Applying for the NDIS? What the proposed changes may mean for you
If you or someone you care for is thinking about applying for the NDIS, you may have heard that changes are being proposed.
These changes are important, but they are not expected to happen all at once. Some changes would roll out over time, and more information is expected before some of them begin.
In our previous post, NDIS changes for current participants: what they may mean for you, we looked at changes for people who are already accessing the NDIS. You can read more here.
In this blog post, we look at what may change for people applying to access the NDIS, especially around eligibility, assessments and how everyday support needs are considered.
At a glance - key points for people applying to the NDIS
| Key change | What it may mean | When |
|---|---|---|
| How NDIS access is decided is expected to change | Future access decisions are expected to look more closely at how a person’s disability affects everyday life. | Access changes for new applicants are expected from 1 January 2028. |
| Functional capacity will matter more | The government is working on a new assessment process for people applying to access the NDIS. It is expected to use standardised, evidence-based assessments of functional capacity. Functional capacity means what a person can do in everyday life and where they need support. | Access changes are expected from 1 January 2028. |
| Evidence may need to show daily impact, not just diagnosis | A diagnosis is still important, but applicants may need to show how their disability affects daily life, independence and support needs. | Timing is linked to future access changes. |
| Permanent disability will be defined more clearly | Applicants may need to show their disability is likely to be lifelong and that suitable treatment options have been considered. | Further guidance is expected. |
| Other support systems may need to be considered | Applicants may need to tell the NDIS if they can get, or already get, support from another system, such as a compensation scheme after an accident. | Under the proposed changes. |
| Applying for the NDIS is different from planning your supports | The access process decides whether someone can access the NDIS. The new support needs assessment is for people already accessing the NDIS and helps work out their plan budget. | The new framework planning process is expected to start from 1 April 2027. |
Dates and details may change as reforms progress. Applicants and families should check official updates and seek advice about individual circumstances.
Sources: Department of Health - NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 - fact sheetand NDIS changes page
A quick note before we get into the details
It is understandable if these changes feel confusing. When access and eligibility rules are discussed, it can raise a lot of questions.
The main thing to remember is that these changes are expected to happen in stages.
More information is also expected before some changes begin.
For now, the way people apply to access the NDIS has not changed. The proposed access and eligibility changes would only begin after the law has passed and official start dates are confirmed.
If you are applying now, or you are unsure what the changes may mean for you, contact the NDIS directly or check the latest updates on the NDIS website.
Why is NDIS access changing?
The government says the NDIS needs clearer rules so it can support people with permanent and significant disability into the future.
The proposed changes are intended to make access and planning decisions more consistent and easier to understand.
For people applying to the NDIS, this means future decisions are expected to look more closely at how disability affects everyday life.
In future, it is expected that access will be based on whether a person has a significant reduction in functional capacity which means what they can do day to day - that affects their daily life.
The government is also setting up a Technical Advisory Group to help advise on functional capacity assessments. This means the details are still being developed, and more information is expected before the new access process begins.
What does functional capacity mean?
Functional capacity means what a person can do in everyday life and where they may need support.
This may include things like:
moving around
communicating
learning
looking after yourself
taking part in daily activities
managing things at home, school, work or in the community
Under the proposed changes, functional capacity is expected to become an important part of deciding whether someone can access the NDIS. This means future access decisions are expected to look at how a person's disability affects daily life and what support they need.
A diagnosis may still be part of a person's evidence, but diagnosis alone may not be enough to access the NDIS.
Will diagnosis still matter?
A diagnosis is important and may still be part of someone's evidence. But under the proposed changes, a diagnosis alone may not be enough to access the NDIS.
In future the focus is expected to be on how the disability affects the person's everyday life, and whether they meet the NDIS access rules.
If you are applying now, or thinking about applying, it may be helpful to contact the NDIS if you are unsure what evidence is needed.
What about permanent disability?
Permanent disability means a disability that is likely to last for the rest of a person's life.
The proposed changes may also look at whether suitable treatment has already been tried or considered, and whether any treatment is likely to improve the impact of the disability.
