By Jessica Curtis, Founder of Easy Community Services
If you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, or a carer, you’ve probably heard that changes are coming. The short version: from mid-2026, the way NDIS plans are created will start to look different. It’s called “new framework planning,” and while the changes will be gradual, it’s worth understanding what’s ahead so you can prepare.
The Australian Government and the NDIA have been working on these reforms since the independent NDIS Review found that the planning process needed to be fairer, more consistent, and easier to navigate. Public consultation on the new planning rules is open right now — and closes on 6 March 2026.
Here’s what we know so far, and what it means for participants and families in Brisbane.
What Is New Framework Planning?
New framework planning is a redesigned approach to how NDIS plans are built. Instead of relying heavily on multiple external reports from therapists, specialists, and doctors, the new system will use structured support needs assessments to understand what each participant needs.
The goal is to make planning fairer across the board. Right now, the quality of your plan can depend on how well you advocate for yourself, how many reports you can gather, and even which planner you speak to. The new approach aims to reduce that inconsistency.
The NDIA plans to start rolling this out from mid-2026 with a small group of participants. It will then be introduced gradually over several years — so it won’t happen all at once.
What’s Actually Changing?
Several things are shifting, and some of them are already underway.
Support needs assessments
A new, consistent assessment process will be introduced to help determine the level of support each participant needs. These assessments are being designed to be appropriate across different disability groups, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. The University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies are developing the tool in consultation with the disability community.
Clearer budget structures
New and reassessed plans already show total funding amounts with defined funding periods. This helps participants understand how long their budget is intended to last and plan their spending more carefully. The NDIA has also introduced clearer definitions of what counts as a funded NDIS support and what doesn’t — which means participants and plan managers need to be more careful with spending decisions, especially during plan transitions.
New planning rules
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is leading the development of new planning rules that will guide how the new system works. Public consultation on these draft rules is open until 6 March 2026. These rules will shape how assessments are conducted, how budgets are calculated, and how participants interact with the planning process.
SIL provider registration
From 1 July 2026, all Supported Independent Living providers and online platform providers will be required to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is an important step for participant safety. At Easy Community Services, we welcome this change — we’ve always operated with a commitment to quality and compliance, and mandatory registration gives participants greater confidence that their SIL provider meets national standards.
What Stays the Same?
While the planning process is evolving, your core rights as a participant haven’t changed. You can still request a reassessment or variation of your plan if your circumstances change. You still have the right to request an internal review of a decision, and you can still escalate to the Administrative Review Tribunal if you’re not satisfied. And you can continue to choose your own providers.
Participants can keep using their current plans to purchase supports as normal while the new system is being introduced.
Have Your Say Before 6 March 2026
The public consultation on the new framework planning rules is open now and closes on 6 March 2026. This is a genuine opportunity for participants, families, carers, and providers to shape how the new planning system works.
You can share your views through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Citizen Space consultation portal. You can also join NDIA workshops and activities by signing up to the New Framework Planning Pool through NDIS Engage.
If you’re not sure how to participate, or you’d like help understanding the draft rules, your support coordinator or a trusted provider can walk you through it.
How to Prepare for the Changes
The changes won’t happen overnight, but there are some practical things you can do now:
- Keep your records up to date. Make sure you have current reports from therapists, doctors, or specialists. Even though the new system may rely less on external reports, having evidence of your needs is always valuable.
- Track how you use your current plan. Note what’s working, where you’re running short, and what gaps exist. This information will be useful whether you’re going through a traditional review or the new planning process.
- Stay informed. Follow updates from the NDIA and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. We’ll also continue sharing relevant updates through our blog and social media.
- Talk to your provider. If you have questions about how the changes might affect your Respite Care, Supported Independent Living, or daily living supports, have a conversation with your provider sooner rather than later.
We’re Here to Help You Navigate What’s Next
At Easy Community Services, we’ve supported NDIS participants and their families in Brisbane since 2023. We know that change can feel unsettling, especially when it involves something as important as your NDIS plan. Our commitment is to stay across the details so we can keep you informed and help you make the most of your supports — no matter what the planning process looks like.
If you’d like to talk about how these changes might affect you, or if you’re looking for a Respite Care or SIL provider in Brisbane who genuinely puts participants first, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Easy Community Services today to learn more about how we can support you through your NDIS journey.
Email: jcurtis@easycommunityservices.com
Phone: 0407 144 658
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you
Email: jcurtis@easycommunityservices.com
Phone: 0407 144 658