The first NDIS reforms landed on 1 October
The first changes from the NDIS reforms started on 1 October 2026, according to the National Disability Insurance Agency. Support budgets for some supports are now being reduced, and the agency can suspend plans when participants do not respond.
The agency says budgets for social, economic and community participation supports, and for improved daily living skills, will be reduced over a 12-month period. The reductions apply from 1 October 2026 when a plan is reassessed or a new plan is approved, and from 1 February 2027 when a plan is renewed.
Help with eating and drinking, education supports, employment supports and disability related health supports are not affected.
Since 1 October, the agency can also suspend a plan if a participant does not respond to information requests. That only happens after reasonable attempts to make contact, which the page defines as at least five attempts over three to four months using the preferred contact method. Attempts can also go to a nominee or authorised representative.
What is already in place
Two parts of the NDIS reforms already apply. Only participants, plan nominees or child representatives can now ask for a reassessment before the scheduled date, and the request must involve a significant and ongoing change. The agency has 90 days to decide.
The Minister can now set maximum amounts for supports, but the agency says there are no immediate changes to NDIS pricing.
What is still to come
The rest of the NDIS reforms roll out in stages.
- December 2026: claims must be submitted within 90 days of delivering a support.
- February 2027: plan renewals replace plan continuations, and unspent funds are not carried over.
- April 2027: the new way of planning begins.
- July 2027: expanded mandatory registration for some providers.
- October 2027: a trusted panel of plan management providers is set up.
- January 2028: access changes start for new applicants.
- July 2028: a new support co-ordination function begins.
Other parts of the NDIS reforms, including record keeping rules, stronger compliance powers, civil penalties and more automated administration are listed as coming soon, without dates.
If you are on the NDIS right now
Despite the NDIS reforms, the agency says: “Right now, you can continue using your plan and supports as usual.” It says it will tell people if a change affects them, and that it is important to keep records, because participants may need to repay funding they cannot show was used correctly.
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General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: National Disability Insurance Agency, Securing the NDIS for future generations (page current as of 1 October 2026).
