What the Latest NDIS Changes Mean for You
The Federal Government recently announced a significant package of reforms to the NDIS. Some of these changes will begin rolling out as early as July 2026, while others won’t take effect for a few years. There’s a lot of information out there and we know it can feel overwhelming.
We’ve put together this simple guide to help break down what’s actually changing, when it’s happening, and what it means for participants, families and the people who support them. As always, our team is here if you’d like to talk through how any of this might affect you.
What’s Changing For NDIS?
The government’s plan, called Securing the NDIS for Future Generations, focuses on four main areas: how people access the scheme, how support budgets are set, how providers are managed, and how fraud is prevented.
Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Community Participation Budgets Are Being Reduced
This is one of the biggest changes and it’s the one most likely to be felt soonest.
From 1 October 2026, budgets for social, civic and community participation supports will begin to be progressively adjusted. According to the Australian Government, the average participant spend in this category is expected to come down from around $31,000 to $26,000 over the next two years.
This covers things like community outings, group programs, social activities and supported participation. The government has said this will not affect supports essential to critical care and daily living needs.
To help offset this, a new $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund is being created to support community organisations in building genuine participation opportunities outside of the NDIS.
What this means for Songbird participants
If you or someone you support currently uses NDIS funding for community access or day programs, your budget in this area may be adjusted when your plan is next reviewed after October 2026. It’s worth having a conversation with your support coordinator about how to make the most of your current funding.
Eligibility Is Changing
The government is moving away from using medical diagnoses alone to determine who can access the NDIS. Instead, future eligibility will be based on functional capacity, which means how a person’s disability affects their everyday life, not just what their diagnosis is.
A new standardised assessment tool called the I-CAN Support Needs Assessment will be introduced to provide consistent, evidence-based assessments of a person’s functional capacity. The current diagnosis lists used for NDIS access will eventually be removed.
New eligibility criteria are expected to apply to prospective participants from 1 January 2028, with current participants reassessed over a transition period. A Technical Advisory Group will be assembled to work through the details with the disability community.
What this means for Songbird participants
If you’re already on the NDIS, your current plan continues as normal. These eligibility changes are being introduced gradually and current participants will be transitioned over time, not overnight. If you’re supporting someone who is thinking about applying, it’s a good idea to start gathering evidence about how their disability affects their day to day life, as this will become more important under the new framework.
Plan Reassessments Are Being Restricted
Currently, about one in five NDIS plans are reassessed each year, often resulting in a 20% increase in plan value. Under the new rules, unscheduled plan reassessments will be restricted to exceptional circumstances only. This change takes effect within 7 days of the new legislation receiving Royal Assent.
Unspent plan funds will also no longer roll over to the next plan period.
What this means for Songbird participants
If you’ve been relying on mid-plan reviews to adjust your funding, this option will become much harder to access. It’s more important than ever to make sure your plan accurately reflects your needs from the start. Your support coordinator can help with this.
Provider Registration Is Expanding
More providers will be required to register with the NDIS, particularly those delivering personal care, daily living supports, and SIL. Mandatory registration for SIL and platform providers begins 1 July 2026. Expanded registration requirements will roll out through to the end of 2030.
The government is also moving to a commissioned model for support coordination and plan management. This means participants will choose from a government-vetted list of providers rather than the open market. New plan management arrangements begin from 1 October 2027, with support coordination changes from 1 July 2028.
What this means for Songbird participants
Songbird is a registered NDIS provider and has been since day one. These registration changes won’t affect your access to Songbird’s services. If anything, the move toward greater registration requirements reinforces the importance of choosing a registered, quality provider.
When Is This All Happening?
Not everything is changing at once. Here’s a simplified timeline of the key dates:
May 2026: New legislation introduced to parliament after the 2026-27 Budget.
1 July 2026: Mandatory registration for SIL and platform providers begins. Consultation on home and living supports starts.
1 October 2026: Community participation and capacity building budgets begin to be adjusted.
1 February 2027: Tighter assessment of reasonable and necessary supports begins for new entrants and plan renewals.
1 April 2027: New planning framework begins rolling out.
1 October 2027: New plan management commissioning begins.
1 January 2028: New eligibility criteria apply to prospective participants.
1 July 2028: New support coordination function begins.
What Should You Do Now?
There’s no need to panic. Most of these changes are being introduced gradually and the government has committed to consulting with the disability community along the way. But there are a few practical steps you can take now:
- Review your current plan.Make sure it accurately reflects your needs, especially around community participation and capacity building.If adjustments are needed, talk to your support coordinator sooner rather than later.
- Keep records.Ifyou’re applying for the NDIS or preparing for a plan review, start documenting how your disability affects your everyday life. Functional evidence will become more important under the new assessment process.
- Stay connected to your provider.A good provider will help you navigate these changes and make the most of your funding. At Songbird,we’re here to support you through every step.
- Don’t believe everything you read online.There’sa lot of speculation around these changes. Stick to official sources and talk to your support team if you’re unsure about anything.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you know or support has questions about how these changes might affect you, our team is always happy to have a conversation. No pressure, just honest guidance from people who care.
You can reach us on (02) 4048 4220 or get in touch online.
Helpful Resources
Songbird resources:
- What is the NDIS?
- Understanding NDIS Funding
- Your NDIS Journey
- Community Access and In-Home Support
- Day Programs
- FAQs
Official sources: