Last checked: 10 July 2026. New framework planning is not operating yet. The Government says it plans to start moving participants to new framework plans from 1 April 2027, but important rules and processes are still being developed.
This distinction matters. Some NDIS changes are already law, while other changes discussed in 2026 are proposals in a Bill that has not completed Parliament. This guide separates the two so you can understand what applies now and what may happen later.
What is law now?
Amendments to the NDIS Act that commenced on 3 October 2024 created the legal framework for new framework plans. They allow for a future support needs assessment, a budget method and new rules about how a plan is structured.
That does not mean participants are already using the new process. The NDIS says there is no current impact from new framework planning until the assessment process, budget method and related rules are created and a participant is formally moved to a new framework plan.
Other October 2024 changes do apply now. These include the definition of an NDIS support and the official lists of supports that can and cannot be purchased with NDIS funding. Our plain-English NDIS supports list guide explains that current distinction.
What is proposed in the 2026 Bill?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 proposes further changes to access, planning, reassessments, reasonable and necessary supports, provider oversight and the transition to new framework planning.
The Bill was read a third time in the House of Representatives on 2 July 2026. As at 10 July, the Senate committee inquiry was continuing and the Bill had not passed the Senate or received Royal Assent.
As at 10 July 2026, the Bill had passed the House of Representatives but had not completed the Senate or received Royal Assent. Its proposed measures should not be described as current law.
What is the planned new framework process?
The Government's current proposed design for new framework planning has four broad steps:
- Preparing: the NDIA contacts the participant and provides information about the upcoming support needs assessment.
- Support needs assessment: the participant meets an NDIA assessor to discuss daily life, support needs and preferences. The assessor prepares a report for the NDIA.
- Building the plan: the NDIA uses the report and a budget method to structure the plan and determine a total funding amount.
- Using the plan: the participant receives their plan and can use it to purchase approved NDIS supports. An implementation meeting may also be available.
This is a proposed design, not a final participant procedure. The detailed assessment tool, budget rules, transition groups and timing rules are still being developed. Current official material refers to a support needs assessment and does not confirm that every earlier proposal or tool name will form part of the final process.
When is new framework planning expected to begin?
The Government's current reform timeline says participants will start transitioning from 1 April 2027. The transition is intended to happen gradually, not all at once.
That date is the Government's current plan. It may still be affected by the final legislation, consultation, rules and implementation decisions. Check official NDIS and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing updates before relying on it for an individual plan.
What happens to your current plan?
Keep using your current approved plan in line with its funding, support categories and the official NDIS supports list unless the NDIA tells you that your plan has changed.
A current plan can still be varied, reassessed, continued or replaced under the rules that apply today. Our plan reassessment checklist covers the current process. New framework planning is not a reason to assume your plan has already changed. If the NDIA needs you to take part in a future transition, it will contact you.
Will the new plan be more flexible?
Greater clarity and flexibility are stated goals of the proposed model, but flexibility is not guaranteed across every part of every plan. A plan may include flexible funding, stated supports, funding periods or restrictions on how particular funding can be used.
The final result will depend on the legislation, rules and the participant's individual plan. It is safer to read the wording in your approved plan than to rely on general claims about future flexibility.
What can you do now?
- Keep using your current plan for approved NDIS supports.
- Read messages and letters from the NDIA about your own plan.
- Keep accurate records of the supports you receive and the goals you are working towards.
- Ask your NDIS contact about decisions or changes that apply to your circumstances.
- Check official sources again before a reassessment or planning meeting.
How HORIZONS can help
HORIZONS Support Network is a non-registered support-worker provider for self-managed and plan-managed participants only. We do not support NDIA-managed participants. Our Brisbane services are daily personal activities, independent living skills, social and community participation and Short Term Respite when they fit an approved plan and service agreement.
We do not provide SIL, clinical services, Support Coordination, plan management, advocacy or legal advice. We can keep accurate records about the support we delivered and the goals worked on during sessions, but we cannot decide or protect NDIS funding. Questions about an NDIS decision should go to your NDIS contact. A Support Coordinator can help with plan implementation if funded, a plan manager can answer current budget, invoice and payment questions, and an independent advocate can provide advocacy support.
Official sources
- NDIS: Summary of legislation changes
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: New framework planning
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Securing the NDIS for future generations
- Parliament of Australia: Bill progress record for 2 July 2026
- Parliament of Australia: Senate inquiry into the Future Generations Bill 2026
- NDIS: What is a plan reassessment?
This article provides general information only. The NDIA decides access, plans and funding. For information about your individual plan, contact your NDIS contact or the appropriate independent adviser.
