​New NDIS Laws: What Participants and Providers Need to Know

The NDIS is changing, with new laws introducing changes over the next few years. While some changes will happen soon, many will be introduced gradually. This blog explains some of the key changes for NDIS participants and providers, including changes to plan reassessments, funding, claims, planning and provider requirements. The information in this blog is based on NDIS information published in August 2026.
The new NDIS laws will gradually change how the NDIS operates. Changes will affect how people join the NDIS, how plans are created, how funding is used and how providers deliver supports. However, participants do not need to do anything differently right now and can continue using the supports in their NDIS plan as before. The NDIS has stated that most changes will happen slowly over the next few years, and participants will be given more information when changes may affect them.

When will the new NDIS changes happen?

The changes will be introduced at different times rather than all at once.
Some changes will begin 7 days after the new laws are signed. From this point, only participants, plan nominees or child representatives will be able to ask for a plan reassessment. Plans will generally only be reassessed when a participant’s support needs or circumstances have changed in a significant and ongoing way.
Further changes are scheduled throughout October 2026, December 2026, February 2027, April 2027 and January 2028, with additional provider changes continuing through 2027 and 2028.

What will change for NDIS participants?

There are several important changes for participants to be aware of.
Participants will need to keep records of their supports and payments for 3 years, while nominees will need to keep records for 5 years.
From October 2026, support budgets for social, civic and community participation supports and capacity building daily activities will be progressively updated as participants’ plans are reassessed or renewed. A new plan variation pathway will also be created for participants with high support needs who require continuous 24-hour care.
From December 2026, claims must be submitted within 90 days of receiving an NDIS support.
From February 2027, plan renewals will begin. A plan renewal is a new way to create a new NDIS plan that is the same as the old plan.
The new way of making NDIS plans will begin to be introduced from April 2027, and changes to access for new applicants will begin from January 2028, with existing participants reassessed over three years.

What will change for NDIS providers?

The new laws will also introduce changes for providers.
From 7 days after the laws are signed, providers will no longer be able to request a plan reassessment on behalf of a participant. Providers will also need to keep records of supports and payments for 7 years. There will be stronger compliance, enforcement and information-gathering powers to address fraud and non-compliance.
From December 2026, providers will need to submit claims within 90 days of delivering a support. From April 2027, the new way of planning will begin to be introduced.
From July 2027, mandatory registration requirements will expand for some providers, including providers who deliver personal care and daily living supports and supports provided in closed settings.
A new commissioned support co-ordination and connection function is also planned for July 2028.

What are plan renewals?

Plan renewals are a new way of creating a new NDIS plan that is the same as the participant’s old plan. Plan renewals will start from February 2027.
When a plan is due to be reassessed, it will either be reassessed by an NDIA planner or a new plan will be created with the same supports as the old plan. This new process is called a plan renewal and will replace the process of plan continuations used for many participants.

What does this mean for people receiving NDIS support?

The changes will happen gradually, so participants will not experience all of the changes at once. The NDIS has stated that it will continue providing information as changes are introduced and will let participants know when they need to start using the new planning process.
Keeping up to date with information from the NDIS can help participants understand when changes may affect their plans, funding or supports.

How Can Seachange Home Care Help?

Seachange Home Care supports people living with disability to access the supports they need through their NDIS plans. As the NDIS changes over the coming years, staying informed about changes to plans, funding and support arrangements will remain important.
Our team can help you understand your current supports and work through your support needs. If you have questions about how changes to the NDIS may affect your individual circumstances, it is important to seek information from the NDIS or your relevant NDIS representative.