The NDIS is undergoing significant changes in 2026, with new legislation, changes to plan reassessments and further reforms being introduced as the scheme evolves. For participants, this can raise important questions about how their plans are managed, how supports are funded and what they need to do when their circumstances or goals change. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 2) Act 2025 has also led to changes in how the NDIS operates, while the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track) Act 2024 introduced earlier reforms. In August 2026, the Australian Government also announced further changes through the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026. Some changes are already in effect, while others are being introduced progressively or remain subject to further implementation and consultation.

What Are the Major NDIS Changes in 2026?

The NDIS is introducing several reforms in 2026 that affect areas such as legislation, plan management, funding and access. However, these changes are not all taking effect at the same time.

The major areas include:

• Changes to NDIS legislation
• Changes to plan reassessments
• Changes to how participant plans are managed
• Reforms affecting access and eligibility
• Changes to funded supports
• Greater focus on evidence and appropriate supports
• Further changes being developed and consulted on

Not every announced NDIS reform takes effect at the same time. Some changes are already operating, while others are being phased in or are still being developed.

For the latest legislative changes, see Securing the NDIS for Future Generations

What Changed With NDIS Plan Reassessments in 2026?

Changes to NDIS plan reassessments came into effect from 27 August 2026. The changes affect how participants can request a reassessment when their circumstances change and how the NDIA manages reassessment processes.Participants can request a plan reassessment when there is a significant change in their circumstances and may need to provide evidence supporting the change. The NDIA can also initiate reassessments in certain circumstances. The exact evidence requirements are covered separately in our planned article, NDIS Plan Reassessment Changes 2026: What Evidence Do Participants Need?, so we won’t go into those details here. For the official information, see NDIS plan reassessment changes

What Is Changing About NDIS Plans and Funding?

The NDIS is progressively changing how some participant plans and budgets operate. From October 2026, some participant budgets will move to a 12-month funding period as plans are reassessed or renewed. However, the changes do not apply to every type of support. The NDIS states that employment supports and disability-related health supports are not impacted by these 12-month budget changes. For participants, this means it is important to understand how their individual plan and funding arrangements apply as changes are introduced.

Are NDIS Eligibility and Access Rules Changing?

The 2026 reforms include changes to how NDIS access and eligibility are being managed. The NDIS is also consulting on proposed changes involving:

• Functional capacity assessment
• Evidence requirements
• More consistent approaches to assessing access
• Clearer processes for determining eligibility

These are proposed changes, so they should not be presented as current requirements for every participant. The NDIS is consulting on how functional capacity and evidence may be used when determining access to the scheme, with the consultation open until 2 October 2026. For the latest information, see NDIS consultation on access and eligibility

What Does This Mean for NDIS Supports?

The 2026 reforms continue to place focus on whether NDIS supports meet the relevant funding requirements and are appropriate for the participant. For therapy supports, current NDIS guidance states that supports should:

• Be evidence-based
• Be effective and beneficial
• Be appropriate for the participant
• Meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria
• Be delivered by appropriately qualified professionals where required

This is relevant to supports such as counselling and rehabilitation or vocational counselling, which the NDIS currently identifies among examples of therapy supports.

For participants seeking this type of support, you can learn more about NDIS rehabilitation counselling

What Do the 2026 Changes Mean for Employment Supports?

The NDIS continues to recognise employment-related supports, including assessment, counselling and advice, vocational or functional assessment, identifying strengths and barriers, employment goals and workplace adjustments. The 2026 reforms do not mean that employment support has simply disappeared from the NDIS. Participants should instead consider how their employment goals and disability-related support needs fit within their individual plan and the current funding rules. You can also learn more about NDIS employment support

What Should NDIS Participants Do During the 2026 Changes?

Participants can take a few practical steps to stay prepared as NDIS reforms are introduced progressively.

1. Keep Your Goals Up to Date

Make sure your employment, independence, wellbeing or other goals accurately reflect your current circumstances.

2. Keep Relevant Evidence

If your circumstances change, keep relevant reports or supporting evidence that explains the change and your support needs.

3. Understand Your Current Plan

Know:

• Your funding periods
• Your available supports
• Your plan dates
• What happens at reassessment

4. Don’t Assume a Reform Automatically Changes Your Current Plan

Changes are being introduced progressively, so an announced reform does not necessarily mean your current plan changes immediately.

5. Get Professional Advice Where Appropriate

If your disability-related needs affect work, vocational goals or workplace participation, an appropriately qualified professional may help assess your needs and provide relevant documentation.

Where Can Participants Find the Latest NDIS Information?

Because NDIS reforms are being introduced progressively, participants should rely on official sources when checking for changes to funding, legislation or participant processes.

Useful sources include:

• Official NDIS announcements
• NDIS participant guidance
• NDIS legislation pages
• Their my NDIS contact or relevant NDIS representative

Participants should check the latest official information rather than relying on social media posts or older articles for updates about NDIS funding or legislation. For current updates, see latest NDIS news and updates

Need Help Understanding Your Employment or Vocational Support Needs?

Changes to the NDIS can make it important to understand how your disability-related needs relate to your goals and supports.

Janalli Services provides rehabilitation counselling and vocational support for participants working towards employment, workplace and vocational goals. Support is available in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available where appropriate.

Learn more about NDIS Rehabilitation Counselling

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about the NDIS changes in 2026, including plan reassessments, funding, eligibility, employment supports and therapy supports.

Need Support With Your NDIS Employment or Vocational Goals?

If you’re unsure how your disability-related needs relate to employment, workplace participation or vocational goals, professional rehabilitation counselling may help you understand your options.

Janalli Services supports NDIS participants in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available where appropriate.

Call us today on 0403-258-258
Email us at: info@janalliservices.com.au
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