New NDIS Laws in 2026: What Has Changed and What Hasn’t?
The NDIS is going through a period of significant change.
New laws have been introduced to help secure the NDIS for the future, with changes being introduced progressively rather than all at once.
Some changes are already in effect. Others will begin over the coming months and years.
If you, a family member or someone you support is an NDIS participant, it is understandable to wonder:
What does this mean for me?
The good news is that not everything changes immediately. The NDIS currently says participants can continue using their plans and supports as usual while the reforms are introduced, and the NDIS will provide information if a change affects them.
Want to understand the bigger NDIS changes?
The NDIS has published a video explaining what the new NDIS laws mean and how the changes are being introduced.
Official video explaining What do the new NDIS laws mean
This video provides a broad overview of the reforms. The information below focuses on the changes most relevant to participants and their supports.
Why are the NDIS laws changing?
The Australian Government has introduced changes intended to strengthen the NDIS for the future, including changes relating to access, planning, funding, providers, payments and safeguards.
The changes build on earlier NDIS reforms and are being introduced in stages.
Importantly, the NDIS has said that participants should continue to use their plans and supports as usual unless they are told that a change affects them.
What has changed already?
Some changes are already in effect.
Changes to plan reassessments
From 27 August 2026, changes were introduced to how participants can request a plan reassessment before their scheduled reassessment date.
Only the participant, their nominee or their child representative can request this type of reassessment.
A request needs to explain what has changed and why a reassessment is needed. Evidence may also be required.
The NDIA will generally have 90 days to decide whether to reassess the plan, not reassess it or vary the plan.
Participants can still request plan variations for urgent, minor or short-term changes.
What changes are coming next?
The NDIS reforms will continue to be introduced progressively.
From October 2026
Changes to support determinations will begin to affect some social, civic and community participation supports and capacity-building daily activities as participants' plans are reassessed or renewed.
The NDIS says participants will not see these funding changes until their plan is reassessed or renewed, and changes will not be backdated.
There will also be a new plan variation pathway for participants with high support needs who require continuous 24-hour disability-related care. This is intended to help ensure essential supports can continue where required.
From December 2026
New claiming timeframes will begin. Claims will need to be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered.
From February 2027
A new plan renewal process will begin replacing the current use of plan continuations for many participants.
From April 2027
The NDIS will begin introducing a new way of planning.
From July 2027
Mandatory registration requirements will expand to some additional providers, including providers delivering personal care and daily living supports and some supports delivered in closed settings.
From October 2027
A trusted panel of plan management providers is expected to be established, with participants supported to transition to a provider on the panel.
From January 2028
Changes to NDIS access arrangements will begin for new applicants, with existing participants being reassessed progressively over three years.
The NDIS has also said that further reforms will continue to be developed and consulted on.
What hasn't changed?
It is just as important to understand what hasn't changed.
The introduction of the new laws does not mean that every participant's plan or funding changes immediately.
It does not mean that everyone needs to change providers.
It does not mean that you automatically need to make changes to your current supports.
And it does not mean that every reform starts on the same date.
The NDIS currently says:
You should continue using your plan and supports as usual.
The NDIS will tell you if a change affects you.
Does this mean my NDIS funding will change?
Not automatically.
Some of the reforms will change how certain supports are funded or planned, but these changes are being introduced progressively.
For example, the NDIS has said that changes to some support budgets from October 2026 will occur when plans are reassessed or renewed. They are not being backdated.
Your individual circumstances still matter, and your plan and supports can change for reasons that are specific to you.
This is why it is important not to assume that a general announcement about NDIS reform automatically means your own funding has changed.
What should you do now?
For most participants, there is no need to panic or make changes simply because you have heard about the new laws.
Instead:
Keep using your current plan and supports as usual unless the NDIS tells you otherwise.
Keep information about your supports and payments organised, and ask questions if you receive information that you do not understand.
You can speak with your NDIS contact, Support Coordinator, plan manager, provider, nominee or another person who helps you understand your supports.
You can also check the NDIS website for the latest information.
What does this mean if you receive SIL?
Supported Independent Living is one area where changes have already been introduced from 1 July 2026.
These include new registration requirements for SIL providers, a new SIL claiming framework and new SIL-specific Practice Standards.
At More Than Support
We know that NDIS changes can feel complicated, especially when different reforms start at different times.
Our goal is to share clear, plain-English information with our participants and community so you can better understand what is changing and what it means for your supports.
The most important thing to remember is that the NDIS is changing progressively — not everything changes at once.
Important note
This article provides general information only and is not personal NDIS, legal or financial advice.
NDIS laws, rules and guidance may change as the reforms continue to be introduced. For the most current information about your individual circumstances, refer to the NDIS or speak with your NDIS contact, Support Coordinator, plan manager or another appropriate support person.
Last reviewed: September 2026