Providers are already navigating a changing NDIS. With new reforms proposed, staying on top of what’s ahead is more important than ever.
There are no immediate changes and the proposed reforms still need to pass parliament before becoming law. But with timelines now emerging, it’s a good time to understand what may be ahead for providers.
NDIS reforms: Provider timeline.
All proposed reforms must pass parliament before they become law. If a new bill is passed, changes to the NDIS are expected to roll out from July 2026.
Some of the proposed changes will impact providers directly. Other changes that impact participants may also affect provider demand and service delivery.
2026.
Systems and payments.
Starting in July 2026, the NDIS will begin a project to improve claims and payments systems that will roll out over 5 years. This includes:
- All providers must enrol in a digital payments system
- Increased scrutiny on claims and a higher level of evidence required for payments to be approved.
For providers, this signals a move toward tighter compliance and more structured claims processes. Plan managers are also expected to play a greater role in reviewing claims and supporting compliance.
Mandatory registration for SIL and platform providers.
The NDIS will require mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and platform providers. A transition period will apply for existing providers. This was previously announced and remains on track.
2027.
Provider registration.
Increased registration requirements will apply to all providers to improve quality and oversight across the scheme, starting 1 July 2027. This includes:
- All providers must supply basic identifying information
- Mandatory registration for providers delivering personal care, daily living supports and supports in closed settings
- Higher registration obligations for higher-risk or more complex supports.
2028.
Support coordination.
From 1 July 2028, a new support coordination function will be introduced. Participants will be given a panel of providers to choose from, though there is limited detail available on what this will mean in practice.
What participant changes could mean for providers.
The NDIS plans to implement several changes that will tighten eligibility requirements and reduce participant spending. This will likely have a knock-on effect for providers due to:
- Fewer participants
- Modest budgets
- Stronger boundaries that guide how funding is spent.
Most changes will roll out to new people entering the scheme and then to existing participants. Below are some dates to be aware of.
2026.
Unscheduled plan reassessments will be limited.
7 days after the legislation is passed, participants will only be able to request a plan reassessment if they experience a significant change in support needs. Most participants won’t be able to request additional funding mid-plan, which will impact how providers handle outstanding invoices.
Budget adjustments.
Starting 1 October 2026, most plans will have reduced budgets for Social, Civic and Community Participation and Capacity Building Daily Activities. Supports for critical care and daily living needs will not be affected.
Plan funding rollovers will end.
Unspent funds will not carry over from one plan to another. The NDIS has not confirmed the timeline for this rollout.
2027.
Reasonable and necessary.
From 1 February 2027, the NDIS is expected to tighten how it assesses ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports. The proposed changes aim to make this more consistent by using standardised criteria across new plans, reassessments and renewals.
NDIS new way of planning.
The delayed ‘new way of planning’ is now expected to begin rolling out from 1 April 2027. This will introduce a new way to assess support needs and set budgets, with a gradual transition for existing participants.
Plan management.
From 1 October 2027, the NDIS will introduce a list of approved plan managers that participants can choose to sign up with.
2028.
Boundaries with mainstream systems.
From 1 January 2028, clearer boundaries will be established between the NDIS and mainstream services such as public hospitals, schools, Centrelink, police and housing services. This could lead to:
- Fewer new participants entering the scheme
- Adjustments to existing plans at plan reassessments.
NDIS new way of planning.
The delayed ‘new way of planning’ is now expected to begin rolling out from 1 April 2027. This will introduce a new way to assess support needs and set budgets, with a gradual transition for existing participants.
What providers can do now.
While there are no immediate changes to the NDIS, there are practical steps you can take now to prepare:
- Review your invoicing and documentation processes. With increased scrutiny on claims, accurate and consistent record-keeping will become even more important to ensure timely payments. You can review current best practice in our guide Getting NDIS Record Keeping Right.
- Make a plan to adapt to future changes. Consider whether your organisation will need to make any changes to meet future requirements for registration, certification, and compliance. Determine what steps you can take now to future-proof your organisation for the NDIS reforms.
- Work with clients to plan for the year ahead. Strict guidelines for unscheduled plan reassessment are expected to be implemented soon after the NDIS reforms are passed. Participants will not be able to request additional funds (unless there are exceptional circumstances), so their budget will need to cover the cost of necessary supports for their remaining plan period.
We’re here to help.
We understand that change can bring uncertainty. At Leap in! we pride ourselves on keeping our Members, providers and the disability community up to date on what is happening in the NDIS.
We’ll continue to share updates as more information becomes available to make sure you know what’s ahead.
