What it means for families, children and providers

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is going through one of its biggest changes since it began. As of April 2026, the Australian Government has announced major reforms aimed at making the scheme more sustainable, consistent, and safer for the future.

While change can feel overwhelming, this article breaks it down simply - so you can understand what’s happening and what it may mean for your child and family.

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Why is the NDIS changing?

The NDIS has grown very quickly over the past few years, with costs rising significantly. The government has shared that without changes, the scheme could become financially unsustainable long-term.

The goal of these updates is to:

• Keep the NDIS available for future generations
• Reduce misuse, fraud, and unsafe practices
• Make funding decisions more consistent and fair

The Biggest Changes You Need to Know

1. Tighter eligibility (especially for children)

One of the most significant updates is a review of who can access the NDIS.

• Eligibility rules will become stricter
• Some children with developmental delays may be supported through alternative services instead of NDIS (Thriving Kids coming later this year)
• Functional assessments (what support is needed day-to-day) will play a bigger role—not just diagnosis

2. New planning system (starting mid-2026)

A new planning framework will roll out gradually from mid-2026.

Instead of focusing on what a child can’t do, the new system looks at:

• What support they actually need in daily life
• A more strengths-based approach
• Consistent assessments across Australia

3. Introduction of support needs assessments

All participants will go through a more structured assessment process:

• Conducted by trained NDIS staff
• Focused on real-life needs (home, school, community)
• Used to guide funding decisions

4. Stronger provider rules and safety checks

There will be a major crackdown on provider quality and fraud:

• More providers required to be NDIS registered
• Stronger oversight from the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission
• Increased action against unsafe or unethical providers

5. Focus on reducing costs and growth

The government plans to slow NDIS growth significantly:

• Growth rate reduced from over 10% to much lower levels
• Average plan budgets may be reviewed and adjusted
• Target to reduce long-term spending while maintaining essential supports

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These NDIS changes are significant and understandably, many families feel uncertain.

While the intention is to make the system more sustainable and fair, there are still real concerns about access, especially for children and early intervention.

As providers, our role is to:

• Support families through these changes
• Advocate for children’s needs
• Keep therapy meaningful, functional, and goal-focused

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If you’re unsure how these changes may impact your child, we’re here to support you. Our team is happy to chat through your options and help you plan the next steps with confidence.

👉 Book a free 15-minute consultation with our team today.