If you’ve heard that the NDIS planning process is changing in 2026 and you’re not sure what it means for your plan, your funding, or your supports, you’re not alone. These changes have been a hot topic across the disability community, and understandably, many participants feel uncertain about what’s coming.
Here’s what you need to know upfront: the NDIS planning changes in 2026 are designed to make things better for you. The new framework aims to be fairer, simpler, and more flexible. But understanding the details now can help you feel confident and prepared when the time comes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key NDIS planning changes for 2026 in plain language—what’s actually changing, what stays the same, and how a support coordinator can help you navigate the transition smoothly.
What Is the New NDIS Planning Framework?
The Australian Government is introducing what’s called “new framework planning” from 1 July 2026. This is the biggest change to how NDIS plans are created and managed since the scheme began.
In 2024, the Australian Parliament made changes to the NDIS Act to set the direction for how the scheme would be improved. These legislative changes laid the groundwork for the new framework, and now new NDIS rules are being developed to put them into action.
So why the change? The NDIA has acknowledged that the current system needed to become fairer, more consistent, and easier for participants to understand. The NDIS Review found that to make the scheme more person-centred, we need clearer assessment processes, more transparent funding decisions, and greater flexibility in plans.
The new framework shifts the focus from assessing what you can’t do (functional limitations) to understanding what disability-related supports you actually need. It focuses on what you can do and what support you need—a strengths-based, person-centred approach.
When Does It Start?
The new rules officially commence on 1 July 2026, with a gradual transition beginning from that date. It was originally planned for September 2025, but the government listened to advice from the disability community that more time would improve delivery and minimise disruption.
Here’s the official roadmap from the Australian Government:
- September–December 2025: Disability sector engagement on new planning rules
- January–March 2026: Public consultation on the rules (open until 6 March)
- April–June 2026: Preparing participants for the changes
- 1 July 2026: Rule commencement and gradual transition begins
It will be a phased introduction over several years. The new framework is designed for adult NDIS participants (aged 18 and over). The NDIA has confirmed that children younger than 18 will not be part of these changes for now. You’ll be contacted when it’s your turn to transition—your current plan stays in place until then.
The 5 Biggest NDIS Planning Changes in 2026
Let’s break down what’s actually changing. Here are the five most important shifts you should know about.
1. New Support Needs Assessments
One of the most significant NDIS planning changes in 2026 is how your support needs will be assessed. According to the NDIA, a trained NDIA worker will meet with you to discuss your daily life, support needs, and preferences. NDIA workers must complete specific training before they can conduct these assessments.
The process follows a clear 4-step journey outlined by the Australian Government:
- Preparing for the assessment—the NDIA contacts you to provide information and help you get ready
- The support needs assessment—you meet an NDIA assessor to discuss your daily life, support needs, and preferences. The assessor submits a Support Needs Assessment report to the NDIA
- Building a plan—the NDIA uses the report to structure your plan and create your total funding amount (NDIS plan budget). You receive both the report and your plan, explaining how your budget was created
- Using a plan—you have the option of an implementation meeting, then you can use the NDIS Supports list to choose, purchase, and claim supports
Here’s what to expect during the assessment itself:
- The assessor will come to you—at a time and place that works for you
- You can bring a family member, carer, or support person with you
- You’ll have more time to explain your needs in a way that works for you
- The assessment looks at how your disability affects your life and what supports you need
- The results directly inform your plan budget, helping the NDIA make decisions the same way for all participants
The assessment is based on a tool called the I-CAN v6 (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs), developed with the University of Melbourne. It’s a strengths-based tool, meaning it focuses on identifying the supports you need rather than highlighting deficits.
As of early 2026, an initial group of 30 participants has been involved in testing these assessments, with further testing planned throughout March 2026 involving more complex scenarios. You can also sign up for workshops to help test the new way of planning.
💡 What This Means for You:
The new assessments are designed to be more thorough and fairer. Preparing by documenting your daily support needs, challenges, and goals ahead of time will help the assessor understand your situation clearly.
