|
MyCPA
person symbol

NDIS funding changes from 1 October 2026: What participants need to know

The Australian Government has announced changes to funding for two types of NDIS supports: 

  • Social, economic and community participation supports 
  • Improved daily living skills supports 

What is changing?

When the changes are applied, the funding available in participant plans will be reduced by: 

  • 50% for social, economic and community participation supports 
  • 10% for improved daily living skills supports 

These reductions apply only to these support categories and not to a participant’s entire NDIS plan. The impact will vary depending on each person’s plan, support needs and current spending. 

When will the changes apply?

The changes will be introduced gradually: 

  • From 1 October 2026, they will apply when a plan is created or reassessed. 
  • From 1 February 2027, they will also apply when a plan is renewed. 

All affected plans will be updated by 30 September 2027. Participants can continue using their current funding and supports until their plan is reassessed or renewed. The NDIA will contact participants before this happens.

Which supports are protected?

Other areas of participant plans will not be affected, including in-home assistance, home and vehicle modifications, mobility equipment, transport, some consumables and Specialist Disability Accommodation. 

Some supports within the two affected categories will also be protected, including: 

  • Employment supports 
  • Disability-related health supports 
  • High-intensity supports 
  • Intensive and complex behaviour supports 
  • Customised and wearable technology 
  • Hearing services 

What can participants do?

Participants cannot request a review of this specific funding change. However, they can request a plan variation or unscheduled reassessment if they experience a significant and ongoing change in their circumstances, functional capacity or support needs. 

Eligible participants with high support needs may also request a plan variation if the reduction affects their essential 24-hour disability supports. 

Participants are encouraged to review their plan and discuss the changes with their support coordinator, plan manager or CPA team.