Background
One of the most controversial and concerning changes to the NDIS is now in force, and as anticipated, it is causing distress for many participants and their families. If you have high support needs, or you care for someone who does, the recent NDIS changes may feel frightening. This article explains what has changed, what hasn’t, and the pathway that may be available to you.
What has changed
On 19 August 2026, the Australian Government passed major reforms to the NDIS, aimed at curbing the scheme’s costs, which exceed $50 billion a year. The reforms are intended to save approximately $37.8 billion over four years.
From 1 October 2026, funding is being reset for two types of support:
- Social, economic and community participation supports reduced by 50%
- Improved daily living skills supports (e.g. therapies), reduced by 10%
The change is made through a “support determination”, a legal instrument that allows the Minister to reset funding for certain supports in current NDIS plans. It is phased in over 12 months. The reduction applies when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed, so the timing depends on your plan dates.
Disability advocates argue these changes will shift a heavy care burden onto families and informal carers and increase the risk of social isolation.
What hasn’t changed
Other parts of your plan are not affected, including:
- supports in the home, such as help with self-care (eating, showering, dressing, toileting), nursing care and assistance with medication
- home and vehicle modifications
- personal mobility equipment and transport
- consumable products
- Specialist Disability Accommodation
Plan variation requests
A plan variation pathway has been created for participants with high support needs who receive 24-hour funded NDIS supports. It is designed to make sure you have enough funding to meet your support needs safely.
If your funding is reduced due to a “support determination”, you can ask for a plan variation request. However, this request must be submitted within 90 days of your plan change.
What happens after a plan variation is requested
The NDIA must decide whether you meet the high support needs criteria. If you do meet the criteria, the NDIA must then decide whether to vary your plan. The decision will be given to you in writing.
If you disagree with a decision, decisions made under this pathway can be reviewed. That includes decisions about whether you meet the definition of high support needs and whether a variation is approved. Readers may find our article about challenging an NDIS decision useful.
How Wadlow Solicitors can help
If you’ve received an NDIS decision you don’t understand or agree with, Wadlow Solicitors can explain your options in plain terms, help you identify the right pathway and support you at each stage.
Contact Wadlow Solicitors or call (08) 8212 2955 to schedule an appointment with our consultant, Victoria Smith.
