NDIS changes 2026–2028: a plain-English timeline for participants and families

Short answer: The NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 became law on 20 August 2026. Over the next two years it changes who can ask for a reassessment, how some budgets are set, how claims and plan renewals work, which providers must be registered, and — from January 2028 — how people get into the NDIS. Here's what's happening and when.

Key points

• Some changes already apply: only you can ask for an early reassessment, and the Minister now sets price limits.
• From 1 October 2026: support determinations, a 24-hour support pathway and Thriving Kids.
• From 1 February 2027: plan renewals, and unspent funds stop carrying over.
• From January 2028: a new access assessment for new applicants.

Already in place

• Early reassessments: only the participant, their nominee or child representative can ask for one. The NDIA has 90 days to decide; if it doesn't, the request is treated as refused. Plan variations are still available. See how to change your NDIS plan.
• Pricing: the Minister now sets price limits. The NDIS Pricing Determination 2026 took effect on 24 September 2026. See NDIS price limits 2026-27.
• Record keeping: the record-keeping period for participants is 3 years.
• SIL registration: new SIL providers must be registered from 1 July 2026, and existing unregistered SIL providers had until 1 October 2026 to apply.

From 1 October 2026

• Support determinations: at reassessment, budgets for social and community participation and daily-living capacity building will be reduced, phased over 12 months.
• 24-hour support: a 90-day plan variation pathway for people who need 24-hour support.
• Plan suspension: a plan can be suspended if the NDIA can't contact a participant after at least 5 attempts over 3–4 months. Keep your contact details up to date.
• Thriving Kids: access begins for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. The program will be fully operating by 1 January 2028. All states and territories except Queensland had agreed to take part by late September 2026.

From December 2026

• Claims within 90 days: claims for supports must be made within 90 days. If you self-manage, claim promptly.
• SCHADS Award changes take effect from 1 December 2026, and the NDIS has said the pricing schedule will be updated later this year.

2027

• 1 January 2027 (proposed): differentiated pricing — lower price limits for unregistered providers of some social, community and civic participation supports. Still under consultation.
• 1 February 2027: plan renewals replace plan continuations, and unspent funds no longer carry over. New reasonable and necessary criteria apply, including consideration of parental responsibilities.
• 1 April 2027: new framework planning begins (delayed from mid-2026). It uses a support needs assessment (I-CAN version 6), plans with stated items plus a flexible budget, and longer plans.
• 1 July 2027: mandatory registration expands to more higher-risk supports, including some personal care, daily living and closed-setting supports.
• October 2027: a trusted panel of plan managers begins, with a 6-month transition.

2028

• 1 January 2028: a new access assessment for new applicants, using a standardised functional capacity assessment. Existing participants will be reassessed over 3 years. Changes to access for children also start, subject to legislation.
• July 2028: a new commissioned support coordination and connection function begins.

What you can do now

1. Keep your contact details current with the NDIA so your plan isn't suspended.
2. Use your funding within each funding period, especially before 1 February 2027.
3. Check your providers' registration, particularly for personal care and daily living before July 2027.
4. Keep records of your supports, invoices and how things are going — useful at any reassessment.
5. Get help: a support coordinator, local area coordinator or disability advocate can help you prepare.

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