2. Flexible Budgets Replace Old Funding Categories
Currently, your NDIS plan funding is divided into three buckets: Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. Under the new framework, this changes to a simpler system with two types of funding:
- Flexible funding—money you can use across any NDIS-approved supports, giving you more choice and control over how you spend your budget
- Stated funding—money designated for specific supports from qualified providers (for example, specialist therapies or supported independent living)
This is a big deal. Under the current system, if you have money left in your Core budget but need more Capacity Building support, you’re often stuck. The new flexible funding approach gives you much more freedom to direct your funding where you need it most.
The funding will also be released differently depending on the type of support:
- Quarterly releases—for general ongoing supports
- Monthly releases—for accommodation and regular services
- Upfront releases—for one-off purchases like assistive technology or mobility aids
3. Longer Plan Periods
Tired of going through plan reviews every 12 months? You’re not alone. One of the most welcome NDIS planning changes in 2026 is that plans will cover longer periods.
If your needs are stable and your supports are working well, you won’t need to go through the stress of frequent reviews. This means:
- Less paperwork and fewer meetings
- More certainty about your funding
- More time to actually use your supports and focus on your goals
Of course, if your circumstances change, you can still request a reassessment or plan variation at any time. This right hasn’t changed.
4. Stronger Focus on Your Goals
The new framework puts your goals front and centre. NDIA planners are being trained to take a participant-led approach, meaning your personal objectives—whether that’s gaining independence, finding employment, or participating in community life—directly shape your plan.
Plan reviews will also focus more on whether your supports are actually helping you achieve your goals, not just whether you’ve spent your funding. This is a shift from an administrative process to a meaningful, outcomes-focused conversation.
If you have psychosocial disability, there’s even more good news. The NDIA now recognises that mental health recovery is non-linear, and reviews for participants with psychosocial disabilities will take a more individualised approach with flexible supports that reflect real recovery timelines.
5. Greater Funding Transparency
Under the new framework, you’ll have greater clarity about how your funding decisions are made. Each step in the planning process will be described in a set of rules developed between the Australian Government and State and Territory governments. This means you’ll be able to understand how plans and budgets are generated.
Importantly, you’ll receive both the Support Needs Assessment report and your NDIS plan, which will explain how your budget was created. This level of transparency is a significant improvement over the current system.
The NDIA has also already introduced several improvements that are live now, including a new definition of NDIS supports (making it clearer what funding can and can’t be used for) and funding periods to help you plan ahead and manage your budget across the full length of your plan.
What Stays the Same?
Change can feel overwhelming, so let’s be clear about what isn’t changing:
- Your rights—choice and control remain core NDIS principles. You still choose your providers, your supports, and how you live your life
- Your ability to request reviews—if your circumstances change, you can request a reassessment at any time
- Your appeal rights—you can still request an internal review or go to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if you disagree with a decision
- Support coordination—you’ll continue to choose your preferred support coordinator or recovery coach
- Plan management options—self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed options all remain
💡 What This Means for You:
The foundations of the NDIS aren’t changing. You still have choice and control. The changes are about making the process of getting your plan fairer and more flexible—not changing what the NDIS is about.
How a Support Coordinator Helps You Navigate the Changes
With any major change, having someone experienced in your corner makes all the difference. This is exactly where support coordination becomes invaluable.
A support coordinator can help you:
- Understand what’s changing—cut through the confusion and get clear, plain-language answers about what the new framework means for you specifically
- Prepare for your support needs assessment—help you document your daily support needs, gather provider reports, and feel confident going into the assessment
- Make the most of flexible budgets—once the new funding model is in place, your coordinator can help you plan how to use your flexible budget strategically to achieve your goals
- Coordinate across systems—if you’re involved with multiple services (health, housing, justice, employment), a specialist support coordinator ensures nothing falls through the cracks during the transition
- Advocate for your needs—if something doesn’t feel right about your new plan, your coordinator can help you request a review or navigate the appeals process
If you’re currently managing without a support coordinator, the upcoming changes might be a good reason to consider adding one to your plan. Not sure whether you need Level 2 or Level 3 support coordination? Read our guide on NDIS support coordination levels explained.
5 Steps to Prepare for the NDIS Planning Changes Now
You don’t have to wait until mid-2026 to start preparing. Here are five practical things you can do right now:
Step 1: Document Your Daily Support Needs
Start keeping notes on the support you need throughout a typical day and week. Think about personal care, transport, social participation, household tasks, and any areas where you need assistance. These notes will be incredibly helpful during your support needs assessment.
