NEW NDIS Update: A New Way of Planning – What Providers Need to Know
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is introducing a new planning framework that will begin rolling out from mid 2026. These changes are designed to improve fairness and consistency in planning outcomes for participants. For NDIS providers, the new way of planning will also affect how supports are funded, delivered, and justified.
The updated framework responds to feedback from participants, families, and providers who identified challenges with inconsistent planning decisions and an over-reliance on reports. Providers should begin preparing now to understand how these changes may impact service delivery and compliance requirements.
You can read the full NDIS announcement here:
👉 https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11024-update-new-way-planning
What Is Changing for Providers
Under the new planning framework, participant plans will be built around support needs rather than primarily around functional assessments. This shift is expected to:
- Create more consistent funding decisions across participants with similar needs
- Reduce reliance on external reports and assessments
- Introduce simpler and more flexible funding structures
- Place greater emphasis on participant goals and outcomes
These changes will be phased in over time. Providers should expect a transition period where both the current and new planning models operate alongside each other.
Support Needs Assessments and Provider Involvement
A central element of the new framework is the introduction of Support Needs Assessments conducted by trained assessors.
While providers will not conduct these assessments, the outcomes will directly influence participant budgets and the types of supports funded. Providers should be prepared to:
- Support participants to understand the assessment process
- Align service delivery with assessed support needs
- Ensure documentation and service agreements clearly reflect funded supports
Assessors will be trained through programs developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies. Plans will continue to be approved by qualified NDIS staff, not automated systems.
The I-CAN v6 Assessment Tool
The Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs, known as I-CAN v6, will be used to inform planning decisions.
This tool uses a strengths-based, person-centred approach to identify disability-related support requirements. While it reduces the need for frequent external reports, providers may still need to supply supporting evidence in more complex cases.
Providers should review their reporting and progress note practices to ensure they clearly demonstrate how supports align with participant needs and outcomes.
How Budgets and Funding May Change
From a provider perspective, the new planning model may introduce:
- More flexible funding structures rather than rigid line items
- Longer plan durations, reducing frequent plan reviews
- Clearer links between assessed needs and funded supports
Some supports may still be funded as stated supports, while other funding may be provided through flexible budgets. Providers should ensure billing practices, service delivery models, and service agreements remain aligned with participant plans.
Compliance, Reviews, and Provider Responsibilities
Participant review rights will remain unchanged. Participants can still request internal and external reviews of planning decisions and request reassessments if their circumstances change.
Providers must continue to:
- Deliver supports in line with approved plans
- Maintain accurate records and evidence of service delivery
- Ensure claims comply with NDIS pricing and rules
As planning rules evolve, providers should monitor updates and ensure policies, procedures, and staff training remain current.
Preparing Your Disability Service for the New Way of Planning
Although the new framework will not fully commence until mid 2026, early preparation is essential. Providers should use this time to:
- Review service delivery models and documentation
- Train staff on outcome-focused support delivery
- Strengthen progress reporting and evidence collection
- Stay informed on upcoming NDIS rule changes
Proactive preparation will help minimise disruption and support a smooth transition.
Need Support to Prepare Your Service
Understanding how the new NDIS planning framework may impact your business, funding, and service delivery is essential.
Disability Compliance Australia supports NDIS providers to prepare for change, stay compliant, and adapt with confidence.
📞 Call us: 1800 611 661
📧 Email: contact@disabilitycompliance.com.au
👉 Become a Member: https://disabilitycompliance.com.au/pricing
👉 Book an Appointment or Training: https://disabilitycompliance.com.au/support