NDIS changes in 2026 and 2027: what participants need to know

Checked against official sources on 12 October 2026

The NDIS is going through its biggest changes since it started. Here's what is changing, when, and what you can do now to be ready.

Already in effect

1 July 2026: Supported Independent Living and platform providers must be registered.
August 2026: Unscheduled plan reassessments are limited to significant and ongoing changes in support needs. Participants must keep records for 3 years and nominees for 5 years.
1 October 2026: Budgets for social, civic and community participation and Capacity Building daily activities begin to be reset as plans are renewed or reassessed. The Thriving Kids program begins a phased rollout.

Coming in 2027

1 February 2027: Unspent funds from a previous plan will no longer carry over when plans are renewed or reassessed. Tighter assessment of reasonable and necessary supports begins for new participants.
1 April 2027: Participants start moving to new framework planning, which includes a new support needs assessment. All participants are expected to be on new framework plans by 31 December 2030.
1 July 2027: Expanded provider registration and a new provider enrolment system begin.

Coming in 2028

1 January 2028: Access changes start for new applicants, and existing participants will be reassessed over three years. Thriving Kids access changes apply to new applicants aged 0 to 8.
1 July 2028: A new model of support coordination begins.

What you can do now

Use your funding within your current plan, as unspent funds won't carry over to new plans from February 2027
Keep invoices and records for at least 3 years
Keep reports from your therapists and health professionals up to date, ready for reassessments and needs assessments
Track your spending against each funding period
Check ndis.gov.au regularly, as dates can change

Common questions

When does NDIS new framework planning start?

Participants begin moving to new framework planning from 1 April 2027, with everyone expected to transition by 31 December 2030.

Will unspent NDIS funding still roll over?

From 1 February 2027, unspent funds from a previous plan will no longer carry over when plans are renewed or reassessed.

Will existing participants have to reapply for the NDIS?

From 1 January 2028, existing participants will be reassessed over three years under the new access rules.

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Sources

This guide is general information, not advice. NDIS rules change often, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 before making decisions about your plan. Wevlo is not an NDIS-registered provider and is not part of the NDIA.