In 2024, the Australian Parliament made changes to the NDIS Act. This set the direction for how we will improve the NDIS. To put these changes into action, some existing rules will be updated and new NDIS rules will be made.
All NDIS participants over 16 years of age will move to new framework plans gradually. The changes will happen in stages, so many participants won’t see anything different for a while.
A person must be a NDIS participant to go through the new framework planning process. A separate process is undertaken to become a NDIS participant and gain access to the NDIS.
We are working with State and Territory governments, the NDIA and the disability sector on new framework planning. We are currently holding a public consultation to hear the community’s views in early 2026.
Why we’re creating new framework plans
We heard from the NDIS Review that to make the NDIS more person-centred, we need:
- clearer processes for assessments and planning
- more transparent decision-making for funding
- greater flexibility in plans.
The information on this page reflects our proposed direction for new framework planning. It may change as we learn more about how new framework planning works in practice.
Proposed direction for new framework planning
We’re working with State and Territory governments and the disability sector as we develop the rules outlining how new framework plans will work. We are currently considering 4 steps in the participant journey for new framework planning:
Step 1: Preparing for a support needs assessment
The NDIA contacts a participant to provide information to help prepare for the support needs assessment.
Step 2: The support needs assessment
Participants meet an NDIA assessor to discuss their daily life, support needs and preferences. The assessor submits the Support Needs Assessment report to the NDIA.
Step 3: Building a plan
The NDIA uses the report to structure the plan and create a total funding amount (NDIS plan budget). Participants receive the report and their NDIS plan to explain how their budget was created.
Step 4: Using a plan
Participants have the option of an implementation meeting. Participants can use the NDIS Supports list to choose, purchase and claim for supports with their new plan.
Rules related to each step
Each step in this process will be described in a set of rules to be developed between the Australian Government and State and Territory governments. This will increase understanding of how plans and budgets are generated, improving transparency, and visibility.
| Step | Related rules | These rules outline: |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparing for a support needs assessment | Notice to have a new framework plan (s32B(2)) |
|
| 2. The support needs assessment | Support Needs Assessment (s32L(2)) Needs Assessment Report (s32L(6)) Replacement Needs Assessment (s32L(7A)) | The support needs assessment:
|
| 3. Building a plan | Budget method (s32K) Stated supports (s32E(4)) Funding periods (ss32F(2)-(4) and 32J) Funding periods – exemptions (ss32G(3)-(5) and 32J) Restrictions of how flexible funding is spent (s32F(6)-(7)) Requirements for receiving a service or buying supports (ss32H(2)(d) and 32J)) |
|
| 4. Using a plan | NDIS supports (s10) |
|
Roadmap for new framework planning
September – December 2025: Disability sector engagement on NDIS rules for new framework planning
January – March 2026: Public consultation on NDIS rules for new framework planning
April – June 2026: Preparing participants for new framework planning
1 July 2026: Rule commencement and gradual transition to new framework plans begins
How to get involved
We ware currently be holding public consultations on new framework planning rules.
More information is on the Consultation Hub.
Contact us for information or to share feedback about the new framework planning rules at NDISConsultations@health.gov.au, or subscribe to the NDIS Reform subscriber list to stay up to date.
Resources
Fact sheets on 4 steps in the process
Each fact sheet provides a short summary of the content within the Explanatory Documents below. They outline the rules under each step in the new framework planning process.
Step 1: Preparing for a support needs assessment
Step 2: The support needs assessment
Step 3: Building a plan
They outline the rules under each step in the new framework planning process, this one focusing on Step 3: Building a plan
Step 4: Using a plan
Fact sheet on reviews and appeals
Fact sheet outlining the reviews and appeals under new framework plans.
Reviews and appeals under the new way of planning
Explanatory Documents
These are more technical documents explaining some of the rules that are being developed.
Explanatory document – Notice of Impairment
Explanatory document – Transition to New Framework Plan
Explanatory document – New Framework Plan Spending Rules
Explanatory document – Stated Supports
What we heard summary report
Report summarising disability sector feedback on proposed NDIS new framework planning. Provides insights from consultations and webinars that will guide new rules and future public engagement.
