NDIS Changes in 2026: What Participants and Families Need to Know
NDIS changes in 2026 include several important updates that participants, families, carers and providers should be aware of.
From changes to plan reassessments and funding periods to clearer rules around what NDIS funding can be used for, understanding the changes can help participants make more informed decisions about their supports.
Here are some of the key NDIS changes and rules to know in 2026.
1. Clearer Rules About What NDIS Funding Can Be Used For
One of the most important changes to the NDIS is the clearer definition of an NDIS support. NDIS funding can only be used for supports that meet the NDIS support rules, relate to the participant's disability and are consistent with their plan. The NDIS now provides specific lists explaining what is considered an NDIS support and what is not. There are currently 37 categories of goods and services that can fall within NDIS supports and 15 categories of goods and services that are not NDIS supports. Some examples of things NDIS funding generally cannot be used for include ordinary day-to-day living costs, illegal goods or services, alcohol and other items specifically excluded under the rules. Check whether a support is eligible before using NDIS funding to purchase it.
2. Replacement Supports May Be Possible in Certain Circumstances
In certain circumstances, a participant may ask the NDIA to replace an existing NDIS support with an item that would not normally be considered an NDIS support. These are known as replacement supports. They must come from the approved replacement support list and generally replace an existing NDIS support in the participant's plan, provide the same or better outcome, cost the same or less than the support it replaces, and meet the applicable NDIS requirements. Examples can include certain standard household items, smartphones, tablets, smart watches and accessibility or communication applications. Participants need to apply and receive approval before purchasing a replacement support with NDIS funding. A replacement support is not additional funding. It replaces another support already funded in the participant's plan.
3. Plan Reassessment Rules Changed in August 2026
From 27 August 2026, only the participant, the participant's nominee, or a child representative can request a plan reassessment. A request must use the correct form and explain what has changed and why the participant believes their plan needs to be reassessed. Evidence may also be required, including information from a GP or another relevant health professional depending on the circumstances. Once the NDIA has the information it needs, it will decide within the applicable timeframe. Keeping appropriate evidence about significant changes in circumstances is increasingly important.
4. NDIS Plans Can Include Funding Periods
A funding period determines how much of a participant's funding is available during a particular period of their plan. Portions of funding may become available at different times to help funding last for the full length of a plan. Unused funding from one funding period can generally move into the next funding period within the same plan. Participants should understand both their total plan budget and when different amounts become available, particularly when organising regular supports and planning support hours across a longer period.
5. A New Way of NDIS Planning Is Coming
The NDIA is developing a new way of planning, including support needs assessments. These are intended to provide a more consistent way of gathering information about a participant's support needs and helping determine their NDIS budget. The approach is intended to reduce some of the burden associated with obtaining multiple reports simply to demonstrate support needs. However, it is being introduced gradually. As of September 2026, the NDIA is testing the new planning approach with participants ahead of rollout beginning from April 2027. Not every proposed future reform already applies to a current plan.
6. Changes to Supported Independent Living
Changes for Supported Independent Living (SIL) began from 1 July 2026. For SIL supports delivered from that date, a new registration group and claiming arrangements apply. The relevant registration group is 0138 – Assistance with Supported Independent Living. This separates SIL more clearly from the broader registration group previously used for assistance with daily tasks in shared living arrangements. The change affects how SIL providers register and claim. Participants may not notice major changes to everyday support solely because of these claiming arrangements, but providers and plan managers need to ensure they follow the correct arrangements.
7. NDIS Pricing and Support Catalogue Updates
The 2026–27 NDIS Support Catalogue contains current support items and information used when providers request payment. It includes support categories, registration groups, maximum prices where applicable, claim types, provider travel, non-face-to-face supports, cancellations and irregular SIL supports. The amount available in an NDIS plan does not automatically mean any service or item can be purchased. The support still needs to meet relevant NDIS rules and the participant's individual funding arrangements.
8. Having Funding Does Not Automatically Mean Every Support Can Be Claimed
Seeing available money within an NDIS budget does not necessarily mean it can be spent on any item or service a participant chooses. Generally, the support must qualify as an NDIS support, relate to the participant's disability, be consistent with the participant's plan and funding, and comply with applicable NDIS rules. Two participants with similar budgets may legitimately use funding in different ways because NDIS funding is individualised and considered in the context of each participant's disability-related needs and plan.
9. Participants Should Check Before Spending When They Are Unsure
Participants should avoid relying solely on old information, social media posts or what may have been allowed under a previous plan. If you are unsure whether something can be purchased using NDIS funding, check before spending. You can speak with your my NDIS contact, plan manager or another appropriate professional and refer to current information published by the NDIA. This is especially important for unusual purchases or situations where it is unclear whether something is an NDIS support.
What Do These Changes Mean for Participants?
The NDIS is moving toward clearer definitions of what can be funded, different ways of managing budgets over the life of a plan and a new approach to assessing support needs. Staying informed is increasingly important. Regularly check your available funding; understand funding periods in your plan; keep relevant evidence when circumstances or support needs change; review invoices and service agreements; ask questions when you do not understand a charge; check whether something is an NDIS support before purchasing it; obtain approval before purchasing a replacement support; and rely on current official NDIS information when rules change.
Staying Informed as the NDIS Changes
NDIS reform is ongoing, and some processes may continue to change throughout 2026, 2027 and beyond. Not every announced reform applies immediately to every participant. Some changes are already in effect, while others are being tested or introduced gradually. Pay attention to the effective date of a change and check how it applies to the participant's individual circumstances.
At Dream Beyond Support Services, we believe that understanding the NDIS helps participants and families make more informed choices about their supports.
Dream Beyond Support Services
We Empower You to Dream Beyond
0424 461 571
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the NDIS and is current as of September 2026. NDIS rules, operational guidelines, pricing arrangements and individual plans can change. This information is not legal, financial or individual NDIS advice. Participants should check current information published by the NDIA or speak with their relevant NDIS contact regarding their individual circumstances.
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