The NDIS is continuing to change, with new reforms being introduced to improve the long-term sustainability, oversight and delivery of the scheme.
For NDIS participants, families and disability support providers, these changes may raise questions about funding, planning, eligibility and the way some supports are delivered in the future.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 became law on 20 August 2026. Some changes have already started, while other reforms will be introduced progressively over the coming years.
Understanding the changes can help participants and their support networks prepare for future planning conversations and stay aware of developments that may affect their supports.
Why the NDIS Is Going Through Reform
The latest reforms are intended to strengthen the NDIS and ensure that it continues to provide support to people with permanent and significant disability.
The changes cover several parts of the scheme, including access, participant planning, funding, provider requirements, claims and oversight.
Importantly, the reforms are not happening all at once. Different measures have different start dates, and participants will receive information before changes affecting them are introduced.
For participants, this means it is important to look at the change that applies to their own situation rather than assuming every new rule will affect their current plan immediately.
Changes to NDIS Access From 2028
One of the longer-term changes concerns how people will access the NDIS.
From 1 January 2028, new access arrangements will place greater emphasis on a person’s functional capacity and the effect of their disability on everyday life. People with permanent and significant disability will continue to be able to access the NDIS when they meet the relevant requirements.
People already receiving NDIS support will not all be reassessed at the same time. Reassessment under the new criteria is expected to occur progressively over three years from 2028.
This means current participants do not need to immediately reapply simply because the access rules are changing.
What Is Happening With NDIS Funding?
Changes to some participant budgets begin from 1 October 2026 for new plans and plan reassessments.
The changes include adjustments to budget allocations for social, economic and community participation supports and improved daily living skills supports. The Government states that allocations for these areas will be reduced by 50% and 10% respectively.
However, a change in the budget allocation does not automatically mean that every participant will spend exactly 50% or 10% less. The actual effect will depend on how a participant’s plan is used and when their plan is renewed or reassessed.
The Government has also identified a number of supports that will not be affected by these particular budget resets, including supports delivered in the home, Specialist Disability Accommodation and several other essential support categories.
A New Way of Planning NDIS Supports
Another important reform is the move towards new framework planning.
From 1 April 2027, participants will progressively transition to a new planning approach. A support needs assessment will consider factors such as functional capacity, life stage and environmental circumstances when determining a participant’s plan budget.
The aim is to make planning more consistent and provide a clearer explanation of how a participant’s budget has been determined.
For participants and families, keeping information about everyday support needs, goals and circumstances current will remain important when preparing for future planning discussions.
What the Changes Could Mean for Disability Support
Changes to funding and planning may influence how participants organise their supports in the future.
This does not mean that participants should make immediate changes to their current support arrangements without understanding how the reforms apply to their individual plan.
Instead, participants can focus on understanding:
- What supports are currently included in their plan
- How their funding is being used
- When their plan is due for reassessment
- Whether their support needs have changed
- What information they may need for future planning
- Which providers are suitable for their individual requirements
Having a clear picture of everyday support needs can make future conversations with the NDIA and support team more straightforward.
Greater Focus on Provider Registration
The reforms also introduce changes to provider registration.
From 1 July 2027, higher-risk supports will progressively require participants to use registered providers, with the broader rollout expected to be completed by December 2030. The Government has identified areas such as personal care and daily living supports within the higher-risk category.
SIL providers are already experiencing changes to registration requirements, with mandatory registration for SIL providers beginning from 1 July 2026.
For participants, provider registration and quality requirements are an important part of maintaining confidence in the services they receive.
How the Changes Relate to Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living is an important support for people who need assistance with everyday activities while living in a home environment.
The Government is continuing work around the future design of home and living supports, including consultation about commissioning approaches for SIL participants.
For people receiving SIL, it is therefore important to keep up with official information as further details become available.
SIL support can include assistance with daily routines, personal care, household tasks, skill development and other activities depending on a participant’s approved supports and individual needs.
The focus should remain on helping each person live as independently as possible while receiving the appropriate level of assistance.
What Participants Can Do Now
While many of the reforms will be introduced gradually, there are practical steps participants and families can take.
Understand Your Current Plan
Take some time to understand what supports are currently funded and how your budget is being used.
Keep Your Support Needs Updated
If your circumstances or functional capacity change significantly and on an ongoing basis, make sure the relevant people supporting you are aware.
Stay Informed About Your Plan Review
Knowing when your plan is due for renewal or reassessment can help you prepare for future discussions.
Ask Questions
NDIS changes can be complex. Participants can ask their support coordinator, plan manager or other appropriate support person to help them understand how changes may relate to their circumstances.
Use Official Information
As reforms are introduced progressively, information may be updated. Checking official NDIS and Government resources can help you avoid relying on outdated information.
How Affinity Care WA Is Responding to the Changes
At Affinity Care WA, we understand that changes to the NDIS can affect participants, families and the organisations supporting them.
Our focus is on maintaining reliable, person-centred disability support while continuing to monitor changes across the NDIS.
We provide Supported Independent Living, Drop-in Support and community access services across Perth, with support designed around individual needs, daily routines and personal goals.
As the NDIS continues to evolve, we are committed to reviewing relevant changes and ensuring our approach continues to focus on quality, safety, dignity and participant choice.
Keeping Participant Goals at the Centre
NDIS reforms may change funding arrangements, planning processes and provider requirements, but individual goals remain an important part of disability support.
At Affinity Care WA, we aim to support participants with everyday activities while encouraging independence and confidence.
For someone living in Supported Independent Living, this may include developing household skills, participating in the community, maintaining routines, building confidence with decision-making or working towards greater independence.
The level and type of support should reflect the individual rather than taking the same approach for everyone.
Supporting Independence Through Everyday Life
Good disability support is not simply about completing tasks for someone.
Where appropriate, support can also provide opportunities for people to practise skills and become more confident in managing aspects of their daily lives.
This may involve assistance with household routines, community participation, personal care or other daily activities, depending on the participant’s needs and funded supports.
Our approach at Affinity Care WA is centred on providing respectful assistance while encouraging participants to have choice and control over their everyday lives.
What Happens Next?
The NDIS reforms will continue to be introduced over several years.
Some changes are already in place, while others have scheduled commencement dates extending into 2027, 2028 and beyond. The Government has stated that participants and providers will be given information before changes affecting them commence.
This means participants do not need to try to understand every reform at once.
Instead, it can be helpful to focus on the changes that relate to their current plan, supports and circumstances, while keeping an eye on official updates.
Affinity Care WA’s Commitment to Quality Support
At Affinity Care WA, we remain committed to providing person-centred disability support that promotes independence, dignity and inclusion.
As the NDIS develops, we will continue to review relevant changes and strengthen our practices where required.
Our goal is to provide dependable support that reflects each participant’s needs and helps them work towards their personal goals.
For people accessing SIL, Drop-in Support or community participation services in Perth, our approach remains focused on providing respectful support within a safe and supportive environment.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NDIS reforms represent an important period of change for participants and disability service providers.
Changes to access, funding, planning and provider requirements will be introduced at different times, so the impact will vary between participants.
Staying informed, understanding your current plan and seeking appropriate guidance when circumstances change can help you prepare for the next stage of the NDIS.
Affinity Care WA will continue to follow developments across the scheme while keeping our focus on what matters most — providing individualised support that helps people live with greater independence, confidence and choice.