NDIS 2026 changes: what participants need to know
The biggest set of changes since the scheme began. They arrive in stages.
Dates
What is changing, and when.
Your plan
The parts of a plan in plain words.
Reassessment
What a review conversation is.
General information only. Not the NDIA, not a diagnosis, and not a funding decision. Rules change — check ndis.gov.au before you act.
The headline: a new way of planning
From mid-2026 the NDIS begins a new planning framework. A trained assessor has a structured conversation about daily life.
The tool is I-CAN v6. It is not the same as WHODAS 2.0.
The rollout is phased through to 2030.
The timeline, as currently described
| When | What changes |
|---|---|
| From mid-2026 | New planning framework begins, phased. |
| 1 October 2026 | Some categories adjusted at reassessment. Core daily supports described as protected. |
| 1 December 2026 | Claims described as within 90 days. |
| 1 February 2027 | Plan renewal. Unused funds do not carry over. |
| 1 April 2027 | Support-needs assessments begin determining budgets. |
| 1 January 2028 | New applicants face a standardised functional capacity assessment. |
What to do now
- Know your next review date.
- Keep a running record of supports and hard days.
- Practise the functional questions.
- Bring a support person.
Prepare with the Reassessment Prep Pack →
Common questions
What tool will the NDIS use?
I-CAN v6, alongside a questionnaire about your situation.
Will my plan change immediately in 2026?
Not necessarily. Keep using your current plan until a letter says otherwise.
Can I still ask for a review?
Yes. Internal and external review rights remain.
Related: Dated May 2026 summary · I-CAN v6 · How to prepare