The NDIS Reform Bill Just Passed: 10 Things Families Need to Know

The NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 has passed both Houses of the Australian Parliament. For participants and families, this is an important development, but it does not mean every change begins immediately.

The reforms will be introduced in stages, with major changes to access, assessments and planning occurring from 2027 and 2028 onwards. In the meantime, families may understandably have questions about their current plan, therapy supports and what they should do next.

This guide explains the NDIS reform update in straightforward language and highlights practical steps that may help you prepare.

Important: This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or individual NDIS advice. The Bill’s commencement depends on Royal Assent and official implementation notices. Always check the latest information from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and the NDIS.

1. Parliament has passed the Bill, but changes will be phased in

Parliament passed the Bill on 19 August 2026. Passing Parliament is a significant step, but individual provisions still need to commence according to the Government’s implementation schedule.

This means there is no need to assume that your NDIS plan, funding or eligibility changes overnight. Different reforms will begin at different times, and some will take several years to apply across the Scheme.

The Government’s official information about the legislation is available through its NDIS legislation changes page.

2. Existing plans should remain relatively stable in the short term

One aim of the reforms is to improve NDIS plan stability by making unscheduled plan reassessments harder to trigger.

Tighter criteria for unscheduled reassessments are expected to commence shortly after Royal Assent. Sector guidance indicates that requests may become more limited, with the participant, plan nominee or guardian generally needing to request an unscheduled reassessment.

This may reduce unexpected changes during a plan period. However, it is still important to monitor your plan, understand your budgets and speak up if your circumstances or support needs change.

A more stable plan does not necessarily mean that every existing support category is protected indefinitely. The Bill allows for future “support determinations” that may affect some supports in older-style plans. Any impact will depend on the relevant determination, your plan and the official rules that apply.

3. Funding will move towards a more needs-based approach

A major reform is the move towards needs-based funding.

Under the future planning framework, budgets are intended to reflect factors such as:

• Functional capacity
• Life stage
• Home and community environment
• Informal supports
• The participant’s individual support needs

This is intended to create a more consistent approach to planning. At the same time, families may need to provide clearer evidence about how supports relate to everyday function, safety, participation and personal goals.

A diagnosis alone may not explain the full picture. Practical information about what a person can do independently, where they need assistance and what happens without support may become increasingly important.

4. Access assessments and support needs assessments are different

It is useful to understand the difference between two future assessment processes.

An access or eligibility assessment will determine whether a person meets the requirements to enter the NDIS. From 1 January 2028, new applicants are expected to be assessed using a standardised, evidence-based approach focused more strongly on functional capacity.

A support needs assessment will help determine the level and mix of supports in a participant’s plan. This assessment is for planning and funding; it is not the same as the assessment used to determine access.

This distinction matters because someone may remain eligible for the NDIS while experiencing changes to the way their supports are planned or funded.

5. Current participants will transition gradually

Existing participants are not expected to move to the new system all at once.

The current roadmap indicates that participants will progressively transition to new framework plans between 1 April 2027 and 31 December 2030. During this period, participants may receive information about their transition, planning arrangements and any assessments that apply to them.

From 1 January 2028, existing participants are expected to begin being reassessed against the new eligibility criteria over approximately three years. This does not mean every participant will be reassessed on that date.

There should also be formal processes and review rights. Keep copies of your reports, plan documents, service agreements and relevant correspondence so you have a clear record of your support needs over time.

6. New applicants will face different rules from 2028

Until 31 December 2027, new applicants are expected to use the existing access process.

From 1 January 2028, new applicants will be assessed under the new functional-capacity approach. The reforms also introduce clearer boundaries between the NDIS and mainstream systems such as health, education and early childhood services.

This may be particularly important for families seeking early intervention or developmental support. Some supports may be provided through mainstream or new targeted programs rather than through an NDIS plan.

If you are considering applying, seek advice early and use official information. Eligibility decisions are individual, and general media commentary cannot determine whether a particular person will qualify.

7. AHA support will need clear goals, guidance and documentation

The Bill does not specifically name Allied Health Assistants (AHAs). However, AHA support may sit within broader therapy, capacity-building or daily living goals, depending on the participant’s plan and the direction of the relevant external Allied Health Professional.