Step 2: Review and Update Your Goals
The new framework is heavily goals-focused. Take some time to think about what you want to achieve over the next one to three years. Is it more independence at home? Employment? Community involvement? Better managing your mental health? Having clear, specific goals will help shape a plan that truly works for you.
Step 3: Gather Your Provider Reports
Ask your current providers (therapists, doctors, support workers) for progress reports. These documents provide evidence of how your supports are helping you and what you still need. They’ll be valuable during the assessment process.
Step 4: Talk to Your Support Coordinator
If you already have a support coordinator, talk to them about the changes. They’ll be across the latest updates and can help you prepare. If you don’t have one, now might be the time to explore adding support coordination to your plan.
Step 5: Stay Informed Through Official Channels
The NDIA is running information sessions called “Understanding the NDIS: Overview of Changes for Participants, Families, and Carers.” These sessions are free and a great way to hear directly from the NDIA about what to expect. You can find upcoming sessions on the NDIS website.
Public consultation on the new planning rules is also currently open until 6 March 2026—your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape the rules. You can also email your feedback directly to NDISConsultations@health.gov.au.
Want to go a step further? You can sign up for NDIA workshops to help test the new planning process firsthand.
💡 What This Means for You:
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with one step—even just jotting down your goals and daily support needs in a notebook gives you a head start.
What About the Longer-Term Future of Support Coordination?
You may have heard talk about support coordinators being replaced by “Navigators” in the future. Here’s the reality: while the NDIS Review did propose a navigator model as a long-term idea, this is not happening any time soon.
The review specifically recommended a careful process of design and testing before any changes to support coordination take place. For now, support coordinators and recovery coaches remain a key part of the NDIS, and you’ll continue to choose your preferred provider.
At Centre of Hope, we’re staying across every development so that we can continue supporting you—no matter what the system looks like. If you want to understand the difference between support coordination and recovery coaching, our article on Psychosocial Recovery Coach vs Support Coordinator breaks it down clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 NDIS Changes
Will my current NDIS plan be affected immediately?
No. Your current plan stays in place until the NDIA lets you know it’s your turn to move to the new system. The NDIA has said they will give participants plenty of time to get ready before anything changes for them. The rollout is gradual, and many participants won’t notice changes for some time.
Do I need to do anything right now?
There’s no urgent action required, but preparing early puts you ahead. Start documenting your support needs and goals, and talk to your support coordinator about the changes.
Will I lose funding under the new system?
The new framework is designed to be fairer, not to reduce funding. The support needs assessment aims to ensure your plan accurately reflects what you need. If you feel your plan doesn’t meet your needs, you’ll still have the right to request a review.
Can I still choose my own providers?
Absolutely. Choice and control remain fundamental principles of the NDIS. You’ll continue to choose your support coordinator, therapists, and other providers.
What about children under 18?
According to the NDIA, children younger than 18 years old will not be part of these changes for now. The new framework planning initially applies to adult participants, and the government has indicated that children’s plans will be addressed separately in the future.
What if I have a psychosocial disability?
The new framework includes specific improvements for participants with psychosocial disabilities, recognising that recovery is non-linear. Reviews will be more individualised and flexible. If you’re living with a mental health condition, our psychosocial recovery coaching guide explains how specialised support can help.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Change can feel unsettling, especially when it involves something as important as your NDIS plan. But the key takeaway is this: the NDIS planning changes in 2026 are designed to give you more flexibility, more consistency, and a planning process that truly centres your needs and goals.
At Centre of Hope, we’re here to walk beside you through these changes. Whether you need help preparing for a support needs assessment, understanding what flexible budgets mean for you, or simply want someone to explain everything in plain language—that’s exactly what we do.
Your goals. Your plan. Our support.
Ready to talk about how the upcoming changes affect you? We’d love to hear from you.
📞 Call us: 0432 250 900
📧 Email: hello@centreofhope.com.au
🌐 Visit: centreofhope.com.au
📝 Referral: Send a referral online
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date based on official NDIA and Australian Government sources, NDIS policies and timelines may change. Always refer to the official NDIS website or speak with your support coordinator for guidance specific to your situation.
