NDIS Eligibility Is Changing: What Existing Participants Should Know
If you or someone in your family already has an NDIS plan, hearing about changes to NDIS eligibility can be worrying. You may wonder whether you can continue receiving support, whether you will need to prove your eligibility again, or whether you need to take any action now.
The good news is that existing participants can continue using their plans as usual for now. However, new eligibility rules are expected to begin in 2028, and some details are still being developed.
Here is what the announced changes mean for existing participants and new applicants, based on information available in October 2026.
What Is Changing About NDIS Eligibility?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 passed Parliament on 19 August 2026 and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026.
One of the main changes concerns how people qualify for the NDIS.
From 1 January 2028, new applicants are expected to follow a new access process that includes a standardised assessment of their functional capacity. This means looking at how a person’s disability affects their ability to manage everyday activities and how much support they need.
Until 31 December 2027, new applicants can continue using the current access process.
The Government also plans to make decisions about permanent impairments and the effects of treatment more consistent.
However, some details are still being developed, including the assessment methods, eligibility thresholds and evidence requirements. These details are expected to be informed by expert advice and community consultation.
How Could the Changes Affect Existing NDIS Participants?
If you already have an NDIS plan, you do not need to stop using your current supports because of these announced changes.
According to the current Government information, existing participants are scheduled to have their eligibility reassessed under the new criteria over three years, starting in January 2028.
This does not mean everyone will automatically lose access to the NDIS. It means the NDIA plans to review existing participants’ eligibility under the new arrangements.
However, the Government has not yet published all the details about how these reassessments will work, when each participant will be contacted or what evidence they may need to provide.
Some participants also have specific arrangements for workers compensation and motor vehicle accident compensation schemes. People who joined the NDIS before 1 January 2028 are expected to retain the existing arrangements, provided they continue to meet the other eligibility requirements.
Existing NDIS Participants vs New Applicants
The changes will affect existing participants and new applicants differently.
New applicants
- The current access process applies until 31 December 2027.
- A new access process is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2028.
- New assessment requirements will apply under the updated rules.
Existing participants
- Existing plans and supports can continue as usual for now.
- Eligibility reassessments are scheduled to take place gradually over three years from January 2028.
- The timing, process and evidence requirements for reassessment are still being developed.
Understanding this difference can help you prepare without worrying about changes that do not apply to you yet.
Will You Need to Prove Your NDIS Eligibility Again?
Possibly. Existing participants are scheduled to undergo eligibility reassessments from January 2028, but the exact process has not yet been fully explained.
At present, there is no general requirement for existing participants to submit a new eligibility application immediately because of these changes.
You should continue using your current plan and following the usual NDIS requirements unless the NDIA tells you otherwise.
When the reassessment process is introduced, the NDIA is expected to provide further instructions about what participants need to do and what supporting documents may be required.
For now, keep your important documents organised and watch for official updates. Avoid making decisions based on rumours or unconfirmed information about losing your NDIS access.
Eligibility, Plan Changes and Funding: What Is the Difference?
NDIS eligibility, plan changes and funding arrangements are three separate things. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect.
1. NDIS access eligibility
This determines whether you meet the requirements to become an NDIS participant. The new access process is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2028.
2. Changes to your NDIS plan
Your plan may need to change if your support needs or circumstances change significantly. Since 27 August 2026, only participants, plan nominees or child representatives can submit an off-cycle reassessment request. Such a request must relate to a significant and ongoing change.
3. Changes to funded supports
Separate changes to support budgets are also being introduced.
From 1 October 2026, funding for certain supports, including social, economic and community participation and improved daily living skills, is scheduled to be reduced gradually over 12 months when a plan is reassessed or a new plan is approved.
Some supports are excluded from these reductions, including assistance with eating and drinking, education, employment and disability-related health supports.
The changes are also scheduled to apply when plans are renewed from 1 February 2027.
These funding arrangements are separate from the new eligibility process. A change to a support budget does not automatically mean a person is no longer eligible for the NDIS.
How Can Existing NDIS Participants Prepare?
Although the new eligibility process is not scheduled to begin until 2028, there are a few practical steps you can take now.
- Check official updates. Visit the NDIS website and look for announcements about the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations changes.
- Keep your documents organised. Maintain relevant reports from health professionals, therapists and support workers. These records can help explain your support needs if the NDIA requests evidence.
- Understand your current plan. Know when your plan is due for reassessment and how your funding is managed. This can help you prepare for upcoming plan changes.
Taking these steps can help you stay informed without making unnecessary changes to your current supports.
How Can an NDIS Plan Manager Help?
An NDIS plan manager helps you manage your funding, but does not decide whether you qualify for the NDIS. Plan managers also cannot guarantee continued eligibility, prevent NDIA funding changes or approve additional funding.
However, they can help you understand how your current budget is being used.
At My Care Plan Manager, we help participants manage their NDIS budgets, process provider invoices, maintain spending records and understand their funding through clear statements.
As an NDIS Plan Management Agency in Australia, we aim to make invoice management and budget tracking easier, so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork.
Having a clear picture of your spending can also help you identify questions about your current plan and prepare for an upcoming reassessment.
While eligibility decisions remain with the NDIA, working with a plan manager can make the financial side of your NDIS plan easier to manage.
Conclusion
The announced NDIS eligibility changes do not mean that existing participants will automatically lose access to their supports.
The new access process for applicants is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2028, while existing participants are expected to undergo eligibility reassessments gradually over the following three years. Some details, including the reassessment process and evidence requirements, are still being developed.
Separate changes to support budgets are also taking place on a different timeline.
For now, continue using your current plan, keep your documents organised and follow official NDIS announcements. If you have concerns about your eligibility or funding, contact the NDIA for advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will existing NDIS participants automatically lose their eligibility?
No. The announced changes do not state that all existing participants will automatically lose access. Eligibility reassessments are scheduled to take place progressively over three years from January 2028. The outcome will depend on the applicable rules and each participant’s circumstances.
Do existing participants need to reapply for the NDIS under the new rules?
Not at this stage. Existing participants are scheduled to undergo reassessments from January 2028, but the detailed process has not yet been fully explained. Follow official NDIA instructions when further information becomes available.
Can NDIS eligibility changes affect my current plan?
Eligibility changes and plan funding changes are separate. Your current plan can continue as usual for now, while separate funding changes may apply when a plan is reassessed, replaced or renewed. The impact on your funding will depend on the applicable arrangements and the supports included in your plan.
What should I do if I am worried about losing my NDIS support?
Check official NDIS announcements, keep relevant supporting documents organised and contact the NDIA if you have questions about your eligibility. Avoid assuming that your access will end simply because new rules have been announced.