At Nurturing Hands, our AHA model is designed to help participants practise meaningful skills between professional appointments. AHAs deliver support under the guidance and supervision of an external Allied Health Professional, such as a physiotherapist, speech pathologist or external occupational therapist where relevant.

An AHA does not replace the assessing or treating Allied Health Professional. Instead, the AHA can help carry out an agreed therapy program consistently in the participant’s real environment.

For example, sessions may focus on:

• Practising movement and exercise strategies provided by a physiotherapist
• Building communication routines provided by a speech pathologist
• Supporting everyday skill development
• Reinforcing strategies at home, school or work
• Helping families and support workers use agreed techniques consistently

As reforms progress, it will be increasingly important that support is linked to functional outcomes and documented clearly. Our Allied Health Assistant support is designed around collaboration, regular communication and the participant’s individual goals.

8. Plan management choices are not being removed

The reforms do not currently indicate that participants will lose the choice between NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed funding.

However, plan structures, budgets, renewals and support categories may become more standardised. Plan managers and providers will need to work carefully within the participant’s approved funding and the relevant support rules.

Families can prepare by:

• Checking how their current budget is being used
• Asking providers for clear service descriptions and invoices
• Reviewing whether regular supports are linked to plan goals
• Keeping records of progress and outcomes
• Confirming any changes before services are delivered

Good communication between the participant, family, plan manager, support coordinator, Allied Health Professionals and AHA team can help reduce confusion.

9. The key dates are spread across several years

The current reform timeline includes:

• 19 August 2026: The Bill passes Parliament.
• After Royal Assent: Changes to unscheduled plan reassessments may begin after the specified commencement period.
• 1 February 2027: Progressive changes to reasonable and necessary assessments, plan reassessments and renewals are expected to begin.
• 1 April 2027: Participants begin transitioning to new framework planning and support needs assessments.
• 1 January 2028: New access and functional-capacity assessment arrangements are expected to begin for new applicants.
• From 1 January 2028: Existing participants begin progressive reassessment under the new eligibility criteria.
• By 31 December 2030: The transition to new framework plans is expected to be completed.

These dates may be updated as legislation commences and operational guidance is released. The Australian Parliament Bill page and the Department of Health and Aged Care remain useful sources for updates.

10. You do not have to navigate the transition alone

NDIS reform can feel complex, particularly when families are already coordinating appointments, school or workplace support, therapy programs and daily routines.

A practical first step is to gather your current plan, recent reports, service agreements and therapy goals. Then speak with your plan manager, support coordinator or Allied Health Professional about what the proposed changes may mean in your situation.

At Nurturing Hands Allied Health, we provide mobile therapy support in the home, school and workplace. We work in partnership with external Allied Health Professionals and your wider support team to help maintain consistency, maximise appropriate NDIS or TAC funding and keep therapy connected to real-life goals.

Our services include physiotherapy support, speech pathology support, Allied Health Assistant programs, social worker and psychosocial support, and telehealth counselling. We take a holistic approach because successful outcomes often depend on more than one appointment or one provider.

What families can do now

You do not need to predict every future change. Instead, focus on a few practical actions:

1. Keep your reports and support documentation organised.
2. Make sure goals describe meaningful daily outcomes.
3. Ask providers how services are linked to your plan.
4. Review your budget regularly.
5. Stay connected with your support team.
6. Check official NDIS information before acting on social media or headlines.
7. Ask questions early if your circumstances change.

The transition will take time. With clear documentation, collaborative planning and support that fits naturally into everyday life, families can take informed steps forward.

Book Your Session

Would you like to discuss mobile therapy support or an AHA program delivered under the guidance of your external Allied Health Professional?

Book your session online, or visit our contact page to learn more.

Disclaimer: This article was prepared for general information on 24 August 2026. NDIS legislation, commencement dates and operational guidance may change. It does not constitute legal, financial, medical or individual NDIS advice. Please refer to official Australian Government and NDIS information, or seek advice about your own circumstances.

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Meta description: The NDIS Reform Bill has passed Parliament. Learn what changes may mean for plan stability, assessments, funding, AHA support and families.

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