What's changing
in the NDIS

If you use registered providers

Registration standards have tightened. Some providers may need to re-credential, or may exit the register entirely. Check your provider's status on the NDIS Commission register if you're unsure.

If you use unregistered providers

Plan-managed and self-managed participants can still use unregistered providers — that hasn't changed. Pressure has increased on unregistered providers to formally register, but it's not yet mandatory.

If you've experienced unsafe or poor-quality services

Reporting and enforcement powers through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission are stronger. Complaints are more likely to result in concrete action against the provider.

If you're self-managed or plan-managed

Fraud detection on invoicing has improved. Genuine claims aren't affected; unusual patterns may attract more scrutiny — keep good records of services received.

If you're currently on the NDIS

You would move to a new planning framework from 1 April 2027, with standardised needs assessments setting your budget. Existing plans continue under current rules until your next review.

If your access is based on diagnosis alone

Conditions where the same diagnosis can mean very different day-to-day impact — autism, ADHD, psychosocial disability — would be assessed against standardised functional measures, not just the diagnosis. New applications may need stronger evidence of how the condition affects daily life.

If your plan includes Community Participation funding

A 50% reduction to social, civic and community participation supports is proposed from 1 October 2026. Group programs, peer activities and community outings would be the most affected line items.

If your plan has Capacity Building daily activities

A 10% reduction to this category is proposed from 1 October 2026. Skills-development and capacity-building hours may need to be re-prioritised against your goals.

If you usually have unspent funds at plan-end

Roll-over of unspent funding is proposed to end. Funds you don't use within the plan period would no longer carry forward — making mid-plan budget tracking more important.

If you're plan-managed

A commissioned panel of plan managers is proposed. You may need to switch to a panel provider from your current plan manager. The full panel list isn't yet published.

If you have a child under 8 newly diagnosed with developmental delay or autism

From 1 October 2026, children with low-to-moderate support needs will access supports through Thriving Kids — delivered via GPs, schools and community services — rather than the NDIS Early Childhood pathway. Children with higher support needs continue through the NDIS.

If your child is currently on the NDIS Early Childhood pathway

Transition timing for existing participants isn't fully confirmed yet. Watch for communication from the NDIA about any review of needs or pathway change. Your current plan continues until that conversation happens.

If you live regionally or remotely

Rollout depends on local service capacity. Some areas may have stronger Thriving Kids services than others, especially in the first year before the program is at full scale. The Department of Health is publishing rollout maps as services come online.

If you're an early childhood therapy provider

The service delivery model is changing. Some work may move out of NDIS billing and into Thriving Kids delivery arrangements with schools, GPs or community health services. Provider engagement information is being released by the Department of Health.