NDIS Reform Hub

The NDIS is changing. New legislation, planning processes and funding rules are being introduced over the coming years, and many participants are unsure about what these changes mean for them. 

At New Horizons, we’re committed to helping you understand what is changing, what actions you need to take, and how to get the support you need to thrive.

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Latest update

The NDIS is undergoing its biggest reform since the Scheme began. Our NDIS Reform Hub brings together the latest updates, practical guides, expert advice and resources to help you stay informed and prepared.  

What you need to know:

From 1 October, the Australian Government began rolling out an allocation reset targeting two specific support categories:

  • Social, economic and community participation allocations are being reduced by 50 percent.
  • Improved daily living skills allocations are being reduced by 10 percent.

What matters most right now is knowing where you stand: 

  • Your existing plan remains completely active. Changes only apply when your plan is next reassessed or renewed over the coming 12 months.
  • Critical daily supports are protected. Core funding like supported independent living (SIL), specialist disability accommodation (SDA), personal care and 24-hour support models are exempt from these reductions.
  • Strong evidence still counts. Gathering detailed functional reports ahead of your review remains the best way to protect the supports you rely on.

Read our articles below to learn more about the changes being rolled out, or submit an enquiry via our website to learn more.

Articles
Why trust New Horizons?

For over 55 years, New Horizons has been supporting people with disability, mental health challenges and complex support needs to live independently and achieve their goals.

As a registered provider, we’ve supported thousands of Australians through major changes in the disability sector, and we’re committed to continuing that support as the NDIS evolves.

Our commitment:

  • Person-centred supports
  • Experienced behaviour support practitioners
  • NDIS expertise
  • Trusted community services
  • A focus on long-term outcomes, not short-term fixes
NDIS Reform timeline: key dates

Use this timeline to understand what’s changing.

1 October 2026: community participation budgets begin to change

Participant budgets for social, community participation and capacity-building supports will gradually be reset as plans are renewed or reassessed. The phased rollout of the Thriving Kids program also begins.

1 February 2027: plan rollover changes and new assessment criteria

New plans will be created during reassessment and unspent funds will no longer automatically carry over into future plans. New assessment criteria will also begin for new entrants and will progressively be introduced for existing participants during reassessment.

1 April 2027: transition to the new planning framework

Participants will begin transitioning to the new NDIS planning framework as they move through reassessment cycles.

1 July 2027: mandatory registration for higher-risk providers begins

The rollout of mandatory registration starts for higher-risk providers, such as providers delivering personal care. All providers in scope must be registered by December 2030.

1 January 2028: changes to NDIS eligibility begin

Changes to NDIS eligibility will commence for new participants. Existing participants will be reassessed against the new criteria progressively over the following three years. The Thriving Kids model will become fully operational nationally, and children under eight with developmental delay or low-to-moderate support needs associated with autism may access support through Thriving Kids pathways rather than the NDIS.
Our favourite resources

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Official information for participants, families and providers.

ndis.gov.au

NDIA Engage

Consultations and opportunities to provide feedback on future reforms.

engage.ndis.gov.au

Australian Parliament NDIS Bill

Track legislation, bills and parliamentary updates.

aph.gov.au

Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Government information about disability reform and future initiatives.

health.gov.au

Team DSC

Independent analysis of NDIS news and policy changes.

https://teamdsc.com.au
Have questions?

We’re here to help.

The NDIS is becoming more complex, but you don’t have to navigate the changes alone. Our team can help connect you with the right information and services.

Call us: 1300 726 372
Email: Click here

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