an every evolving ecosystem and it’s changing quickly right now, which means information that was accurate twelve months ago may no longer tell the whole story.

Change Doesn't Have to Mean Panic

There is no denying that the NDIS is entering another significant period of reform. Participants and families are entitled to ask questions about what these changes will mean in practice. There will also undoubtedly be challenges as new systems are introduced.

But right now, one of the most useful things participants can do is stay informed without becoming overwhelmed by speculation.

At Rosie Disability Services, we'll continue following the changes closely and translating the NDIS jargon into information that actually makes sense. Because understanding your NDIS plan shouldn't require a law degree and twelve open browser tabs.

Need help understanding your NDIS plan or navigating changes to the Scheme?

Rosie Disability Services provides independent Support Coordination to West Australians to help participants and families understand their plans, connect with appropriate supports and navigate the NDIS with greater confidence.

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice or individual advice regarding NDIS eligibility or funding decisions. NDIS policy and legislation can change. Always check current information from the NDIA or seek advice relevant to your individual circumstances.