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October 2026

NDIA Sector Update – 16/10/26

NDIS reform

Help participants access testing information in different formats

We’re inviting more participants to help test the new way of planning.

We want a wide range of participants with different backgrounds and disability-related support needs to take part.

This helps us understand how the new way of planning works for different people and what needs to improve before it rolls out.

Providers, support coordinators, advocates and other trusted supporters can play an important role. You can help participants learn about testing and decide whether they would like to take part.

New Auslan information now available

A new Auslan version of the Participant Information Pack is now available on NDIS Engage. It’s also available in Easy Read format.

The pack explains:

  • why we’re testing the new way of planning
  • what taking part involves
  • what participants can expect during testing
  • what support is available
  • how participant information is used.

How you can help

You can help more participants access important information about testing. You can:

We’d love to hear your feedback if you’ve used the Communications Toolkit. Our survey takes 2 to 3 minutes to complete and will help us improve future resources.

For questions about testing, contact stakeholder.engagement@ndis.gov.au.

NDIS news

Updated Supported Independent Living operational guidelines

We’ve updated our guideline for Supported Independent Living (SIL) to reflect recent changes to SIL provider registration requirements and provide greater clarity on SIL decision making.

The updated guideline explains how the Agency makes decisions about SIL and what information it considers. It includes updates about:

  • arrangements that are not SIL
  • 24-hour individual support criteria
  • mandatory registration for SIL providers.

SIL provider registration

All providers delivering SIL supports must now be registered or have applied for registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to continue providing SIL, before 1 October 2026.

New providers entering the market after 1 July 2026 cannot deliver SIL supports until they are registered.

Find out more in the new guideline, available on the NDIS website.

New service agreement resources available

We’ve released new service agreement resources.

A service agreement is an agreement between a provider and a participant. It describes the NDIS supports that the provider and participant have agreed to.

They need to be clear, accessible, and easy to use.

A new service agreement template, checklist, guidance and Easy Read resources are now available on the NDIS website.

These resources are to help:

  • participants become more informed consumers
  • participants and providers be clear on the supports agreed to
  • participants and providers understand what should be included in a service agreement
  • participants know what to look for when reviewing a service agreement.

The template is not mandatory. Providers who choose to use it should tailor it to meet their needs and the needs of the participants they support.

Service agreements are mandatory for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). They are strongly encouraged as best practice for other supports, particularly Supported Independent Living (SIL).

We are not party to the agreement and does not record or enforce service agreements.

Participants and providers are responsible for making and keeping service agreements and do not need to send them to the NDIA.

We developed these resources with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

We consulted with stakeholders to make sure they align with user needs.

The resources improve participant safety through better alignment with the NDIS Code of Conduct, Practice Standards, and Australian Consumer Law.

This is part of the NDIS Fair Pricing and Australian Consumer Law Taskforce program of work.

To learn more and to access the new resources, visit the What is a service agreement and How to make a service agreement pages on the NDIS website.

Increasing integrity checks on older claims

From 15 October 2026, we’ll do extra checks on claims submitted more than 90 days after a support is delivered.

Claims submitted within 90 days will continue through the usual claiming process.

Older claims can be harder to verify. Information and evidence may be harder to access, and information may no longer be correct.

Find out more about the process on the NDIS website.

Remote Community Connector program expanded

We are expanding the Remote Community Connector program that helps people with disability:

  • apply for NDIS access
  • connect with local services
  • use their NDIS plans.

Remote Community Connectors will now support over 500 communities across Australia. This expansion delivers on feedback from First Nations communities and the Disability Royal Commission’s call for more community-led connectors.

Find out more about the expansion on the NDIS website.

Have your say

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

First Nations resources hub

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission have released the First Nations resources hub.

This new webpage includes a range of resources to provide culturally appropriate, accessible and relevant information for First Nations people with disability, their families, carers and communities.

Resources available include:

  • information in First Nations languages
  • the First Nations Participant Pack
  • the First Nations communication toolkit.

