New NDIS laws started on 27 August 2026, and more changes are rolling out in stages until 2028. The next change, often reported as the NDIS community participation funding cuts, affects some participants’ budgets from October 2026.
Here’s a plain-English summary of what’s changing, when it applies to your plan, and what you can do now.
What NDIS changes start in October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, the NDIA will start resetting funding for two types of supports:
- social, civic and community participation supports
- capacity building daily activities
From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government says budgets for social, civic and community participation supports will be reset so spending is, on average, in line with 2023 levels. Budgets for capacity building daily activities are also changing. These changes happen progressively as plans are reassessed or renewed.
The impact depends on each participant’s plan. The Australian Government has said supports essential to critical care and daily living needs aren’t the target of these changes.
When will it affect my plan?
Not straight away. The impact depends on each participant’s plan. The NDIA says participants should keep using their plan and supports as usual, and it will let them know if a change affects them.
Questions about what the changes may mean for your plan? Speak with a Care Navigator →
Supporting a participant as a health professional or referrer? Information for referrers →
What if I need 24-hour care?
The NDIA says these changes aren’t meant to affect supports that are essential to participants’ critical care and daily living needs. A new plan variation pathway is being created for participants who need continuous 24-hour care, so essential supports can continue if funding needs to be adjusted.
What else is coming?
- December 2026: claims must be submitted within 90 days of a support being delivered.
- February 2027: when a plan ends, the NDIA will reassess or renew it. Unspent funding won’t carry over to the next plan.
- 2027–2028: further changes to planning, provider registration, access and support coordination are planned. We’ll share updates as details are confirmed.
What can I do now?
- Check your plan’s reassessment date, so you know when changes could apply to you.
- Keep evidence up to date. Reports from your treating team that explain your support needs clearly make a real difference at reassessment.
- Keep track of how you use your funding, and keep your records.
- If your needs have changed significantly, talk to a Care Navigator about whether a plan reassessment or a plan variation is the right option. From 27 August 2026, only you, your nominee or your child representative can request a reassessment, but we can help you prepare.
What this means for Social & Community Access
Social & Community Access is funded under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation in the Core Supports budget. For many participants, it’s what makes it possible to stay connected to the people and places that matter most.
For example, one participant we support lives with cerebral palsy and uses Social & Community Access to attend spiritual events and stay close to their faith community. For them, this support isn’t an extra. It’s how they keep the connections that are central to their wellbeing.
If this funding is reduced at your next reassessment, it’s worth planning early. A Care Navigator can help you:
- work out which community activities matter most for your goals
- gather evidence that shows why those supports are needed
- explore free or low-cost community options that can sit alongside funded support
- go through your new plan with you after the reassessment, so there are no surprises
Example shared with the participant’s consent. Details are kept general to protect their privacy.
How Aus Care Community Services can help
If you use Social & Community Access or other supports that may be affected, our Care Navigators can help you understand your plan, get your evidence ready, and plan your supports ahead of your next reassessment.
Worried about how the changes affect your plan?
Reviewed by the Aus Care Community Services Care Navigator team. Last reviewed: 16 September 2026.
Sources
- NDIA: Securing the NDIS for future generations
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Securing the NDIS for future generations
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Reform timeline
- NDIS: Pricing updates
This information is general in nature and reflects NDIS information available at the time of writing on 16 September 2026. The NDIS is changing, and rules, dates and processes may be updated after this article is published. It is not legal, financial or individual NDIS advice and should not be relied on for decisions about your plan. What the NDIS funds, and decisions about access, plans and reassessments, are made by the NDIA. For the latest information, visit ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. For help understanding your own situation, Speak with a Care Navigator.
