Last updated 2 October 2026. This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Dates can change as rules are finalised, so confirm with the NDIA.
New NDIS laws are being phased in over the next two years, which can feel overwhelming. This NDIS changes checklist for 2026 puts the key dates in one place and tells you, in plain language, what to do and when. The good news: for most participants, you do not need to do anything differently right now. You can keep using your current plan and supports as usual.
Key NDIS change dates, August 2026 to January 2028. Source: People with Disability Australia.
First changes start: tighter rules for unscheduled reassessment requests, new record keeping requirements, and stronger NDIA powers to investigate fraud and ask for information.
1 October 2026
Some budgets begin to be reduced progressively, when a participant gets a new plan or has a plan reassessed. The NDIA can also suspend a plan if a participant does not respond to requests for information.
1 December 2026
Claims must be made within 90 days of the support being delivered.
1 February 2027
Plan renewals begin.
1 April 2027
New framework planning begins, using a support needs assessment.
1 July 2027
Mandatory provider registration expands for some higher-risk supports.
1 October 2027
A panel of plan management providers is planned.
1 January 2028
A new access process begins for people applying to the NDIS.
Your NDIS changes checklist 2026: what to do now
Keep your records. Participants and plan managers need to keep records of NDIS support payments for 3 years. Nominees need to keep them for 5 years, and providers for 7 years. The detailed rules about which records are still being finalised, so keep invoices, receipts and service agreements in one place.
Keep your contact details up to date. The NDIA can suspend a plan if a participant does not respond adequately to requests for information after reasonable attempts to contact them. If you are contacted, you can ask why, what process is happening and what could change.
Know when your plan is due. Ask your support coordinator or planner when your plan will be reassessed or renewed, because that is when budget changes apply.
Gather evidence of your support needs. Reports from your doctors, therapists and support team help show what you need.
Before 1 December 2026: the 90-day claims rule
From 1 December 2026, participants and plan managers will need to make claims within 90 days of the support being delivered. This matters most for self-managed participants, plan managers and providers.
Submit claims as soon as invoices arrive, rather than saving them up.
If you self-manage, set a reminder to check for unpaid invoices every month.
If you use a plan manager, ask how they will handle the 90-day deadline.
If your plan is reassessed or renewed
Ask what is happening. Ask the NDIA to explain whether it is a reassessment, a renewal or a variation, and what could change.
Understand the budget change. From 1 October 2026, budget allocations for social, civic and community participation supports are reduced by 50 per cent, and capacity building daily activities by 10 per cent, as plans are reassessed or renewed. This does not mean you will spend exactly that much less, and some supports are protected. Read about the details on our community access funding rates page.
Check the 24-hour support pathway. If you need continuous 24-hour disability support and a change leaves you without enough funding, you can ask the NDIA to vary your plan. You can apply within 90 days after the support determination applies to you.
From 1 February 2027, a renewed plan has the same level of supports as before, adjusted for current prices. Money left over does not carry over, so plan your spending through the year.
If you disagree with a decision
You may be able to ask for a decision to be reviewed, including decisions about the supports in your plan, changing your plan, or refusing a reassessment. For most reviewable decisions, you need to ask for an internal review within 3 months of receiving the decision in writing.
You can continue using your current plan and supports as usual.
The NDIA has said it will let participants know before changes that affect them are introduced.
People applying to the NDIS can continue to apply under the current access process until 1 January 2028.
New framework planning will move participants across gradually between 1 April 2027 and 31 December 2030. Read more in our guide to the support needs assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Will my NDIS plan change on 1 October 2026?
Not automatically. Budget changes apply when you receive a new plan or your plan is reassessed, and from 1 February 2027 when it is renewed. The Government says the transition will take about 12 months.
How long do I need to keep NDIS records?
Participants and plan managers need to keep records of NDIS support payments for 3 years, nominees for 5 years and providers for 7 years. The detailed rules are still being finalised.
What is the 90-day claims rule?
From 1 December 2026, claims need to be made within 90 days of the support being delivered.
Who can ask for an unscheduled reassessment?
Only a participant, their plan nominee or a child representative. There generally needs to be a significant and ongoing change in your circumstances or support needs.
