A young man with Down syndrome smiling beside his caregiver outdoors, representing trust and support under the NDIS planning framework.

Why the New NDIS Planning Framework Matters for Participants

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving again — with important changes to the planning framework now scheduled to begin in mid-2026. These reforms are designed to make the scheme fairer, simpler, and more sustainable, ensuring it continues to deliver for participants today and into the future.

What’s Changing?

Originally planned for September 2025, the new planning framework has been pushed back to allow more time for smoother delivery and to reduce disruption for participants. The updates are shaped by feedback from the disability community and focus on:

  • Fairer processes: clearer rules around what supports can be funded.

  • Stronger systems: improvements to protect participants from fraud and identity theft.

  • Longer funding periods: helping participants manage their budgets with confidence.

  • Greater transparency: requiring impairment information for all participants, ensuring consistency in eligibility.

Why It Matters for Participants

For individuals and families, this new framework will:

  • Provide greater clarity on what NDIS funding can and can’t be used for.

  • Ensure supports are delivered with stronger safeguards.

  • Make it easier to plan long-term goals with funding certainty.

What You Can Do Now

Participants don’t need to change anything immediately — current plans remain valid. But it’s important to:

  1. Stay informed by following official updates from the NDIS.

  2. Work with registered providers who align with the NDIS Code of Conduct and price limits.

  3. Plan ahead so you’re ready when the new framework takes effect in mid-2026.

Our Commitment at DisabilityCo

As a registered NDIS provider since 2018, DisabilityCo is here to make these changes easy to navigate. Whether you’re looking for Supported Independent Living, in-home care, respite, or community access, we’ll continue to provide transparent, compliant, and participant-centred supports.

We’ll also share regular updates as more details are released, so you always know what the changes mean for you and your plan.

Want to read more? Visit the official NDIS update here: NDIS Planning Framework 2026