NDIS "Reset" Announced: What this Means for You

Big changes to the NDIS have been announced by The Health Minister, The Hon. Mark Butler MP, outlined in a recent National Press Club address.

This is being described as the biggest “reset” of the NDIS since it began.

The government says the changes are aimed at making the scheme more sustainable into the future.

Right now, your current plan will not change. You do not need to do anything yet.

While these changes are being presented by the government as a way to strengthen the NDIS long term, people in the disability community have raised concerns about how they may affect participants and families.

This article is designed to help explain what has been announced so far in simple terms.

Why is the NDIS Changing?

The NDIS supports hundreds of thousands of Australians. But it is growing very quickly, almost doubling in size in six years.

If nothing changes, the cost is expected to reach around $70 billion by 2030. The government wants to slow this growth and keep the scheme strong long term.

To do this, the government has introduced a plan built on four key areas:

• Reducing fraud and misuse of funding
• Slowing cost growth
• Making eligibility clearer
• Improving the quality of supports

The government says these changes are intended to protect the NDIS for future generations.

How Your NDIS Funding May Change

Some NDIS funding areas are expected to change progressively from October 2026.

• Social and community participation funding may reduce over time
• Average funding may decrease from $31,000 to $26,000 per plan

This is because spending in this area has increased very quickly in recent years.

The government has said these changes are not intended to affect supports related to a participant’s critical care and daily living needs.

What this means for you

You may need to think more carefully about how you use your funding. Planning ahead will become more important.

Changes to Support Coordination and Plan Management

Funding for support coordination and plan management may reduce by around 30% over this time.

This is part of a broader effort to control overall costs and make plans more consistent.

What this means for you

• You may have fewer funded hours for coordination
• There could be a need for you to take an active role in managing your supports
• Clear communication with your support team will be important

NDIS Access will Focus on Functional Capacity

One of the biggest changes is how people access the NDIS.

• Access Lists will be removed (these are lists that link certain diagnoses to NDIS access)
• Eligibility will be based on functional capacity instead of diagnosis

Functional capacity means how your disability affects your everyday life.

These changes are still being developed and will be introduced gradually.

In the future, it may become harder to access the NDIS, with more people supported through other disability services instead.

What this means for you

Assessments will focus more on your daily support needs, not just your diagnosis.

New “Foundational Supports” Outside the NDIS

Some people may receive support outside the NDIS in the future.

These are called foundational supports and may include services through schools, health systems or community programs.

This is designed to support people who may not meet NDIS access requirements but still need help in their daily lives.

Changes to Plan Reviews and Reassessments

There will be changes to how often plans can be reviewed.

• Unscheduled reassessments will be limited
• They will only happen in exceptional circumstances

This is designed to reduce frequent plan changes and create more stability. 
 
Plan reviews may also involve more detailed questions and stronger evidence requirements.

What this means for you

Your plan may stay the same for longer periods unless your situation changes significantly.

No More Plan Rollovers

Another major change is how unused funding is handled.

• Unspent funds will not carry over into your next plan

This encourages funding to be used within the plan period.

What this means for you

You will need to track your spending more closely and make sure supports are used during your plan.

New Digital Payment System and Provider Changes

The NDIS is introducing stronger systems for payments and service providers.

• All providers will need to use a digital payment system
• More providers may need to be registered
• New systems aim to reduce fraud and improve transparency

Providers may also need to show more evidence when making claims, which means closer monitoring of how funding is used.

There might also be fewer providers to choose from, with stricter rules in place.

What this means for you

Payments may become easier to track, and services can become more consistent and reliable.

When Will These Changes Happen?

Not all changes will happen straight away.

• Some updates depend on new laws being passed by Parliament
• Changes will be introduced step by step

Most changes are expected to roll out gradually between 2026 and 2028.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme will let participants know before any changes affect them. 

Do You Need to Do Anything Now?

No. You should continue using your current NDIS plan as normal.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme will let you know if anything changes for you.

What this means for you, at a glance

• Funding may be tighter
• Plans may be more structured
• You may need stronger evidence at reviews
• It may become harder to access the NDIS
• More supports may be offered outside the NDIS

What this Means Overall

The government says these changes are intended to protect the NDIS for future generations.

However, they may also mean:

• Tighter budgets
• More structured planning
• Greater focus on how funding is used

If you feel unsure, it can help to speak with your support team.

How Endeavour Foundation is Supporting Participants

Endeavour Foundation understands that changes to the NDIS can create uncertainty for people with disability, families and carers.

We will continue to advocate for an NDIS that supports people with disability to live safe, meaningful and inclusive lives.

As more information and consultations are announced, we will continue sharing updates to help people understand the changes and have their voices heard.

Need Help Understanding These Changes?

Our Intake Team is here to listen, guide and support you. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options clearly and help you feel confident about your next steps.

We can support you to:

Understand your plan

Learn what your funding includes and how it may support your goals and everyday needs.

Prepare for future changes

Understand how upcoming NDIS updates may affect your supports and planning.

Find the right services

Connect with supports that suit your needs, preferences and lifestyle.

Explore your options with confidence

Get clear information and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your supports.

When you feel informed and supported, it becomes easier to plan ahead with confidence.