Written by the Good Company Disability Services team, disability support providers in Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. Reviewed October 2026.
The NDIS is changing faster in 2026 than at any time since it launched. Some changes are already here. Others start in 2027 and roll out over several years. This guide explains the key NDIS changes, including the NDIS changes from October 2026, who they affect, and what you can do now.
Why is the NDIS changing?
The changes follow the 2023 Independent Review of the NDIS. A new law was also passed in 2026: the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations legislation. The government’s stated goals are to make the scheme fairer, more consistent and sustainable for the long term.
For participants, that means new rules on budgets, plans, claims and pricing. For providers, it means new pricing rules and more focus on registration.
What are the biggest NDIS changes in 2026?
Here’s a quick timeline of the key dates:
- 1 July 2026: new 2026-27 price limits start, under a renamed NDIS Pricing Schedule.
- 24 September 2026: the first legal pricing determination, made by the Minister for Disability and the NDIS, takes effect.
- 1 October 2026: budget cuts to social and community participation and Improved Daily Living Skills begin for new and reassessed plans.
- 1 December 2026: price limits rise for four home-care items after the Fair Work Commission’s SCHADS decision; support worker rates such as $73.58 do not change, and the NDIA will publish an updated schedule and claiming guidance that day.
- December 2026: providers must claim within 90 days of delivering a support.
- 1 January 2027 (proposed): lower price limits for unregistered providers of community participation supports.
- April 2027: new framework planning begins for adults.
- 1 July 2028: a new commissioned support coordination service is planned to start.
NDIS changes October 2026: what happens on 1 October?
This is the change most families are asking about. From 1 October 2026:
- Social and community participation budgets are reduced by 50% (official source).
- Improved Daily Living Skills budgets are reduced by 10%; other capacity building budgets are not affected.
The cuts don’t hit everyone on the same day. They apply to plans created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, and to renewed plans from 1 February 2027. Your current plan stays as it is until then.
A smaller budget doesn’t always mean fewer supports. The real impact depends on how much of your current funding you use. For Melbourne participants, see what’s still funded after the community participation cuts.
Which supports are protected?
The reductions don’t apply to these supports:
- Nursing care and other critical supports at home
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Continence and menstrual consumables
- High intensity supports
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What if you need 24/7 care?
If you receive continuous 24/7 care and the cuts put essential supports at risk, you can apply for a plan variation. This pathway is for people with high support needs who require around-the-clock disability care.
What is new framework planning?
New framework planning is a new way of building NDIS plans. It is the biggest long-term change to the scheme.
Under the new approach, a trained assessor will have a structured conversation with you about your daily life. Family, carers or support people can join. The assessor writes a report, and that report is used to set your budget. Trained NDIS staff still approve every plan.
The NDIA will use a tool called I-CAN v6 as the base for the assessment. Some participants with complex needs may also be asked for reports from their treating professionals.
How will plans look under the new framework?
- A flexible budget: funding you can use across a wide range of NDIS supports.
- Stated supports: some funding set aside for specific purposes.
- Longer plans: plans will cover longer periods, with fewer scheduled reviews.
When does new framework planning start?
The NDIA says new framework planning will start in April 2027. Adults aged 18 and over will move across gradually through to 31 December 2030. Children under 18 are not part of the first stage.
Simulated assessments with volunteer participants are running from July to December 2026. Dates have shifted before, so check the NDIS website for updates.
What other NDIS changes should you know about?
Who can ask for a plan reassessment?
Only a participant, their plan nominee or a child’s representative can ask for a reassessment before the scheduled date. You need a significant and ongoing change in your circumstances. You can still ask for an internal review, then go to the Administrative Review Tribunal if needed.
What is the new 90-day claiming rule?
From December 2026, claims must be submitted within 90 days of a support being delivered. If you self-manage, this applies to you too. Keep on top of invoices so you don’t miss the window.
How long do you need to keep records?
New record keeping rules are coming. Participants will need to keep records for 3 years, plan nominees for 5 years and providers for 7 years.
What is happening to support coordination?
From 1 July 2028, the government plans to replace current support coordination with a new commissioned service. Consultation on the design closed in October 2026. The final model is still to be decided.
How do the NDIS changes affect pricing?
The 2026-27 price limits started on 1 July 2026. Most core support limits rose by about 4.8%. The standard weekday daytime support worker rate is now $73.58 an hour. See our full NDIS price guide 2026 for every rate.
The Minister for the NDIS is now the legal decision maker for price limits. The government is also consulting on lower limits for unregistered providers of community participation supports from 1 January 2027. That proposal is not yet final.
What should participants do now?
- Check your plan dates. Your plan’s renewal date tells you when the October 2026 cuts may affect you.
- Review how you use your budget. Look at how much funding you’ve spent and on what.
- Talk to your providers early. Ask them to help you plan supports around a smaller budget.
- Focus on weekday supports. Weekday daytime hours go much further than weekend hours.
- Gather evidence. If your needs have changed, collect reports from your treating professionals now.
- Know your review rights. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask for an internal review.
- Stay informed. Sign up for NDIS updates and attend an information session.
Related guides: NDIS funding categories explained, NDIS capacity building supports and NDIS life skills.
Frequently asked questions
Will my current NDIS plan change on 1 October 2026?
Not straight away. The cuts apply to plans created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, and to renewed plans from 1 February 2027.
Are all NDIS budgets being cut?
No. The cuts target social and community participation (50%) and Improved Daily Living Skills (10%); other capacity building budgets are not affected. Some supports, like SDA and high intensity supports, are protected.
Do the NDIS changes affect children?
Children under 18 are not part of the first stage of new framework planning. The October 2026 budget changes may still apply when a child’s plan renews.
Can I still choose my own providers?
Yes. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can still choose registered or unregistered providers.
Where can I get help with the NDIS changes?
Talk to your support coordinator, plan manager or Local Area Coordinator. You can also call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
How can I tell if the October 2026 changes will reduce my actual supports?
Compare your current budget with what you actually use. Do you have unused funding in community participation or capacity building? If so, the real effect may be smaller than the cut suggests. If you already use most of those budgets, talk to your providers early about putting essential supports first.
What evidence should I collect if my support needs have increased?
Get current reports from your treating professionals. They should explain your daily support needs, any risks, and why the support is ongoing. This matters most if you need a reassessment, an internal review or a plan variation.
Will new framework planning replace my plan in April 2027?
Not automatically. Adults will move across in stages through to 31 December 2030. Your timing depends on the rollout, and trained NDIS staff still approve every plan.
We’re here to help you through the changes
At Good Company, we can help you work out how many hours your new budget covers and which supports matter most.
New to the scheme? Read our guide to the NDIS meaning. Or get in touch for a no-pressure chat.
