The NDIS is introducing new planning, reassessment, and funding frameworks as part of the reforms. Future plans are expected to place increased focus on demonstrating the connection between funded supports, participant goals and functional needs.
We know that many participants are concerned about how upcoming reassessments and planning changes may affect their funding.
Budgets for social, economic, and community participation supports are being reduced by 50%, and budgets for improved daily living supports (previously called capacity building daily activities) are being reduced by 10%. The changes apply to new plans and reassessments from 1 October 2026, and to all other participants when their plan is reviewed from 1 February 2027.
Critical supports are exempt from these reductions. This includes nursing care and other critical supports at home, employment supports and disability-related health supports.
Being prepared for reviews and reassessments is increasingly important. Here’s how you can be prepared:
This doesn’t mean participants will automatically lose funding. However, it does mean being prepared for plan reviews and reassessments is becoming increasingly important.
1. Keep records of your progress
One of the strongest ways to support your funding is to keep evidence showing how your supports are helping you achieve your goals.
Examples include:
- Progress notes from therapists
- Reports from behaviour support practitioners
- Functional assessments
- Employment or education achievements
- Community participation outcomes
- Improvements in daily living skills
The more evidence you can provide, the easier it is to demonstrate why your supports remain necessary.
2. Prepare early for plan reviews
Many people wait until their review meeting is approaching before gathering information. Instead, try to start preparing several months in advance by collecting:
- Recent assessments
- Therapist reports
- Support worker observations
- Goal progress updates
- Any changes to your circumstances
This helps ensure your review reflects your current needs rather than providing only a snapshot of your situation.
3. Make sure assessments reflect your true needs
Sometimes participants unintentionally understate the support they require. When attending assessments or planning meetings:
- Be honest about challenges
- Discuss what happens on your most difficult days
- Explain risks if supports are reduced
- Highlight support needs across all areas of life
Your plan should reflect your actual support requirements, not what you can manage in ideal circumstances.
4. Seek professional advice when needed
Navigating NDIS changes can be complex. Advice from experienced professionals such as:
Navigating NDIS changes can be complex. Advice from experienced professionals such as:
- Support coordinators
- Behaviour support practitioners
- Allied health professionals; and/or
- Plan managers
can help you better understand what evidence may be required and how to prepare for reviews.
5. Choose providers who understand the NDIS reforms.
The NDIS landscape is changing rapidly, so working with providers who stay informed about reforms can help ensure you understand upcoming changes, keep appropriate documentation, prepare for reviews, and can access the right supports at the right time.
At New Horizons, we work alongside participants and families to help them navigate NDIS changes with confidence. Our teams can support you with behaviour support plans, specialist disability supports, capacity building services, goal planning, housing, and preparing for reviews.
