The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 passed Parliament on 19 August, with the first changes beginning on 27 August. As an occupational therapist, I understand the uncertainty this brings. While most participants can continue using their current plans and supports, it is important to understand what is changing and how these reforms may affect you.
What is not changing immediately?
Most participants can continue using their current NDIS plans and supports unless the NDIA advises otherwise. In addition, changes to NDIS access arrangements will not begin until January 2028. The reforms will roll out gradually, and participants do not automatically need a new occupational therapy assessment simply because the legislation has passed.
Key dates for NDIS participants and providers:
For participants
- Only participants, plan nominees or child representatives can request an unscheduled plan reassessment.
- Requests must involve a significant and ongoing change in support needs or circumstances.
- Participants must keep relevant records for 3 years; nominees must keep records for 5 years.
For providers
- Providers can no longer request a plan reassessment on a participant’s behalf.
- Records relating to supports and payments must be retained for 7 years.
- Stronger compliance, information-gathering and enforcement powers begin.
- NDIS may issue a penalty if providers don’t comply with certain requirements.
- Computer systems will be able to be used to automate some administrative actions, including claims and payment processing.
For participants
- Support budgets for social, civic and community participation supports and capacity building daily activities will be progressively updated as participants’ plans are reassessed or renewed.
- A new variation pathway will support participants requiring continuous 24-hour care.
- Plans may be suspended where participants do not respond to NDIA information requests after appropriate contact attempts.
For providers
- Support budgets for social, civic and community participation supports and capacity building daily activities will be progressively updated as participants’ plans are reassessed or renewed
- A new plan variation pathway will be created for high support needs participants who require continuous 24-hour care
For participants
- Claims must be submitted within 90 days of receiving a support.
- Self-managed participants should keep invoices and payment records organised.
For providers
- Claims must be submitted within 90 days of delivering a support.
- Review invoicing, service agreements and billing follow-up processes before the new deadline begins.
For participants
- When a plan is due to be reassessed, it will either be reassessed by an NDIA planner or a new plan will be created with the same supports as in the old plan.
- This is called a ‘plan renewal’ and it will replace the process of ‘plan continuations’ which we do for many participants.
- Updated reasonable-and-necessary criteria start applying.
For providers
- Monitor renewal dates and ensure participants understand how service arrangements fit within renewed budgets.
- Clearly connect recommendations with functional needs and disability-related goals.
For participants
- The new way of planning begins rolling out progressively.
- The NDIA will contact participants before they move to the new planning process.
For providers
- Providers may need to adapt assessment documentation and support planning as new processes are introduced.
For participants
- Some higher-risk supports may need to be delivered by appropriately registered providers.
For providers
- Expanded mandatory registration begins for some providers delivering personal care, daily living supports and supports in closed settings.
For participants
- A trusted panel of plan management providers is expected to begin.
- Participants will be supported to transition to a provider on the panel over 6 months.
For providers
- Plan managers may need to meet new panel and transition requirements.
- The announced transition period is expected to run over six months.
For participants
- New NDIS access arrangements begin for new applicants.
- Existing participants will be reassessed progressively over three years.
- Functional capacity and the impact of disability on everyday life will be important considerations.
For providers
- Where clinically appropriate, providers can assist with evidence describing a participant’s everyday function and support needs.
For participants
- A new commissioned support coordination and connection model is expected to begin.
For providers
- Support coordination providers may need to transition to a new commissioned service model.
Some reforms are still being designed or consulted on. Implementation dates and operational details may change as further guidance becomes available.
What will happen next for participants and providers?
What could these changes mean for participants?
My greatest concern is what these changes could mean for people who rely on disability supports. I recognise that this may represent a worst-case scenario, and I hope this will not happen. But for example, occupational therapy and other disability-related supports can help people shower safely, prepare meals, maintain their homes and participate in their communities. However, funding cuts or restricted access could reduce participants’ independence. As a result, some people may experience greater isolation, declining personal or domestic hygiene, and worsening physical or mental health.
I am also concerned about participants with less visible impairments. Although they may appear independent, many still rely on disability supports to maintain their safety, health and everyday participation.
What could these changes mean for providers?
I am also concerned about the impact on providers like us. Reduced funding could mean fewer referrals, less allied health work and staffing cuts. Consequently, some smaller providers may struggle to remain open, which could further limit participants’ access to experienced professionals and essential services.
That’s why, I encourage providers to prepare early, review their financial sustainability and consider responsibly diversifying into areas such as Support at Home, TAC and private services. This may help them continue supporting their communities while reducing their reliance on NDIS funding.
What can participants and providers do now?
For participants:
- Keep relevant support and payment records.
- Respond to NDIA correspondence.
- Monitor reassessment and renewal dates.
- Discuss significant changes in support needs with their support team.
- Seek advice before paying for additional reports.
For providers:
- Review record-keeping procedures.
- Prepare for the 90-day claiming timeframe.
- Monitor changes affecting registration and plan management.
- Review participant service arrangements when plans change.
- Consider appropriate diversification into Support at Home, TAC and private services.
Preparing for the future of the NDIS
As an occupational therapist and provider, I understand the uncertainty these reforms create for participants and businesses alike. A sustainable NDIS matters, but it should never come at the expense of someone’s safety, independence or essential supports. As these changes unfold, we must protect both the people who rely on the Scheme and the providers working hard to support them.
Thank you for reading! Explore our latest blogs for more updates and insights below. If you or someone you support needs occupational therapy services, contact Cas Health! Our team is here to help!
Reference:
- https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11650-new-ndis-laws-pass
- https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-laws/securing-ndis-future-generations
- https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis/new-way-planning
- New way of planning | NDIS
Below, we outline the key dates and changes that NDIS participants and providers need to know. This information comes directly from the official NDIS resources, which you can also download here:
- Download the official NDIS changes for providers guide (PDF).
- Download the official NDIS changes for participants guide (PDF)
Read more:
Written or clinically reviewed by Daniel Castrucci, Occupational Therapist at Cas Health.
Uploaded and edited by: Edward Ervin Barbon, Cas Health Support
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