The NDIS is introducing a new way of planning. These changes aim to make the Scheme easier to understand, more consistent, and better focused on each participant’s individual needs.
At Support Agency, we understand that changes to the NDIS can feel confusing. This guide explains what is changing and what it may mean for your plan.
The NDIS has helped many people with disability work towards their goals and access important supports.
However, feedback from participants, families, carers, providers, and the wider community showed that improvements are needed. Some people have found the system difficult to navigate, inconsistent, or time-consuming.
The NDIS Review confirmed the need for changes to:
These updates are part of that process.
Some updates are already being introduced.
The NDIS has clarified what supports can and cannot be funded. This helps make decisions more consistent and easier to understand.
New and reassessed plans now include funding periods.
These are designed to help participants:
Participants who entered the NDIS from 2025 may receive information about the impairments that meet access requirements.
This helps provide more transparency about:
Additional changes are expected to roll out over time. These include:
Support Needs Assessments are expected to be introduced from mid 2026.
They will form part of the new planning process.
Support Needs Assessments are designed to gather consistent information about a participant’s support needs.
They aim to understand:
The NDIS has stated that these assessments are being developed to be:
Feedback from the disability community highlighted that the current process can involve:
Support Needs Assessments aim to reduce this burden.
This means:
These changes are designed to improve how supports are included in NDIS plans and how decisions are made.
Therapy supports, such as music therapy, may still be included in your plan if they meet NDIS criteria such as being reasonable and necessary and aligned with your goals .
Like all supports, therapy services must:
You can take simple steps to stay prepared:
Support Agency is here to help you understand and navigate these changes.
We can assist with:
Our focus is to help you make informed decisions and access supports that are aligned with your goals.
The new way of planning is part of ongoing NDIS reforms.
These changes aim to improve consistency, reduce complexity, and support participants more effectively.
As updates continue to roll out, having the right support can make a big difference.
If you need help understanding your plan or preparing for changes, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today.
The rollout of the new planning framework has been delayed to 1 April 2027. You can read more about this update here: NDIS Update: New Planning Framework Rollout Delayed to April 2027