New NDIS Bill 2026: What Participants and Providers Need to Know
New NDIS Bill 2026: What Participants and Providers Need to Know
On 19 August 2026, the Australian Parliament passed the *National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026*.
The Bill introduces changes affecting NDIS access, plan reassessments, funding, claims, provider registration, Plan Management and Support Coordination.
The Bill will become law after receiving Royal Assent. The first changes are expected to begin seven days after Royal Assent, with other reforms introduced progressively through to 2028.
For now, participants can continue using their current NDIS plans and supports as usual.
Why Is the NDIS Changing?
* Protect the long-term sustainability of the NDIS
* Strengthen safeguards for participants
* Reduce fraud and misuse of NDIS funding
* Improve provider accountability
* Clarify participant and provider responsibilities
* Introduce more consistent access and planning processes
Key Changes for Participants
Participants will continue to be able to request an unscheduled reassessment when there has been a significant and ongoing change to:
* Functional capacity and support needs
* Living arrangements
* Education or employment arrangements
* Informal supports, such as assistance provided by family or carers
Only the participant, their plan nominee or child representative will be able to request this type of reassessment.
The NDIA will have 90 days to decide the request. If no decision is made within 90 days, the request will be treated as refused, allowing the participant to use the available review process.
Participants may still request urgent or short-term changes through a plan variation.
Participants, nominees and providers will be required to retain evidence showing that NDIS funding was used appropriately.
The announced record-retention periods are:
* Participants: three years
* Nominees: five years
* Providers: seven years
Records may include invoices, receipts, service agreements, payment records, support notes and other evidence showing that a support was delivered.
From February 2027, some plans may be renewed with the same supports instead of undergoing a complete reassessment.
This process will replace the current plan-continuation process. Unspent funding from an expired plan will not be transferred into the renewed plan.
From October 2026, the NDIA will have the power to suspend a participant’s plan if the participant does not respond to repeated requests for important information.
The NDIA must first make reasonable attempts to contact the participant, nominee or authorised representative. Official guidance describes this as making at least five contact attempts over an extended period.
New criteria will be introduced for determining which supports are reasonable and necessary.
When considering supports for children, the NDIA will look at what parents would ordinarily provide, including supervision, personal care, transport, emotional support and behavioural support.
However, this does not include additional support required because of the child’s disability compared with another child of a similar age without disability.
Important Commencement Dates
Seven days after Royal Assent | Reassessment, record-keeping, compliance, pricing and administrative changes begin
October 2026
December 2026
February 2027
April 2027
July 2027
October 2027
January 2028
July 2028
Support determinations and plan-suspension powers begin
Claims must generally be submitted within 90 days of providing a support
Plan renewals and updated reasonable-and-necessary criteria begin
New framework planning begins progressively
Expanded mandatory provider-registration requirements begin
Trusted panel of Plan Management providers is introduced
New access arrangements begin for new applicants
Commissioned Support Coordination and connection arrangements begin
These dates may depend on Royal Assent, regulations, NDIS Rules and implementation guidance.
Changes to NDIS Claims
From December 2026, claims will generally need to be submitted within 90 days after a support has been delivered.
Participants and providers should make sure invoices are:
* Created promptly
* Complete and accurate
* Submitted within the required timeframe
* Supported by appropriate service records
* Consistent with the participant’s plan and available funding
Submitting invoices late may affect whether the claim can be processed.
Changes Affecting Plan Management
From October 2027, the Government plans to establish a trusted panel of Plan Management providers.
Participants will be supported to transition to a Plan Manager on the panel over a six-month period. Further details about eligibility, selection and transition arrangements are expected before implementation.
Participants who are eligible for Plan Management will continue to have separate Plan Management funding included in their NDIS plans.
Plan Managers will continue to be responsible for:
* Processing valid provider invoices
* Checking claims against NDIS rules
* Monitoring plan-managed funding
* Maintaining appropriate financial records
* Identifying potentially incorrect or non-compliant claims
* Managing actual or perceived conflicts of interest
* Providing participants with clear budget information
Changes Affecting Providers
From July 2027, mandatory registration requirements will expand for certain providers, including providers delivering:
* Personal care
* Daily living supports
* Supports in closed settings
Further guidance will be released about which providers and support categories are affected.
The NDIA and NDIS Commission will receive stronger information-gathering, compliance and enforcement powers.
Providers may be required to produce records and explain claims. Civil penalties may apply when providers fail to comply with certain legal requirements.
Providers will be prohibited from offering inducements or kickbacks intended to influence someone to commence, continue or increase their use of a provider’s services.
Cash, cash-like products, alcohol, tobacco and electronic devices cannot be offered as incentives.
Genuine pricing practices and limited promotional merchandise may still be permitted, subject to the final legislation and guidance.
The Bill introduces stronger offences and penalties relating to:
* False or misleading information
* Obtaining NDIS funding through deception
* Impersonating another person
* Intentionally destroying records
* Misusing a participant-nominee position
* Serious provider misconduct
The reforms also strengthen protections for people who report suspected wrongdoing.
NDIS Pricing
The Minister will have the power to make formal pricing determinations setting maximum amounts for NDIS supports.
The NDIA will provide advice through the Annual Pricing Review process.
There are no immediate changes to current NDIS pricing arrangements. Participants and providers should continue following the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Automated NDIS Administration
Computer systems may be used to automate some administrative processes, including claim and payment processing.
Safeguards and oversight must apply. Complex decisions involving discretion or judgement will continue to be made by people.
The NDIA will also be required to publish information explaining where automated systems are being used.
What Should Participants Do Now?
Participants do not need to make immediate changes to their current supports.
However, it is a good idea to:
* Keep invoices, receipts and service agreements
* Check provider invoices before approving them
* Monitor available funding regularly
* Respond promptly to NDIA information requests
* Submit change-of-circumstances information with supporting evidence
* Speak with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator if you are unsure
* Watch for official NDIS updates about commencement dates
How TRI Support Services Can Help
TRI Support Services is committed to helping participants understand their NDIS funding and remain informed as these reforms are introduced.
Our Plan Management team can assist with:
* Processing provider invoices
* Monitoring available plan-managed funding
* Providing clear budget reports
* Identifying missing or incorrect invoice information
* Explaining claim and invoice requirements
* Supporting participants through changes to Plan Management arrangements
Contact TRI SUPPORT SERVICES Today
📞 Mobile: 0466 190 333
☎️ Free Call: 1300 602 874
📧 Email: office@triss.com.au
Visit Our Offices
Melbourne Office
📍 The Greenhouse, Suite 2, Level 1, 797 Plenty Road, South Morang, VIC 3752
Canberra Office
📍 120 Eastern Valley Way, Belconnen, ACT 2617
Official Resources
Read the latest information directly from:
* [NDIS – Securing the NDIS for Future Generations](https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-laws/securing-ndis-future-generations)
* [Australian Government – Final Changes to the NDIS Amendment Bill 2026](https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/final-changes-to-the-ndis-amendment-securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-bill-2026)
* [NDIS Pricing Arrangements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-and-payments/pricing)
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and is not legal, financial or individual NDIS advice. Implementation dates and requirements may change following Royal Assent, new NDIS Rules and further government guidance.
