What Are the Proposed NDIS Framework Planning Rules?

Framework planning is the proposed new approach the NDIS will use to understand a participant's disability-related support needs and develop their plan and budget. It is intended to replace the current planning approach progressively rather than change every participant's plan at once.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is consulting on four main areas: how support needs will be assessed, how reasonable and necessary budgets will be developed, how participants will use their plan funding, and how a new framework plan can be changed.

The consultation also seeks feedback on updates to the NDIS Supports Transitional Rule, which governs the transition to the updated rules about supports that can be funded by the scheme.

These proposals must be distinguished from rules that are already in force. The legislation has passed, and some changes have commenced, but detailed rules for the new planning process are still being developed. The consultation process gives people affected by the scheme an opportunity to provide feedback before the new framework is implemented.

What Is the Current NDIS Consultation About?

The Australian Government opened the New Framework Planning and NDIS Supports consultation on 19 August 2026. It is designed to gather feedback from people who use the NDIS, their families and carers, disability representative organisations, advocates, service providers, health professionals and disability support workers.

The consultation is about the design of the proposed framework and support rules. It is not an application for NDIS funding, and submitting feedback does not itself change a participant's plan, eligibility or budget.

The department has stated that exposure drafts of the eight new framework planning rules are expected to be made available later in 2026 for information and further consultation. Exposure drafts show proposed legal wording before the rules are finalised.

People who need accessible information can use the Easy Read materials and Auslan resources provided on the official consultation page. Submissions can be made through the available online options, including written submissions and other supported formats described by the department.

The Four Main Areas Under Consultation

What NDIS Changes Are Already in Effect?

The NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026. The legislation sets out a series of reforms, with different start dates. Some provisions are already in effect, while others will be introduced over the coming months and years.

The NDIA says it will notify participants when changes affect them and explain what is happening and when. Participants should keep their contact details current and check messages from the NDIA or their authorised representative.

NDIS Support Budget Changes Starting in October 2026

A separate part of the 2026 reform concerns funding for social, economic and community participation supports and improved daily living skills. The NDIA says reductions to these specified support budgets will be phased in as participants' plans are reassessed or renewed.

The announced timetable provides for the changes to begin from 1 October 2026 when a plan is reassessed or a new plan is approved, and from 1 February 2027 when a plan is renewed.

The NDIA has identified several types of funding that will not be affected by these particular reductions: help with eating and drinking, education supports, employment supports and disability-related health supports.

The NDIA also says a new plan variation pathway will be available for high-support-needs participants who require 24-hour disability support. These participants will be able to request a variation within 90 days of a support determination applying to them. A variation may increase funding where needed to help keep a participant safe at home.

These budget changes are distinct from the proposed framework planning rules under consultation. Participants should read their plan documents and official NDIA communications to understand how any individual change applies to their circumstances.

What Is Changing for Plan Reassessments?

Under the new law, the process for requesting a plan reassessment before the scheduled reassessment date has changed. The NDIA says only the participant, their plan nominee or a child representative can make this type of request.

A request can still be made when there is a significant and ongoing change in functional capacity or support needs, or in living, education, work or informal support arrangements. The NDIA has 90 days to decide whether to reassess the plan after receiving a request.

Participants can continue to ask for plan changes through plan variations, including for short-term or urgent changes where the relevant process applies. A plan reassessment and a plan variation are not the same process, so it is important to choose the appropriate pathway.

If a participant is unsure which process applies, they can contact their NDIS planner, local area coordinator, support coordinator or plan manager for guidance. Official NDIA information should be used to confirm the current requirements.

NDIS Changes Timeline: October 2026 to 2028

The reforms are being introduced in stages. The following dates reflect the NDIA's published timeline as of 9 October 2026. Some changes will apply when a participant's plan is reassessed or renewed, while others will affect new applicants or provider requirements at later dates.

These are planned implementation dates and may be accompanied by further official guidance. Participants and providers should check the NDIA's current reform information for any changes to timing or transition arrangements.

Will Current NDIS Participants Lose Their Plans?

The NDIA has stated that participants can continue using their current plans and supports as usual while the reforms are introduced. Participants will be informed when a change affects them and will receive information about the process and available support.

However, this does not mean that every participant's funding will remain unchanged. The NDIA says plans may change as individual needs and circumstances change, and specified budget reductions are being phased in under the new legislation.

The broader new planning process is scheduled to roll out from April 2027. Participants should not assume that all new rules apply to them immediately, nor should they ignore official notices about changes that are already in effect.

If a participant receives a notice about a reassessment, plan variation, information request or budget change, they should read it carefully and seek assistance from their planner, local area coordinator, support coordinator or an independent disability advocate where appropriate.

How Participants and Families Can Prepare

1. Check official NDIS communications. Keep contact details current and read letters, emails and notifications from the NDIA.
2. Understand your current plan. Review the funded supports, funding periods and conditions that currently apply to you.
3. Keep relevant records. Retain documents and records of supports and payments in line with the requirements that apply to you.
4. Document significant changes. If your functional capacity, living arrangements, education, employment or informal supports change significantly, keep relevant information and ask the NDIA about the appropriate plan-change pathway.
5. Ask for support if needed. A planner, local area coordinator, support coordinator, plan manager or disability advocate may help explain the changes.
6. Consider the consultation. If the proposed framework planning rules affect you, your family or the organisation you work with, review the consultation material and submit feedback before the stated deadline if submissions remain open.
7. Verify future rules. Do not rely on draft proposals as if they were final requirements. Check the final rules and NDIA guidance when they are published.

What Do the Proposed Changes Mean for NDIS Providers?

Providers should prepare for changes to records, claims, compliance and registration requirements. The 2026 law provides for longer record-keeping periods and stronger information-gathering and enforcement powers, with implementation details being introduced over time.

The NDIA has outlined record-keeping periods of three years for participants, five years for nominees and seven years for providers under the new requirements. The agency says further information will explain how the requirements operate and what records must be retained.

Providers should also review the scheduled 90-day claim submission timeframe beginning in December 2026 and the expansion of mandatory registration requirements planned for July 2027 for certain support types and settings.

Providers should check the current legislation and NDIA guidance before changing internal procedures. Requirements may differ depending on the provider's role, support type and the commencement date of each provision.

How to Submit Feedback on the Proposed Framework Rules

People with disability, families, carers, advocates and providers can use the official consultation portal to review the proposed framework planning and support changes. The department has made accessible resources available to explain the issues and help people participate.

1. Open the official New Framework Planning and NDIS Supports consultation page.
2. Read the consultation information and the relevant Easy Read or accessible materials if helpful.
3. Consider how the proposed assessment, budget, plan-use and plan-change rules may affect participants or services.
4. Submit feedback through one of the available methods listed by the department, such as an online response or written submission.
5. Check the deadline and any submission instructions on the official portal before submitting.

The published closing date is 14 October 2026. As the deadline is close, consult the portal directly to confirm that the consultation remains open and to obtain the correct submission details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Government Resources