NDIS plan changes are occurring from 1 October 2026.
New NDIS rules allow funding to be reduced in two support areas. These changes apply to current NDIS plans under the old planning system. A support may still appear in the written plan, but the amount available to spend could be lower.
What funding is being reduced?
- 50% reduction to Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation (SECP) funding.
- 10% reduction to Improved Daily Living Skills (IDL) funding.
When will the changes start?
- From 1 October 2026: the reductions apply when a plan is new or reassessed.
- From 1 February 2027: the reductions also apply when a plan is renewed.
- By October 2027: the government expects all relevant plans to be affected.
What does this mean for your plan?
The support category may still be written in your plan, but there may be less money available to use. How much this affects you will depend on your budget, the supports you use and your individual circumstances.
What supports are not affected?
- Personal care, nursing and medication support
- Disability-related health and high-intensity support
- Intensive and complex behaviour support
- Employment support
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Mobility equipment and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Customised and wearable technology
- Hearing services
Can you appeal the reduction?
You cannot appeal the percentage reduction itself. However, you may still ask the NDIA to change your plan if your disability-related support needs have changed significantly and your current plan no longer meets those needs.
You may be able to request a plan reassessment or plan variation if there has been a significant and ongoing change in:
- what you can do in everyday life or the help you need;
- where or how you live;
- your work or education; or
- the support available from family, friends or other unpaid carers.
Extra pathway for some people with very high support needs
A special plan variation pathway is available for some people who need 24-hour NDIS-funded support and had more than $215,030 in relevant funding before the reduction. It may add funding for areas such as daily living or home and living supports, but it cannot replace funding lost from SECP or IDL. The rules are strict, so some people with high needs may not qualify, especially where family members provide much of the support or funded support is provided at a lower ratio.
How might this affect your family?
The changes apply to current plans under the old planning system. People moving to the new NDIS planning system from 2027 may be affected differently. The impact will vary from person to person, but families who regularly use community participation supports may notice a significant reduction in the support they can purchase.
What should families do?
- Check whether the plan is new, reassessed or renewed, and note the date the changes apply.
- Check the amount that is actually available to spend, not only what is listed in the written plan.
- Think about whether there has been a significant and ongoing change in the person’s needs or circumstances.
- Gather recent evidence that clearly explains the change and the extra support needed.
- Get advice (either LAC or Support Coordinator) before requesting a reassessment or variation so you can discus with your OT about the pathway that best fits your situation.