Several important NDIS changes are rolling out through 2026, and if you are a participant, family member or carer, you may be wondering what they mean for your plan. This plain-language guide walks through the key NDIS changes in 2026, the dates that matter, and simple steps you can take to stay prepared.
Please read the note at the end: this is general information only, and the best guidance for your situation comes from your support coordinator, plan manager or the NDIS directly.
What is the “Securing the NDIS for Future Generations” Act?
Most of these changes come from one piece of law. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 passed Parliament on 19 August 2026 and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026. It updates parts of the NDIS covering who can access the Scheme, how plans are managed, how funding is used, and how records are kept.
The changes are being introduced in stages, so different dates apply to different parts. Here is what to know.
The key dates at a glance
- 27 August 2026: new record-keeping rules began.
- 1 October 2026: some support budgets begin to change, progressively, as plans are reassessed or renewed.
- 1 December 2026: claims for supports must be submitted within 90 days of delivery.
- 1 July 2027: provider registration requirements expand.
- 1 January 2028: the approach to NDIS eligibility changes for new applicants.
1 October 2026: changes to some support budgets
From 1 October 2026, budgets for social, civic and community participation supports, and for capacity building daily activity supports, begin to change so spending levels sit, on average, closer to 2023 levels.
In broad terms, allocations for social, civic and community participation supports are being reduced by around 50 per cent on average, and capacity building daily activity allocations by around 10 per cent. It is worth understanding two things about this:
- The change happens progressively over about a 12-month period, and applies when your plan is reassessed or a new plan is approved on or after 1 October 2026. It does not change every plan overnight.
- A lower allocation does not automatically mean you lose that much spending. If you were not using your full allocation, your actual day-to-day supports may be affected less than the headline figure suggests.
If you rely on community participation or capacity building supports, this is the change most worth discussing with your support coordinator before your next reassessment.
27 August 2026: new record-keeping rules
Since 27 August 2026, there are clearer rules about keeping records of NDIS support payments. Participants and plan managers need to keep these records for 3 years. Plan nominees need to keep them for 5 years, and providers for 7 years.
The records need to be good enough to show that a claim was correct and that the support was actually provided. Keeping simple, tidy records of your invoices and receipts is a good habit to start now.
1 December 2026: the 90-day claim window
From 1 December 2026, supports must be claimed within 90 days of being delivered. This is a shorter window than the previous two years.
For most participants, the practical takeaway is simple: check that your plan manager or providers are claiming promptly, so nothing is missed. Supports delivered from that date and not claimed within 90 days may not be able to be claimed later.
Looking ahead: 2027 and 2028
Two further changes are worth knowing about early, so there are no surprises.
- From 1 July 2027: provider registration requirements expand, with stronger obligations for higher-risk or more complex supports. This is about lifting safety and quality standards across the Scheme.
- From 1 January 2028: the way people access the NDIS changes for new applicants. Access will focus on the impact of a significant and permanent impairment on everyday functioning, rather than diagnosis lists alone. Current participants will be reassessed over a transition period rather than all at once.
What these changes mean for psychosocial disability
For people living with a psychosocial disability, steady and well-planned support matters through any period of change. NDIA data has shown that funding for psychosocial disability has grown faster than the Scheme as a whole in recent years, reflecting wider recognition that mental health conditions can be significantly disabling.
The practical message is to stay informed and prepared, especially around reassessment time, so your plan continues to reflect your goals and support needs. Consistent, recovery-focused support can help you keep building routines, skills and community connection through the transition.
What you can do now
- Note when your next plan reassessment is due, and prepare for it early.
- Keep tidy records of your invoices and receipts from now on.
- Check that your providers or plan manager are claiming supports promptly.
- Talk with your support coordinator about how the October budget changes may affect your community participation and capacity building supports.
- For anything specific to your plan, contact the NDIS or check the official links below.
How Astute Living Care can help
At Astute Living Care, we support NDIS participants, including people living with psychosocial disability, through experienced mental health support workers and psychosocial recovery coaches. If you would like to talk through your supports during this period of change, our team is always happy to have a no-pressure conversation. Contact Astute Living Care or make a referral.
Important note
This article is general information only and is current as of its publish date. NDIS changes are being introduced in stages and details may be updated over time. It is not advice about your individual plan. For guidance specific to your situation, please speak with your support coordinator, plan manager, or the NDIS, or visit the official links below.
References and further reading
- NDIS, Securing the NDIS for future generations: ndis.gov.au
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, About the changes to the NDIS: health.gov.au
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Securing the NDIS for future generations timeline: health.gov.au timeline
