Getting the NDIS back on track
The NDIS laws changed following the passing of the amendment to the NDIS Act in August 2024. This amendment, called ‘Getting the NDIS back on track’ became law from 3 October 2024.
These changes affect access to the NDIS, how plans are managed and how funding can be used.
Some changes are already in effect. Other changes depend on new NDIS rules or will be introduced over time as systems and processes are updated.
Proposed changes to the NDIS Act have been tabled in parliament. These are not yet law. Learn more about the amendment.
Access and eligibility
Access criteria (section 21, 24 and 25)
Changes to access criteria are in effect. Learn more about age and residence disability requirements and early intervention requirements.
Limits on new access requests (section 19)
Limits to the number of applications you can make at one time are in effect. Learn more about how to apply.
Information about your impairment categories (section 32BA)
What the law says
Participants get information about their impairment categories. These link to their impairments that meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.
Applications on or after 1 January 2025 receive this as a notice of impairment. Sometimes we call this impairment categories information.
NDIS rules will set out how and when existing participants receive this information.
What this means for you
You’ll receive clearer information about your impairments if you’re a new participant. We’ll tell you how your impairments were used to decide if we accept your application to the NDIS.
Status
This change applies to applications since 1 January 2025. NDIS rules for participants who applied before this date are still being developed.
We’ll share more information about any changes to the NDIS rules when it’s available.
Planning and funding
Supports for impairments (section 34)
What the law says
The NDIS supports we fund must relate to impairments that meet either or both of the:
Learn more about what is reasonable and necessary.
Status
This change is in effect since 3 October 2024.
Funding amounts and periods (section 33)
Funding periods are now in effect.
Plan variations (section 47A)
Plan variations for current NDIS plans are now in effect.
The Australian Government is developing NDIS rules for plans created using our new way of planning.
Plan reassessments (section 48)
Changes to plan reassessments are now in effect.
Payments, plan management and safeguards
NDIS supports (section 10)
NDIS rules about what NDIS supports we fund are now in effect.
The Australian Government is updating rules relating to NDIS supports.
Claims and payments (section 45A)
Changes to claim time limits are now in effect. Learn more about how to make a claim.
Who can manage funding (sections 43 and 44)
Changes to who can self-manage funding are in effect.
Changes to plan management (section 46-related)
Changes to plan management are in effect.
Participant status and reassessment
Information requests (section 30)
What the law says
When we’re considering whether to withdraw a person’s participant status, we can ask the person to do either of the following:
- provide information
- complete an assessment.
We may withdraw access if the participant doesn’t provide information or take part in the assessment within a reasonable timeframe set by us.
Learn more about leaving the NDIS.
What this means for you
You need to respond to requests from us for information. Your access to the NDIS may change if you don’t respond in time.
Status
The NDIS law is in effect, but not implemented yet.
Eligibility reassessments (section 30A)
What the law says
NDIS rules may be made to set out when certain groups of participants must undergo eligibility reassessments.
What this means for you
Sometimes participants may need to show they still meet NDIS eligibility requirements.
Status
NDIS rules haven’t been made yet.
New framework planning (coming from April 2027)
Sections 32D and 32L were introduced as part of the Getting the NDIS Back on Track changes, which became law on 3 October 2024.
These changes introduce a new way of planning. The rules aren’t in effect yet. The new way of planning will eventually replace the current way of planning.
New framework plans (section 32D)
What the law says
A new planning approach will be introduced where:
- Plans will include a flexible budget.
- A small number of supports will be stated which means participants must use that funding only for those supports.
- Budgets are based on a new method informed by a support needs assessment.
What this means for you
There is no immediate change. Participants will move to the new way of planning over time.
Status
The new way of planning starts rolling out from April 2027.
NDIS rules for this new planning approach are still being developed.
Support needs assessments (section 32L)
What the law says
A new type of assessment will be used to understand a participant’s support needs.
This assessment:
- is a guided conversation with a trained assessor
- looks at different areas of a person’s everyday life
- identifies the type, amount and frequency of support needed
- is used to help determine funding based on disability-related needs.
What this means for you
We’ll assess your support needs to help decide your funding.
This approach is designed to create fairer and more consistent plans.
Status
The changes will be introduced as part of the new way of planning from April 2027.
NDIS rules are still being developed.
More information
Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's website to learn more about the changes to the NDIS.