Recently the NDIS has been going through a major shift – from new processes, to pricing and legislative changes which will affect many people in the NDIS sector.
Some changes are already in place while others have only been implemented recently and more are expected in the coming months and years. Starting from October 2024 through the upcoming financial year, here’s what we know so far, in chronological order.
Changes in effect since October 2024
New definition of NDIS supports
As of October 2024, the NDIS will only fund supports related to the impairments that made you eligible for the scheme. This means you can only spend money on supports that relate to the impairment identified during your initial access request.
Participants who claimed non-supported supports may be required to repay the amount. However, a transition period of 12 months applies, and minor mistakes (under $1,500) are tolerated.
A transitional “replacement supports” rule allows substitution if it offers equal or better outcomes at lower cost.
Changes to claims and payments timelines
Participants and providers must submit claims within two years of service delivery. A grace period applies during the first 12 months starting from October 2024.
Stricter oversight & transparency
For those using a Plan Manager, the NDIA may adjust plan management methods if funds are not aligned with the NDIS plan.
Decision to revoke participant’s status
The NDIS may request participants information, or require you to undergo assessments. If you do not fulfill the request within a reasonable time, the NDIS may revoke your access to the NDIS.
Separation of access pathways
The NDIA has provided a greater distinction between eligibility under disability versus early intervention, and access decision letters will be provided to clarify which pathway applies for you.
Under the new legislation the Disability requirements now states “likely to require a NDIS support under the NDIS for the person’s lifetime”. While Early intervention requirements now state that early intervention supports that reduce future needs must be NDIS supports.
Changes in effect since January 2025
Impairment Notices
New NDIS participants will receive an impairment notice instead of an access decision letter. It confirms how you met access criteria (disability or early intervention) and lists your impairment categories. These categories will determine your funding and must align with any supports purchased. Existing participants will receive an impairment notice when moving to a new plan. If needed, you can request a category change.
Changes in effect since March 2025
Greater clarity on Plan Variations and Reassessments.
A clear distinction has been established between Plan Variations and Plan Reassessments. Plan Variations allow quick adjustments made in your NDIS plan without creating a new one. This may be home modifications and adjusting assistive technology.
Meanwhile a full Plan Reassessment will be conducted when there’s a major change in your circumstances such as moving home or changing employment. When such events take place, a full review needed and will result in a new plan with updated funding.
Changes in effect since May 2025
New planning framework
Starting May 2025, the NDIS began transitioning to a new planning framework affecting how people access the scheme, how support needs are assessed, and how budgets are structured. To ensure smooth transition, both the old and new frameworks are in use over the next 5 years, with all new and reassessed plans falling under the new framework. This includes the introduction of Funding Periods where funds will be released quarterly over the 12-month duration. More will be explained in the next section.
Under the new framework, the NDIS will work with participants and take an educative approach to help participant understand the funding and supports available. While those on the old framework will continue to receive full 12-month budgets with grouped support categories and may still request extra funding in exceptional cases.
Learn more about the new framework.
Introducing Funding Periods
Previously, participants received access to their full NDIS funding for the entire 12 month plan duration. As of 19 May 2025, a Funding Period applies to new and reassessed plans. Under this change, your total funding is divided and released every 3 months, rather than all at once.
This means you’re only be able to use the funds available in the current quarter or any unused funds from previous quarters. The aim is to help participants manage their budgets better and reduce the risk of over or under-spending throughout the plan.
Learn more about Funding Periods.
Changes in effect starting July 2025
Pricing updates
Based on the recommendations provided by 2024-2025 Annual Price Review (APR), the NDIS will be introducing pricing changes.
To name a few, these changes include:
- Increase in minimum wage and Superannuation Guarantee for Disability Support Worker related supports
- Increase price limits of Level 1 Support Coordination and other supports in Queensland
- Removal of the higher price loading in Northern Territory for physiotherapy and psychology, and many more changes.
The 2025 – 2026 Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) has been released with price changes taking effect from 1st July 2025.
Click here to find out more about the Annual Pricing Review.
Stay tuned
More changes will be introduced throughout the new Financial year. Keep your eyes peeled as we’ll be presenting more information as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, if you need help in understanding and navigating all the changes happening in NDIS, contact our friendly team of experts at Hands On People. We’ll guide you through all the process and answer any questions you might have along the way.
If you would like to know more about the legislative changes, click here.
