NDIS Changes: Easy Read

September 2026

About this information

This is an Easy Read summary about changes to the NDIS.

It is for people with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions.

It is also for families, carers and support workers.

Big message

• The NDIS law changed in August 2026.
• The Government says the changes are to protect the NDIS for the future.
• Some changes start soon.
• Some changes start later.
• You can ask for help to understand the changes.

What this means for MDQ members

• Muscular dystrophy and other similar conditions can change over time.
• You may need more help later.
• Your needs may change slowly.
• You may have good days and bad days.
• It is important to write down what has changed.

What is not changing now

• You can keep using your current NDIS plan.
• You can keep using your current supports.
• The NDIS will tell you if something needs to change.
• You can still ask for a review if you disagree with a decision.

Changes by date

20 August 2026

• The new NDIS law started.
• The law lets the Government make changes to the NDIS.

27 August 2026

• There are new rules for asking for a plan reassessment.
• A plan reassessment is when the NDIS looks at your plan again.
• You may need this if your support needs have changed a lot.
• Only you, your plan nominee or your guardian can ask.
• You need to show the change is big and ongoing.
• You can still ask for a plan variation if there is an emergency or something that will only affect you for a short time.
• The NDIA must let you know within 21 days if they will change your plan because of an emergency.
• The NDIS must let you know within 90 days if they agree to reassess your plan for change of circumstances.
• If they say no, or do not let you know within 90 days, you can ask for a review.
• You need to keep records for 3 years, nominees need to keep records for 5 years, and providers need to keep them for 7 years.

1 October 2026

• Some NDIS budgets may change.
• Social and community participation funding may reduce by 50%.
• Therapy funding from Capacity Building Daily Activity may reduce by 10%.
• Critical supports like personal care and health-related disability supports are not meant to change.
• People with 24-hour care supports can request plan variation if these cuts impact access to 24-hour care at the care ratio that is needed for them.
• Budget changes will happen over time as plans are reassessed or renewed.
• The NDIA can suspend a person’s NDIS plan if they ask the person or their nominee for important information at least 5 times but do not hear back from them.
• This means you will not be able to spend any money from your plan until you talk to someone from the NDIS.
• Make sure the NDIA has your correct details so they can contact you.

1 December 2026

• Claims must be made within 90 days.
• A claim is a request for the NDIS to pay for a support.
• Submit claims for payment as soon as you can.
• Ask for help if paperwork is hard.

1 February 2027

• Plan renewals will change.
• Unspent money from your old plan will not roll over.
• The NDIS will use clearer rules to decide what supports are reasonable and necessary.
• Your reports should explain why you need support now.
• Your reports should also explain what support you may need in the future.

1 April 2027

• A new way of planning will start.
• An NDIS assessor will talk with you about your support needs.
• The assessor will look at what you can do.
• The assessor will look at what help you need.
• Talk about good days and bad days.
• Talk about fatigue, falls, breathing, swallowing and safety.

1 July 2027

• Some providers will need to be registered.
• This may include providers who give personal care.
• This may include providers who help with daily living.
• You may need to choose registered providers for some supports.
• Ask early if this affects your support workers.

1 October 2027

• People who use plan management will need to choose an approved plan manager.
• If your plan manager is not approved, you will have time to change.
• Ask for help before you change plan managers.

1 January 2028

• Changes to NDIS access will start.
• Access means who can get the NDIS.
• New applicants will have an assessment.
• The assessment will look at functional capacity.
• Functional capacity means how your disability affects everyday life.
• Current participants will be reassessed over 3 years.
• People with permanent and significant disability can still access the NDIS.

1 July 2028

• Support coordination will change.
• Support coordination will not be paid from your own plan budget.
• You will choose from providers funded by the NDIA.
• You should get help to move to the new service.

What evidence means

• Evidence is information that helps explain your needs.
• Evidence can be a doctor letter.
• Evidence can be a therapy report.
• Evidence can be a carer statement.
• Evidence can be notes about your day.
• Evidence should explain what has changed.

Things to write down

• Do you need more help to move around?
• Do you need more help with personal care?
• Do you get more tired?
• Do you fall or nearly fall?
• Do you need help with breathing or swallowing?
• Do you need new equipment?
• Do your carers need to do more?

Where to get help

• Talk to your NDIS contact.
• Talk to your support coordinator.
• Talk to your doctor or therapist.
• Talk to Muscular Dystrophy Queensland.
• Ask for help if you do not understand a letter or form.
• Ask about review options if you disagree with a decision.