This does not mean every person will be affected in the same way. But it does mean applicants may need clear evidence that shows the disability is life long and is long term in nature.
What if you receive support from another scheme?
The proposed changes may also look at whether another system is responsible for providing support.
For example, people applying to the NDIS may need to say if they can get, or are already getting, support from another scheme. For example this might include a compensation scheme after a car accident or workplace injury.
This is part of the government's plan to make the boundaries between the NDIS and other systems clearer.
What is the difference between applying for the NDIS and new framework planning?
Applying for the NDIS is the process of finding out whether someone can access the NDIS.
New framework planning is different. A framework is a name for how something will be done. In this case, it means the new way the NDIS would plan support budgets for people who are already participants.
The support needs assessment is part of the new planning process. It will help the NDIS understand a participant's support needs and work out their plan budget.It is about how a participant's support needs are assessed and how their plan budget is created.
| What the process is | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Applying for the NDIS | Decides whether someone can access the NDIS. |
| Support needs assessment | Helps work out support needs and plan budgets for people already in the NDIS. |
| New framework planning | The new framework planning process is expected to start from 1 April 2027. |
This table explains the difference between applying for the NDIS, support needs assessment and new framework planning.
What if you are applying now?
Until the new law passes, people will continue to apply to access the NDIS in the same way.
The official information does not yet clearly explain every detail for people who are already part way through an application.
What it does make clear is that future access decisions are expected to focus more on functional capacity. This means looking at how disability affects everyday life.
If you are applying now, or thinking about applying, it may be helpful to:
contact the NDIS if you are unsure what evidence is needed
keep checking the NDIS website for updates
gather evidence about how the disability affects daily life
include information about support needs, not just diagnosis
ask treating professionals to describe functional impact clearly
keep copies of important documents
What families and carers may want to think about
For applicants, families and carers, the proposed changes may mean paying closer attention to how a person's support needs are described.
The official information points to a stronger focus on functional capacity, permanent disability and whether other support systems are involved.
This means it may be helpful to describe how the disability affects everyday life, what support the person needs day to day, whether the disability is likely to be lifelong, and whether any other support schemes are involved.
These details can help explain the real life impact of disability.
Dates and details may change as reforms progress. Applicants and families should check official updates and seek advice about individual circumstances.
What happens next?
The proposed NDIS changes are expected to roll out in stages, with more guidance to come before some changes begin.
Changes to how people apply to access the NDIS are expected to start from 1 January 2028. Until then, people can continue to apply through the current process. For the latest official information, visit budget.gov.au, health.gov.au and ndis.gov.au.
Need Help?
If you're looking for support with managing your NDIS plan, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more. Call the BCD team on 1800 275 223, or contact us online through our contact form.
Information correct as at Tues 3 June 2026.
FAQs
Will NDIS changes happen straight away?
Not all changes will happen at once. Some changes are linked to legislation, consultation and staged rollout dates. Current and future participants should keep checking official NDIS and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing updates for confirmed timing.
Where can I find the latest official updates?
For the latest official information, check budget.gov.au, health.gov.au, and ndis.gov.au.
Information correct as at 3 June 2026. Please refer to the NDIS website for the latest updates.
Sources:
NDIS - Changes to the NDIS: https://www.ndis.gov.au/new-way-of-planning/changes-ndis
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Reform timeline online - https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-timeline-0
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - NDIS legislation changes: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ndis-legislation-changes?language=en
Department of Health - About changes to NDIS legislation: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ndis-legislation-changes/about?language=en
Department of Health - NDIS Amendment Bill fact sheet: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/ndis-amendment-securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-bill-2026-fact-sheet?language=en
Department of Health - Participant FAQs: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/securing-the-future-of-the-ndis-for-future-generations-participant-faqs?language=en
Department of Health - Easy Read guides and Auslan video: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/ndis-amendment-securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-bill-2026-fact-sheet?language=en
Information correct as at 3 June 2026. Please refer to the NDIS website for the latest updates.
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.