NDIS CHANGES EFFECTIVE TODAY

Changes commencing 27 August 2026

Dear Support Coordinators, Recovery coaches and Plan Managers,The Australian Parliament has passed legislation that will support the progressive implementation of NDIS reforms over the coming years.Most participants will not experience immediate change. Current plans and supports remain in place unless participants are advised otherwise. Participants will receive information and support about any changes that may affect them.As trusted participant-facing roles, support coordinators and plan managers play an important part in helping participants understand changes and access accurate information.

Changes to plan reassessments

From 27 August 2026, only a participant, plan nominee or child representative can request an unscheduled plan reassessment. If anyone else submits a request, we will not be able to make a decision.Under the new laws a participant cannot give consent to someone else to ask for a plan reassessment on their behalf.Support coordinators and other providers may assist a participant to prepare a request, or to contact the National Contact Centre (NCC) for assistance with requesting a plan reassessment, but they can no longer submit a reassessment request on a participant's behalf.Where participants choose to request a reassessment, support coordinators can assist them to clearly explain their changed circumstances and how these changes affect their disability support needs.An unscheduled reassessment should only be requested where there has been a significant and ongoing change to a participant's:

• functional capacity

• living arrangements

• education or employment circumstances

• informal support arrangements.

Short-term or urgent issues may still be managed through a plan variation where appropriate. The Plan variation form is available on the NDIS website. Participants who need assistance can contact the NCC for support to fill in the form.To support participants, please ensure you understand the difference between a plan variation and a plan reassessment by reviewing the updated information on our website:

• What is a plan variation

• What is a plan reassessment

• Guide to changing your plan

The NDIA will have up to 90 days to decide whether to undertake a reassessment.

If there was a reassessment request submitted prior to the commencement of the new legislation, we will contact the participant to let them know what happens next with their application.

Other legislative changes

The new legislation also introduces stronger integrity and accountability measures, including:

• new record-keeping requirements

• stronger powers to request information when required under legislation

• stronger consequences for false, misleading or deceptive conduct.

Plan managers should continue to maintain robust claim assurance practices, including retaining evidence, documenting decisions and supporting appropriate use of NDIS funding.

We recognise there are additional reforms relevant to support coordination and plan management that will be progressively rolled out. We will continue to keep participants and providers informed of these changes as implementation approaches.

For the latest information and implementation timelines, visit:

Securing the NDIS for future generations