Find out more and download the new resources on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.

Co-design updates

Upcoming Co-design working group meetings

  • First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group – 29 October 2026

You can learn more about the meetings we have held recently and the work we have progressed with the disability community by visiting our Co-design NDIS Engage project pages:

Independent Advisory Council updates

Independent Advisory Council meeting

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) met on 9 and 10 September 2026.

At the meeting, they discussed:

  • what they have heard in their communities
  • IAC advice
  • service delivery and the participant experience.

Find the full meeting summary on the IAC website.

Reference and advisory group updates

Self-Management Advisory Group

The Self-Management Advisory Group met on 17 September 2026.

At the meeting they discussed:

  • an update from the NDIA
  • improving NDIA guidance about spending funds, record keeping and claiming.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

An overview of changes to the NDIS laws

We are hosting a series of webinars to provide detailed information about changes introduced through the NDIS (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Sessions will be held through September to November 2026.

The sessions will focus on practical information and explain what the changes mean for participants both now and into the future.

In these sessions we will talk about:

  • changes to plan reassessments
  • support determinations
  • where to access information, guidance and support.

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Pathways to post school life

This session will provide an overview of the NDIS supports that can help young people prepare for life after school and move confidently toward employment.

In this session, we talk about:

  • the types of NDIS supports that can assist with employment preparation
  • how to build skills and independence during the final years of school
  • pathways available after school and how to choose options that align with a young person’s aspirations, abilities, and interests.

Session dates:

  • Thursday, 22 October 2026
  • Tuesday, 27 October 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Applying to the NDIS: Access and eligibility

Applying to the NDIS means taking steps to find out if you can become a participant and start receiving supports under the scheme.

In this session, we talk about:

  • the NDIS Eligibility criteria
  • evidence people applying to the NDIS need
  • how the application process works
  • who can help people apply.

Session dates:

  • Tuesday, 10 November 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Working with Providers

This session will explore how participants can work effectively with NDIS providers, from choosing the right supports to communicating expectations and managing changes so supports work the way they’re intended to.

In this session, we talk about:

  • how to find and choose NDIS providers that meet their needs
  • what a service agreement is and why it’s important
  • participants’ rights and responsibilities when working with providers
  • what to do if issues arise with a provider or supports.

Session dates:

  • Wednesday, 18 November 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Ways of managing your NDIS funding

There are different ways participants can manage the funding in their NDIS plan. Understanding options can help participants decide how they want their supports to be managed and what works best for them.

In this session, we talk about:

  • the different ways participants can manage NDIS funding
  • how each funding management option works
  • the level of choice, control and responsibility involved with each option
  • things to consider when choosing how funding is managed
  • where to find more information and support.

Session dates:

  • Thursday, 26 November 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

New videos

Community and Stakeholder Update – October 2026

A video of the October Community and Stakeholder Update is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

Our Community and Stakeholder Updates recap news, consultations, and updates from across the NDIS.

Information in the Community and Stakeholder Update includes:

  • NDIS announcements, changes, policies, updates, and media coverage
  • other disability related updates and inclusive and accessible programs operating locally or nationally
  • local events, good news stories, consultations, and engagements
  • challenges and achievements with the wider disability network.

NDIA Sector Update – 01/10/26

NDIS reform

Changes to NDIS support budgets

Starting 1 October 2026, some NDIS support budgets will be reduced over the following 12 months.

This change is part of the new NDIS laws. It will reduce participant budgets for two support categories:

  • Social Economic and Community Participation
  • Improved Daily Living Skills.

The budget reductions will be applied as plans are created or reassessed from 1 October 2026 or renewed from 1 February 2027.

Some groups of supports in these categories won’t be affected, including:

  • supports in employment
  • disability-related health supports
  • high intensity supports
  • intensive and complex behaviour supports.

Other parts of participants’ plans will not be affected by these changes. This includes essential day-to-day supports like help with eating, drinking, dressing, toileting, laundry, cleaning, nurse care, and medication.

