The NDIS is undergoing significant reform in 2026, with the Australian Government proposing changes designed to improve the scheme’s long-term sustainability, strengthen safeguards and provide clearer rules around eligibility, funding and payments.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 was introduced to Parliament on 14 May 2026. The Bill proposes changes to the NDIS Act, including measures addressing fraud, eligibility, funding, planning and provider oversight.
However, an important point for participants and families is that not every proposed change is in effect yet. The NDIS has confirmed that current eligibility and planning arrangements remain in place until the relevant legislation passes and the changes commence. Participants should continue using their existing plans and approved disability-related supports under the current rules.
Here is what the proposed reforms could mean and when key changes are currently scheduled to begin.
1. The 90-Day NDIS Claiming Rule
One of the most important proposed changes for participants and plan managers is the reduction in the timeframe for making claims.
Currently, the claiming period can extend much longer. Under the proposed changes, from 1 December 2026, participants or their plan managers will generally need to submit claims within 90 days of the service being delivered.
What should participants do?
You can prepare by:
- Keeping invoices and receipts organised.
- Checking that providers send invoices promptly.
- Submitting claims regularly instead of allowing them to accumulate.
- Keeping digital copies of important payment records.
- Speaking with your plan manager if you are unsure about the claiming process.
The change is intended to improve payment integrity and reduce the risk of claims being submitted long after a support was delivered.
2. New Record-Keeping Requirements
The proposed reforms also introduce clearer requirements for keeping evidence relating to NDIS payments.
Under the proposed arrangements, participants and their plan managers would need to retain records relating to NDIS support payments for three years.
Providers would have a separate obligation to retain records relating to the payment and receipt of NDIS funds for seven years.
This means participants should develop a simple record-keeping system before the new requirements commence.
A simple way to organise your records
You could create folders for:
- Provider invoices
- Receipts and payment confirmations
- Service agreements
- NDIS claims
- Relevant correspondence
- Other documents supporting payments
Keeping these records electronically can make it easier to find information if you need to respond to an NDIS request.
3. Changes to Unscheduled Plan Reassessments
The proposed legislation would introduce clearer requirements around when a participant can request an unscheduled plan reassessment.
The proposed criteria include situations where there has been an unanticipated, significant and ongoing change affecting areas such as a participant’s living arrangements, education, employment or informal supports.
The NDIA would have up to 90 days to decide whether to vary or reassess a plan under the proposed arrangements.
There would also be provisions allowing plan variations where a participant has experienced fraud or is experiencing a crisis or emergency situation.
These changes are proposed to commence seven days after Royal Assent of the Bill, rather than being an existing rule today.
What does this mean for participants?
If your circumstances change significantly, keep relevant evidence and contact the NDIA or your appropriate support professional to understand which process applies to your situation.
Do not assume that every change in circumstances will automatically result in additional funding.
4. Changes to Unspent NDIS Plan Funds
Another important proposed change concerns what happens when a plan reaches its reassessment date.
From 1 February 2027, the proposed arrangements would mean that when a plan reaches its reassessment date, a renewed plan would be created and unspent funds from the previous plan would not roll over into the new plan.
The Government states that the renewed plan would be based on the level for which the participant was assessed, with adjustments for current prices.
This makes it particularly important for participants and their support teams to understand:
- What supports are included in their current plan.
- How their funding is being used.
- When their plan reaches its reassessment date.
- Whether supports are being delivered in line with their goals and approved funding.
5. New Framework Planning From April 2027
The NDIS is also preparing to introduce a new framework for planning.
The new approach is intended to create more consistent participant budgets through a new support-needs assessment process and budget method.
The rollout was originally expected earlier but has been delayed until 1 April 2027. The NDIS says the delay provides additional time for consultation, testing and development of the new rules and processes.
This does not mean that every participant’s plan will change in exactly the same way on 1 April 2027.
The transition is expected to occur progressively, with further information provided as the framework develops.
6. Changes to NDIS Provider Enrolment
The reforms also include changes to provider oversight.
The Government says that most providers will need to enrol with the NDIA, while providers within scope will need to enrol from 1 July 2027 to receive direct payments from the NDIS.
Some businesses, such as general retailers, will not need to enrol.
The broader reform program is intended to improve oversight of providers, payments and services and help reduce fraud.
There are also proposed changes relating to registration for providers delivering higher-risk supports.
For participants, these changes are intended to provide greater visibility and accountability around who delivers NDIS-funded services.
7. What About NDIS Eligibility?
Eligibility is another major area of the proposed reforms.
The Government has said that the reforms will provide clearer eligibility requirements and introduce a new approach to assessing support needs.
However, participants should not interpret this as meaning that a completely new eligibility test is already operating in 2026.
The Government is continuing consultation, testing and implementation work around the new support-needs assessment approach.
Therefore, existing participants should continue following the current NDIS requirements unless and until they are formally advised that a new requirement applies to them.
8. What Participants Should Do Now
The proposed reforms may sound complicated, but participants do not need to make major changes simply because the Bill has been introduced.
The NDIS has stated that participants can continue using their current plans and do not need to take action immediately while the legislative process continues.
However, there are sensible steps you can take now.
Keep your records organised
Save invoices, receipts, service agreements and other relevant payment records.
Understand your current plan
Know what supports are funded, how your funding is being used and when your plan is due for reassessment.
Prepare for shorter claiming timeframes
If the proposed 90-day claiming rule commences as scheduled, developing a regular claiming routine will help avoid missed deadlines.
Follow official updates
NDIS reforms are being implemented progressively. Dates and arrangements may change as legislation, consultation and implementation work continue.
For important decisions about your individual plan, rely on information from the NDIS and other official government sources, rather than social media posts or general online commentary.
Navigating NDIS Changes With Dazzling Disability Care
Understanding NDIS reforms can be difficult, particularly when proposed changes have different commencement dates.
At Dazzling Disability Care, participants can access disability support services designed around their individual needs and goals.
Our services include support with daily activities, community participation, nursing and other disability-related supports.
If you are looking for NDIS Services Melbourne and Victoria, our team can help you understand the services available and provide support based on your individual circumstances.
Dazzling Disability Care supports participants across Victoria and the ACT.
Phone: 1800 572 233
Email: info@dazzlingdisabilitycare.com.au
Website: dazzlingdisabilitycare.com.au
VIC Office: 5 Caitlyn Drive, Harkness, VIC 3337
ACT Office: 6 Ivory Street, Crace, ACT 2911
ABN: 42 619 718 400
Important note
The information in this article is general information about proposed and scheduled NDIS reforms and is not personal legal, financial or NDIS planning advice.
The Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 remains subject to the parliamentary and legislative process, and commencement dates may change. Participants should check the latest information published by the NDIS and Australian Government before making decisions about their individual plans or funding.
