Important update from the Australian Government about the future of NDIS planning.
A new approach, called new framework planning, will gradually roll out from mid 2026. Initially, only a small number of participants will move to the new system, with changes introduced progressively over several years. Many people won’t notice any immediate difference, and current NDIS plans will remain in place until each participant transitions.
This reform follows recommendations from the NDIS Review and reflects feedback from people with disability, families and carers who asked for a planning process that is fairer, clearer and easier to use.
What’s Changing?
The new framework introduces a support needs assessment — a guided conversation with a trained assessor to better understand a participant’s disability-related support needs. Importantly, NDIS plans will continue to be approved by trained staff at the National Disability Insurance Agency, not automated systems.
The goal is to create:
- More time for meaningful conversations about goals and needs
- Clearer and more consistent decisions
- Simpler plans with flexible budgets
- Ongoing rights to request reviews, including through the Administrative Review Tribunal
Children under 18 will not be included in the initial rollout.
Have Your Say
Public consultation on the new NDIS Rules is open until 6 March 2026 through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Participants can also join workshops via the New Framework Planning Pool on NDIS Engage.
At Support Foundation, we are committed to keeping our participants informed and supported every step of the way. If you have questions about how these changes may affect you, our team is here to help.