There is a new plan variation pathway designed to make sure participants who need 24-hour disability support have the funding to meet these needs.

Participants can ask for a plan variation through the new pathway if they:

  • have a total budget in their plan for Assistance with Daily Life, Home and Living, and Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation of $215,030 or more

and

  • receive 24-hour funded NDIS supports for support needs arising directly from the impairments they accessed the NDIS for.

Eligible participants must request a variation within 90 days of receiving their approved plan, which includes the budget reductions.

Either the participant, their nominee or child representative should request the plan variation. If the participant doesn’t have a nominee, a support worker or advocate can assist them.

You can download a stakeholder information pack using the password Oq?P#acy6vKR.

Find out more about the changes on the NDIS website.

New resources about changes for NDIS supports

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released new resources with information about the funding changes for NDIS supports:

To find out more visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website to learn more.

Thriving Kids

The start of Thriving Kids this month will not affect access to the NDIS or planning decisions.

NDIS access changes will not start until 1 January 2028. Until then, children aged 8 and under can continue to apply for the NDIS in the same way. This includes children with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs.

Services will begin rolling out from October 2026 and grow over time.

Thriving Kids is expected to be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028.

Families can continue to access the NDIS in the same way while Thriving Kids is being rolled out.

For more information, visit the Thriving Kids Information and Resources Hub or the Thriving Kids website.

Feedback about testing the new way of planning

We’re testing the new way of planning before it starts so we can learn what works well for participants and what needs to improve.

Thousands of participants have now taken part in testing. After each testing session, we invite participants to share feedback about their experience.

Early feedback from participants

Many participants have told us they felt listened to, respected and safe to speak openly.

Participants have also told us where we need to improve. This includes:

  • providing clearer information before an assessment
  • allowing more time to talk about their support needs
  • explaining more clearly what happens after a session.

We’re using what participants tell us to improve future testing and the information and support we provide.

In response to what we’ve heard, we’ve developed a new visual storyboard to help explain what happens during a testing session.

We’ve also added more information and guidance about testing on NDIS Engage.

Testing is happening in stages. These are early findings and we’ll keep listening and learning as testing continues.

Read the latest news article to learn more about what participants are telling us and how we’re using their feedback.

Help participants learn more about testing

Providers, support coordinators, advocates and other trusted contacts play an important role in helping participants understand testing and make informed decisions about whether they would like to take part.

You can help participants learn more about testing by:

Testing is voluntary. It is a paid opportunity. Taking part won’t affect a participant’s current or future NDIS plan, funding, supports or eligibility.

Have you used the testing the new way of planning communications toolkit?

We’re continuing to improve the resources we provide to support conversations about testing the new way of planning.

If you’ve used, reviewed or shared any part of the Testing the new way of planning communications toolkit, we’d love to hear your feedback.

You can help us to understand:

  • what worked well
  • what could be improved
  • what additional resources would help you support participants and communities.

Your feedback will help shape future NDIS communications toolkits and related resources.

Complete the short survey (2-3 minutes) on the NDIS website.

NDIS news

Release of NDIS pricing schedules

We have published pricing schedules on our website following the Minister for Disability and the NDIS’s first pricing determination for NDIS supports.

The maximum amounts in the pricing schedules reflect our guidance on recommended prices published in June 2026.

The Minister’s pricing determination has been made following changes introduced through the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026.

Participants and providers don’t need to do anything. All participants continue to be able to negotiate lower prices with providers to make sure they receive value for money.

We will soon publish updated pricing arrangements and claiming documents to support participants and providers to understand how price arrangements work in the NDIS, and how to claim for NDIS supports.

These will be available on the NDIS website pricing arrangements page.

Find out more about the new price limits on the NDIS website.

New NDIS website page about changes to plan management

We’ve published a new page about changes to plan management on the NDIS website.

