26 August 2026
The NDIS Bill is now law, what happens next?
You might have heard that the NDIS Bill is now law. What does this mean?
The NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 has now passed the Senate. This means that the changes in the Bill will happen, but they will not happen all at once.
Some changes may affect you and your family, and others may not.
We know this is an uncertain and difficult time for many people with Down syndrome and their families.
Down Syndrome Australia and your local state or territory association are here to answer your questions about the legislation and support you as best we can.
Also if you NDIS plan has been changed and it does not meet your needs, individual advocates can help support you.
Let’s look at what’s changing.
From late August 2026
There will be stricter rules for asking for an unscheduled plan reassessment.
This means you will only be able to request a reassessment if your support needs have changed in a significant and ongoing way. You must be a participant, nominee or guardian to do it.
There will also be changes to how long you are required to keep records, like invoices. Participants will need to keep records for 3 years. Nominees will need to keep records for 5 years.
From 1 October 2026
Budgets for some supports will be reduced as plans are renewed or reassessed.
This includes a reduction in social, civic and community participation (Core funding) and capacity building daily activities. This will happen to every participant who has funding in these categories.
This shouldn’t apply to participants who have high or 24/7 support needs. We are waiting for more information on how this will work.
The new Thriving Kids program will also begin. It is being run by the States and Territories.
From 1 February 2027
Changes to plan rollovers begin for all participants. This will happen as plans are reassessed or renewed. One major change is that plan funding that you have not spent from the previous plan will not be carried over.
Tighter assessment of reasonable and necessary support begins. This will be applied to current participants as plans are reassessed or renewed.
From 1 April 2027
Participants start to transition to new framework planning. This is the new way that NDIS participant plans will be created. This includes the new support needs assessment to develop your plan.
You can find more information on NDIS framework planning here.
From 1 January 2028
Access changes begin for new applicants. Existing participants will be reassessed over 3 years. This includes an assessment of permanence and whether an impairment can be alleviated or treated.
For more information
You can find more information on changes that will be happening on the Australian Government webpage here:
Securing the NDIS for future generations timeline
You can read about the NDIS Bill in Easy Read here:
Information about the NDIS Bill in Easy Read
DSA will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and explain what the changes mean for people with Down syndrome and their families.