This page includes information about changes to how plan management services are priced, designed and delivered to participants.

We’ll establish a trusted panel of plan managers by 1 October 2027.

Participants will need to use a plan manager from the panel. They’ll be supported to transition to a provider on the panel over 6 months.

Learn more about the changes to plan management on the NDIS website.

Introduction video for NDIS Engage in Auslan

Information about how to use NDIS Engage is now available in Auslan on the NDIS Engage support page.

This video includes information about:

  • what NDIS Engage is
  • how to use NDIS Engage, including how to use advanced search to find specific projects
  • how to register for an NDIS Engage account and what registering means
  • how to follow NDIS Engage projects and set up notifications.

Find the video and more on the NDIS Engage support page.

Have your say

The independent evaluation of Australia’s Disability Strategy

People with disability, families, carers and organisations are invited to share their experiences as part of the independent evaluation of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031.

The evaluation will look at:

  • what organisations and services are doing to be more accessible and inclusive
  • what has changed for people with disability over the past 5 years.

You can share your views in different ways, including:

  • a survey
  • focus groups and consultations
  • the Share Your Experience online form
  • stakeholder interviews and discussion groups.

You do not need to know about Australia’s Disability Strategy to share your views. The evaluation wants to hear about your experiences and what could work better.

The consultation is open until 6 November 2026.

Find out more about the evaluation and how to participate on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Aged Care, Disability, Leisure and Health Qualification Review project

HumanAbility, the Jobs and Skills Council for the disability sector, is reviewing the national qualifications for disability support workers and wants to hear from stakeholder about what the qualifications should look like.

Feedback will help make sure future workers have the right skills to deliver person-centred disability support.

Consultation workshops are open to the public, including people with disability and families, workers, providers and sector stakeholders.

The workshops are being held in person and online from 26 August to 10 October 2026.
There will be a second round of consultations later in the year.

Find out more and register for a consultation workshop on the HumanAbility website.

Engagement reminders

Co-design updates

Upcoming Co-design meetings

You can learn more about the meetings we have held recently and the work we have progressed with the disability community by visiting our Co-design NDIS Engage project page.

Reference and advisory group updates

Supported Decision Making Advisory Group

The Supported Decision Making Advisory Group met on 29 July 2026.

The focus of the July meeting was:

  • support needs assessment testing update
  • Circles of Support and Microboards
  • Support Needs Assessor Academy.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Neurodegenerative Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group

The Neurodegenerative Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group met on 29 July 2026.

The focus of the July meeting was:

  • testing the new way of planning
  • aged care and hospital interface with the NDIS.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Expert Advisory Group

The Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Expert Advisory Group met online on 1 September 2026.

The focus of the September meeting was:

  • participant experience testing workshops
  • the CALD Community Engagement Strategy
  • CALD Strategy Annual Report 2026.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

An overview of changes to the NDIS laws

We are hosting a series of webinars to provide detailed information about changes introduced through the NDIS (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Sessions will be held through September to November 2026.

The sessions will focus on practical information and explain what the changes mean for participants both now and into the future.

In these sessions we will talk about:

  • changes to plan reassessments
  • support determinations
  • where to access information, guidance and support.

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Using your NDIS plan

When we talk about using an NDIS plan, we mean helping participants understand how to make the most of the supports and funding available to them.

In this session we will talk about:

  • understanding your support budgets and how funding can be used
  • what to expect at a plan implementation meeting so you feel prepared
  • how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
  • tips for managing your plan budget to stay on track.

Session dates:

  • Wednesday, 14 October 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Pathways to post school life

This session will provide an overview of the NDIS supports that can help young people prepare for life after school and move confidently toward employment.

In this session, we talk about:

  • the types of NDIS supports that can assist with employment preparation
  • how to build skills and independence during the final years of school
  • pathways available after school and how to choose options that align with a young person’s aspirations, abilities, and interests.

Session dates:

  • Thursday, 22 October 2026
  • Tuesday, 27 October 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.